ENUGU — In commemoration of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has approved the pardon, release and commutation of sentences of 13 inmates serving various terms at Nigerian Correctional Centres in the state.
The governor exercised the constitutional power of Prerogative of Mercy under Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, following consultations with the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy in Enugu State.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the governor’s media aide, Uche Anichukwu, the approval was conveyed to the Comptroller of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Enugu State Command, by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Osinachi Nnajieze.
The beneficiaries are Kenneth Ozioko, Moses Saliyat, Promise Ndudim Olung, Chijioke Ugwu, Samuel Ani and Eugene Odo.
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Others are Celsus Emeachi, Caleb Jatto, Calistus Eze, Gabriel Onu, Timothy Ani, Ernest Okeke and Ejike Nwodo.
The statement said while some of the inmates were granted pardon and released, the sentences of some others, including death sentences, were commuted to life imprisonment.
The governor’s decision followed reports relating to the ill health of some inmates and evidence of reform in the character and conduct of others.
The recommendations were reportedly made by the Correctional Service to the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.
The council also comprises representatives of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Carmelite Prisoners Interest Organization (CAPIO), Catholic Institute for Development, Justice and Peace (CIDJAP), as well as other stakeholders in the justice sector.
Constitutional Provision
Section 212(1) of the 1999 Constitution empowers a state governor to exercise the prerogative of mercy in respect of offences created under state law.
Among other powers, the governor may grant a pardon, either unconditionally or subject to lawful conditions; grant a respite from the execution of a punishment; substitute a less severe form of punishment; or remit all or part of a punishment or penalty.
However, Section 212(2) stipulates that the governor must exercise these powers after consultation with an Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy established by the state.
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The Independence Day intervention by Governor Mbah therefore forms part of the constitutional framework through which states can review the circumstances of convicted persons and, where appropriate, grant relief from punishment.
The gesture comes as Nigerians mark the country’s 66th year of independence, with the beneficiaries set to receive either release, pardon or reduced sentences in accordance with the governor’s approval.
