Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has approved the pardon, release, and commutation of sentences of 13 inmates at the Nigerian Correctional Centre in the state. This decision was made in commemoration of Nigeria's 66th independence anniversary. The governor's media aide, Uche Anichukwu, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.
According to Mr. Anichukwu, the governor exercised his power of Prerogative of Mercy under Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and in consultation with the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, Enugu State. The approval was conveyed to the Comptroller, Nigerian Correctional Service, Enugu State Command, by the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Osinachi Nnajieze.
The 13 beneficiary inmates include Kenneth Ozioko, Moses Saliyat, Promise Olung, Chijioke Ugwu, Samuel Ani, and Eugene Odo. Others are Celsus Emeachi, Caleb Jatto, Calistus Eze, Gabriel Onu, Timothy Ani, Ernest Okeke, and Ejike Nwodo. The official said some of the inmates were pardoned and released, while others had their death sentence commuted to life imprisonment.
Mr. Anichukwu explained that Governor Mbah’s decision was predicated on reports of ill-health and/or proven reform in character, and following a recommendation by the Correctional Services to the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy. The council is chaired by the state’s attorney-general and includes representatives of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Carmelite Prisoners Interest Organisation, and the Catholic Institute for Development, Justice and Peace.
The governor’s action is backed by Section 212 of the Nigerian Constitution. Subsection 2 of the Section provides that the powers of the governor shall be exercised after consultation with an advisory council of the state on the prerogative of mercy as may be established by law of the state. This move is part of the governor's efforts to utilize his constitutional powers to grant mercy to deserving inmates.
The Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy plays a crucial role in the process of granting pardons, as it assesses the cases of inmates and makes recommendations to the governor. The council's membership includes various stakeholders in the justice sector, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of each case. This collaborative approach helps in making informed decisions about who should be granted pardons or have their sentences commuted.
Governor Mbah's decision to pardon the 13 inmates demonstrates his commitment to upholding the principles of justice and mercy. By granting pardons and commuting sentences, the governor aims to give the beneficiaries a second chance at life, while also acknowledging the importance of rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
Key points
- Governor Peter Mbah pardoned 13 inmates in Enugu State to mark Nigeria's 66th independence anniversary.
- The pardons were granted based on reports of ill-health and proven reform in character.
- The decision was made in accordance with Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution.
