Hon Jerry Ahmed Shaib Backs Community Service Bill, Says It Will Ease Prison Overcrowding

Hon. Jerry Ahmed Shaib, MP for Weija Gbawe and Second Deputy Minority Whip, has endorsed the Community Service Bill, 2026, saying it will reduce prison congestion and restore community discipline.

Contributing to the Second Reading of the bill presented by the Interior Minister, Hon. Shaib said the legislation is “in the interest of society and for the betterment of offenders.” He described himself as a student of criminology and argued that custodial sentences for petty offences do more harm than good.

“Go to some of the prisons and you’ll see prisoners virtually standing because they do not have the requisite space to sleep,” he told the House. “Where there is community service, there is reduction in overcrowding.”

Hon. Shaib cited examples from the Roads Minister of persons jailed for stealing a tuber of yam or a goat. He said maintaining such inmates costs the state money that could fund roads and other projects.

He warned that prison often hardens petty offenders. “They go in, they learn, they become hardened and when they come out they do worse things,” he said. Community service, he argued, keeps family and social ties intact and allows offenders to continue school or work while serving their punishment.

The MP singled out clause 8(5) of the bill for praise, saying the inclusion of traditional authorities is critical. “Our traditional leaders are the embodiment of customs and traditions,” he said. “Whoever commits these offences will know they’ll be made to reappear before the traditional authority, and their punishments are the kinds that you will not want to try that offence again.”

He suggested that a university student caught stealing a phone could be made to weed, paint, or clean public facilities, including “Commonwealth toilets,” as a deterrent. “This communal support makes you a changed person,” he added.

Hon. Shaib also commended the Interior Minister for work on the bill, likening its potential impact to the Holiday Bill which shifts mid-week holidays to Fridays to boost productivity.

He urged Parliament to support the Community Service Bill, 2026, saying it provides a humane alternative to prison for minor offences while reinforcing respect for traditional laws and customs.