Eleven prisoners in Enugu State have been pardoned by Governor Peter Mbah in an effort to relieve pressure on the state’s prison system.
This was revealed in a statement released in Enugu on Sunday by Uche Anichukwu, Mbah’s Senior Special Assistant on External Relations.
According to Anichukwu, the act was a step towards providing the recipients with yet another chance to live better lives as contributing members of society.
He said that the Chief of Staff to Mbah, Mr. Victor Udeh, informed the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kingsley Udeh, about the clemency’s recipients.
Ugochukwu Oma, Onah Nnamdi, Chiadikobi Onu, Emmanuel Sambo, Emeka Nyia, and Ngene Oluebube are the beneficiaries, according to Anichukwu.
Others are Francis Chinecherem, Eze Chigozie, Anthony Tombari, Francis Chibuzor, and Uzoma Nnaoche.
He explained that the governor’s decision was in exercise of his Prerogative of Mercy powers under Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
Anichukwu said,”It was also in consultation with the Advisory Council on 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.
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“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.”
