January 01, (THEWILL) – The Cross River State governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has granted pardon and clemency to 45 prison inmates.
The action is in the exercise of his prerogative of mercy and the unconditional pardon is also pursuant to Section 212 (1) (a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (Amended) to 45 convicts with minor offences.
Governor Otu explained that it’s important to give a second chance to those pardoned and considered reformed, as well as the need to decongest the prison.
A statement from government sources in the state said Governor Otu, took the action in the spirit of the new year and the ‘People First’ mantra of his administration.
The statement also said approval for the exercise was granted to the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Ededem Ani.
THEWILL learnt that the pardoned inmates were convicted of various offences ranging from felony, stealing, breaking and entering, assault, threats to life and cultism.
Other offences include armed robbery, illegal entry, logging and unlawful possession, conspiracy, assault and threatening violence and malicious damage, among others.
The 45 inmates, who are beneficiaries of the governor’s magnanimity are Yahaya Suleman, Odey David, Jeremiah William Etim, Ubong Sunday Francis, Michael Gbenga, Randy Bassey Etu, Ivara Odum, John Ambrose Adecon and Gabriel Eke.
Others are Ukeme Godwin Benson, Godwill Delphin Mbey, Monday Ndem, Abraham Elijah, Kelvin Ogbonna, Terlumum Giki, Etim Edet Effiong, Abraham Effiong, Mkpang Efa Eyo, Christopher Uduak Etim, Daniel Bassey Duke and Edet Asuquo Edet.
Also included in the list is Glory Friday James, Joseph Ubi Effiom, Eyo Ewa Eyo, Etim Essien Oku, Elvis Inokojong, Bassey Okon Bassey, Francis Eyo Honesty, Anthony Agbor Lazarus, Christian Amos, Onuwa Ogana Onuwa, Ebin Ita Nsuijon, Samuel Effiong Mark, Daniel Jatto, Raphael Kingsley Ben, Stanley Julius, Wisdom Maduka, Covenant Ebri, Mary Linus Ekpo, Osim Inyang Ejah, Ogar Victor, Udiba Ona Samuel, Ekpenyong Bassey, Effiong Okon and Chibuike Lucky.
THEWILL Correspondent, Aniekan Bassey has over six years experience that spans across several fields in print journalism including development communication, sexual reproductive and health rights issues, crime, climate change, social justice, business and human interest stories.
