16 convicts pardoned as Imo marks Nigeria’s 54th Independence anniversary

Officers of the Imo State Civil Guard stand on parade ground while  Okorocha inspects their 'Guard of Honour'
at the Government House Owerri on Ist October 2014

In exercise of his power on prerogative of mercy the governor of Imo State, His Excellency, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has granted pardon to 16 convicts serving in the prisons in Imo State.

The governor acted on the recommendations of the Advisory Council on Prerogative of mercy, which he had earlier set up with the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in the State, Chief Chukwuma – Machukwu Umeh (SAN) as chairman.

Eleven of the pardoned convicts were imprisoned for non-capital offences and had almost finished serving their prison terms, and have less than 6 months to serve out their terms.  Mr. Canice Egbunanne was pardoned on the ground of age.  He is 94 years old, while Mr. Chidi Nwosu also pardoned, is almost 70 years old.

Before granting them the pardon on Wednesday 1^st October, the Governor had also asked the mammoth crowd at the event whether they would support that the 16 people recommended for pardon by the Advisory Council on Prerogative of mercy should be allowed to enjoy freedom, and the response was thunderously in the affirmative.

Preceding the pardon of the affected 16 convicts, the governor had delivered emotion-laden speech, extempore that excited the crowd.  The governor said at 54, this is the time the country should address the vexed issues of insecurity, youths unemployment, selfishness and corruption among leaders, lack of patriotism, emphasis on ethnicity, insurgence and other challenges facing Nigeria as a nation.

Said he; “as a nation, no better time to act and achieve the desired goals than now.  We must admit that things are not working out the way they should in Nigeria.  That will help us to wake up as a nation.”

He continued, “Democracy has not functioned well in Nigeria.  We have to strengthen our democracy because it is not being practiced the way it should.  When that is done, then development is guaranteed.  Nigerians should see themselves as members of one family, and shun leaders who preach tribalism, religious dichotomy and division among the political class.”

  

Governor Okorocha praised the Army, Police, SSS and all security agents in the country for their services, adding that they have continued to

sacrifice their own security and comfort to keep others secured.

Other convicts granted pardon are, Uchenna Udum, Sunday Egwu, Amos Ishaya, Anyuba Bartholomew, Benjamine Osunkwo, Okezie Obasi, Ifeanyi Nwokeji, Ogbonna  Onyinyechi, Chidi Nwosu, and seven others.

Governor Okorocha at the parade ground of the Imo State Government House on 1st October 2014

Present at the crowded event were service Chiefs in the State, the Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere, Secretary to the Government of Imo State, Prof. Anthony Anwuka, Chief of Staff, Government House Owerri, Sir. Jude Ejiogu, all government functionaries, Traditional rulers and religious leaders.