Eric Patrick
The Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, has granted pardons to 11 inmates as part of efforts to decongest correctional facilities and offer deserving individuals a fresh start in life.
The Senior Special Assistant on External Relations to the governor, Uche Anichukwu disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.
According to Anichukwu, the gesture reflects Governor Mbah’s belief in rehabilitation and second chances, giving the beneficiaries an opportunity to reintegrate into society as responsible citizens.
The pardoned inmates were presented to the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kingsley Udeh, by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Victor Udeh.
The beneficiaries of the governor’s clemency include Ugochukwu Oma, Onah Nnamdi, Chiadikobi Onu, Emmanuel Sambo, Emeka Nyia, Ngene Oluebube, Francis Chinecherem, Eze Chigozie, Anthony Tombari, Francis Chibuzor, and Uzoma Nnaoche.
Anichukwu explained that the governor exercised his powers under Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which allows state governors to grant pardons to deserving inmates.
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Anichukwu said,”It was also in consultation with the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.
“The decision was in concordance with reports of proven reform in character, ability to reintegrate with society having possessed or learnt some productive skills.
“It followed the recommendations by the Correctional Services and the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.
“The Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy draws membership from the Nigerian Correctional Service, Carmelite Prisoners Interest Organisation (CAPIO), the Catholic Institute for Development, Justice and Peace (CIDJAP), among other reputable justice sector institutions.”