Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has pardoned 13 inmates today to commemorate Nigeria Independence Day. This was disclosed through a statement by the governor’s media aide, Uche Anichukwu.
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It was some real pardon, and not promises. The Chief of Staff to the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr Osinachi Nnajieze has earlier conveyed Mbah’s approval to the Comptroller of Nigerian Correctional Service, Enugu State.
Names of the inmates are pardoned are Moses Saliyat, Eugene Odo, Samuel Ani, Chijioke Ugwu, Kenneth Ozioko, and Promise Ndudim Olung.
Others are Ejike Nwodo, Timothy Ani, Ernest Okeke, Caleb Jatto, Gabriel Onu, and Calliatus Eze.
However, it wasn’t the entire beneficiaries who were freed to go home. While some left the prison wall today at the governor’s command, some others only have their death sentences commute to life imprisonment.
Under Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) state governors have powers of Prerogatives of Mercy. They can forgive even a convicted prisoners.
However, there are certain conditions the governors must meet before invoking the power. Mbah’s decision came after there have been sufficient proofs that the inmates were truly reformed in character. Behind the pardon is the recommendations by the Correctional Service to the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.
The people to make up the council comprises representatives of the Nigerian Correctional. Services, Carmelite Prisoners Interest Organisation (CAPIO), and the Catholic Institute for Development, Justice and Peace (CIDJAP), among other reputable bodies in the justice sector.