Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah has pardoned 11 inmates in Enugu in an effort to relieve pressure on the state’s correctional facilities.
Uche Anichukwu, the Senior Special Assistant to Mbah on External Relations, made this known in a statement on Sunday in Enugu.
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 the beneficiaries of the clemency were conveyed to the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kingsley Udeh, by the Chief of Staff to Mbah, Mr Victor Udeh.
According to Anichukwu, the beneficiaries are Ugochukwu Oma, Onah Nnamdi, Chiadikobi Onu, Emmanuel Sambo, Emeka Nyia, and Ngene Oluebube.
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.
“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.”
