*Moves To Organize Football Tourney
By Felix Durumbah, Abuja
Inmates of Medium Security Custodial Centre, Okere, in Warri, Delta State, have probably never had it so good in recent time as a new colleague in the centre and suspended Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads) in the state, Hon. Reuben Izeze, has showered them with the milk of human kindness.
The Commissioner found himself in the restriction house following the orders of a High Court which ordered his remand after he was arraigned by the police over an alleged assault on State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s Senior Special Assistant on Protocol, Simon Umudi, popularly known as Temple.
But, rather than let his situation weigh him down, the suspended Commissioner proceeded to study –and understand — the different fates of the inmates and, dipping his hands into his relatively better financial fortune, paid the court-ordered fines of many –the non-payment of which had compelled the prison authorities to still keep them in the centre.
A press statement by Gov. Oborevwori’s Senior Special Assistant (Media), Dr. Nelson Egware, a copy of which was made available to People&Politics, disclosed that the payment facilitated the immediate release of the inmates to enjoy the unfettered fresh air of freedom outside.
The statement read: “Suspended Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, has remained in high spirits and continued to support inmates of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Warri, despite being remanded at the facility.
“Izeze was on Monday arraigned before a Delta State High Court sitting in Effurun over an alleged assault on Simon Umudi, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Protocol.
“Following the proceedings, the court remanded Izeze at the custodial centre alongside his associate, Simeon Aguariavwodo, pending further proceedings in the case.
“Despite his detention, however, Izeze has reportedly continued to show concern for the welfare of inmates through interventions aimed at providing relief and improving their wellbeing.
“Sources at the facility said Izeze was planning to organise the “Ukodo na Tevwe” football tournament for inmates, despite his reported health challenges and ongoing legal battle.
“The suspended Commissioner is also said to have paid fines for some inmates who were unable to meet their financial obligations, thereby facilitating their release and easing the burden on their families.
“In another intervention, Izeze is reportedly collaborating with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) on the provision of a water project for the custodial centre, aimed at improving inmates’ access to potable water.
“His conduct has reportedly attracted attention within the facility, with sources describing him as maintaining a positive disposition, showing compassion for fellow inmates and displaying remarkable composure despite his current legal predicament.”
*PHOTO CAPTION: Hon. Izeze.
