Eight death-row inmates commuted to life imprisonment in Anambra
Anambra state governor, Chief Willie Obiano has commuted eigh death row inmates to life imprisonment and granted prerogative of mercy to others who are serving various jail terms.
Governor Obiano announced this during a Holly Mass at St Matthew Catholic Church, Akpu, Orumba South Local governments Area of Anambra state.
The governor said the prerogative of mercy was in line with the celebration of Independence of Nigeria.
According to him ” I have commuted eight prisoners in death row to life sentence. Already, they had served over 18 year, so they have two or three years to be free.”
The Governor also noted that another 12 prisoners had their sentences reduced to various jail terms, while some were granted pardon.
He regretted the pitiable condition of some prisons in the country, which had resulted in contracting different kinds of communicable diseases by the inmates.
Obiano observed that Nigeria had undergone various challenges in the past 57 years, calling for unity of purpose to achieve national interest.
“Nigeria is facing various challenges as cattle menace, IPOB agitations and many of them. All these are as a result of marginalization and unfair treatment. Because of all these, the South East governors and Ohaneze Ndigbo have joined hands to push for restructuring,” Obiano noted.
Earlier in a sermon, the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Reverend Paulinus Ezeokafor charged Christians to consistently pray for political leaders and other people in positions of authority to help the country overcome its challenges.
Most Reverend Ezeokafor who acknowledged that the country was confronted with many challenges, explained that only trust in God would help in addressing the issues.
He appreciated the Anambra state government for what he termed as efficient utilization of resources in effecting change.
The Prelate however called government’s attention to erosion sites in the state, especially the one threatening the Retreat Centre at Okpuno-Awka.
Bishop Ezeokafor urged government to construct the Akpu-Ajalli-Ufuma-Nawfija-Ogbunka road to open up the areas to enhance the evacuation of agricultural produce and increased commercial activities.
John Ndu, Awka
