Governor Peter Mbah has pardoned 11 inmates in Enugu aimed at decongesting correctional facilities.

Uche Anichukwu, the senior special assistant to Mr Mbah on external relations, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

Mr Anichukwu said that the gesture was a step towards giving the beneficiaries another opportunity to live a better life as members of society.

He said the beneficiaries of the clemency were conveyed to the attorney general and commissioner for justice, Kingsley Udeh, by the chief of staff to the governor, Victor Udeh.

According to Mr Anichukwu, the beneficiaries are Ugochukwu Oma, Onah Nnamdi, Chiadikobi Onu, Emmanuel Sambo, Emeka Nyia, Ngene Oluebube, Francis Chinecherem, Eze Chigozie, Anthony Tombari, Francis Chibuzor, and Uzoma Nnaoche.

He explained that the governor’s decision was an exercise of his Prerogative of Mercy powers under Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

Mr Anichukwu said, “It was also in consultation with the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy. The decision was in concordance with reports of proven reform in character and ability to reintegrate with society, having possessed or learnt some productive skills.

“It followed the 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 draws membership from the Nigerian Correctional Service, Carmelite Prisoners Interest Organisation (CAPIO), the Catholic Institute for Development, Justice and Peace (CIDJAP), among other reputable justice sector institutions.”

(NAN)