ADVERTISEMENT

Governor commutes death sentences on 14 prisoners, pardons 32 others

The governor gave the order on Saturday in Abakaliki during activities to mark the 56th Independence Day and 20th year of Ebonyi creation.

Gov. Dave Umahi

According to the governor, 32 inmates from the state have  also been granted unconditional pardon for offences which they were jailed.

“The order is to the comptrollers of Enugu, Abakaliki and Afikpo prisons and pursuant to powers of Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, conferred on me as the state governor.

“These decisions were reached after due consultation with the state’s Committee on Prerogative of mercy and other enabling powers and this serves as the official warrant,” he said.

ADVERTISEMENT

Umahi explained that the effective date of the decisions was  Oct.1.

He said those whose death sentences were annulled included   Igantius Ochioso, Paul Ominyi, Nnachi Asula, Sunday Ukpai, Onyebuchi Eze and Ikechukwu Nwafor.

“Those who were pardoned unconditionally include Ogbuzuru Odoh, Ogbonnia Odom, Shadrack Eboko, Ezi Ekum, Nduisi Nwodo, Paul Una, Musa Bako, Chikwu Ndukwe, Mgbeleke Oduma, Ugo Ogbuba, among others.

“The state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Augustine Nwankwagu, is advised to submit report on the released inmates’ conduct to my office, to ascertain whether they still pose threat to society,” he said.

The governor also announced a five per cent increase in workers’ salaries with effect from Oct.1 and thanked labour leaders in the state for their understanding and support in reaching the decision.

ADVERTISEMENT

“The government has also recalled the sacked workers of the state College of Education, Ikwo, and the 37 workers of the proscribed Ebonyi State Environmental Protection Agency

“We would also release workers’ promotion results and look into the issue of pension and gratuity which totals over five billion naira,” he said.

The governor also noted that the government would inaugurate a department ‘of tomorrow’ that would rehabilitate indigenes engaged in various forms of menial jobs across the country.

“We would be placing advertorials in national media on Tuesday, urging them to return to the state to learn the assemblage, repairs and maintenance of equipment such as tractors, tricycles, among others,” he said.

Bishop Christopher Edeh, Methodist Bishop of Enugu Diocese and Chairman of the occasion, urged Nigerians to leave in peace to fulfil the aspirations of its founding fathers.

ADVERTISEMENT

“Ebonyi people should tow the path of righteousness, rally around its leaders to enable it meet its developmental objectives as a young state,” he said.

The occasion was witnessed by past leaders of the state, National and State Assembly members, among other  stakeholders.

The occasion also witnessed march pasts by selected schools, labour unions, security agencies as well as the cutting of the  anniversary cake,.

The governor also inspected a guard of honour mounted by security agencies.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 persons in FCT, Kwara

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 persons in FCT, Kwara

Court grants senator accused of forging NYSC certificate ₦50m bail

Court grants senator accused of forging NYSC certificate ₦50m bail

BREAKING: Delta monarch declared wanted by military surrenders to police

BREAKING: Delta monarch declared wanted by military surrenders to police

Renowned Canada-based Nigerian playwright, Oguntokun is dead

Renowned Canada-based Nigerian playwright, Oguntokun is dead

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT