Monday, June 23, 2025 - Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has granted clemency to eleven inmates of Correctional Centres in Enugu State, a step towards decongesting the correctional facilities and giving the beneficiaries another opportunity to live a better life as members of the society.
The beneficiaries of the clemency as conveyed to the state’s
Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, by the Chief
of Staff to the Governor, Barr. Victor Udeh, 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.
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) and in consultation with the Advisory Council
on Prerogative of Mercy.
The decision was also in concordance with reports of proven
reform in character, ability to reintegrate with the society having possessed
or learnt some productive skills, and following 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 also draws
membership from the Nigerian Correctional Service, Carmelite Prisoners Interest
Organisation (CAPIO), and the Catholic Institute for Development, Justice and
Peace (CIDJAP), among other reputable justice sector institutions.
In another development, Governor Mbah has inaugurated the
Management Board for the Protection of State-owned Social Homes, reaffirming
his government’s commitment to caring for the vulnerable in the state.
The Board, which has the First Lady of the state, Mrs.
Nkechinyere Mbah, as the Chairman, and Prof. Christian Anieke, a Reverend
Father, as the co-Chairman, equally has Rev. Canon Chibuike Okolo as the Vice
Chairman, while the Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs, and Social
Development, Mrs. Ngozi Enih represents the Ministry.
Other members of the Board are Rev. Sr. Mary Gloria Iloka,
Rev. Sr. Veritas Onyemelukwe, Pastor Elias Anyigbo, Mrs. Anna Igbokwe, and
Barr. Chidinma Egeonu, while Barr. Uzoama Okeji is the Executive Secretary of
the Board.
Inaugurating the Board at the Government House, Enugu,
Governor Mbah said, “Recall that even when we expressed a huge growth
projection, we immediately added that we were going to also eradicate poverty,
which means that we are always interested in our common humanity. We know that
as a people, we are only as good as our weakest link.
“So, we cannot leave the vulnerable in our society out or
behind. What we have pledged is an inclusive prosperity, inclusive economic
growth and that growth and prosperity should be measured on how we treat those
very vulnerable ones in our society. That is why I am so excited that we have
the sort of resources, a pool of people with great reputation, experience, and
work ethics to serve on this Board.”
The governor assured that the government would make
available to them all that is needed to turn the state’s social protection
homes around.
“We are committed to making sure that we provide you with
all the tools and funds you require to ensure that our people in these social
homes live in comfort and dignity,” emphasised.
Also speaking, the wife of the governor, enjoined members of
the new Board to hit the ground running, ensuring transparency in the discharge
of the Board’s responsibilities.
“I urge you all to be diligent, fair and transparent in
discharging your duties. Discharge those duties in compliance with the law and
take good care of our children,” she stated.
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