Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has granted clemency to eleven inmates of Correctional Centres in Enugu State, aimed at decongesting the correctional facilities and giving the beneficiaries another opportunity to live a better life as members of society.
The beneficiaries of the clemency are Ugochukwu Oma, Onah Nnamdi, Chiadikobi Onu, Emmanuel Sambo, Emeka Nyia, Ngene Oluebube, Francis Chinecherem, Eze Chigozie, Anthony Tombari, Francis Chibuzor, and Uzoma Nnaoche.
The Governor’s decision was made in exercise of his Prerogative of Mercy powers under Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and in consultation with the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.
The Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy draws membership from the Nigerian Correctional Service, Carmelite Prisoners Interest Organisation, and the Catholic Institute for Development, Justice and Peace, among other reputable justice sector institutions.
Governor Mbah has also inaugurated the Management Board for the Protection of State-owned Social Homes, reaffirming his government’s commitment to caring for the vulnerable in the state.
The Board is chaired by the First Lady of the state, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, with Prof. Christian Anieke, a Reverend Father, as the co-Chairman.
Other members of the Board include Rev. Canon Chibuike Okolo as Vice Chairman, Mrs. Ngozi Enih, Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development, Rev. Sr. Mary Gloria Iloka, Rev. Sr. Veritas Onyemelukwe, Pastor Elias Anyigbo, Mrs. Anna Igbokwe, and Barr. Chidinma Egeonu, while Barr. Uzoama Okeji is the Executive Secretary of the Board.
Governor Mbah assured that the government would provide all necessary resources to enable the Board to effectively manage the social homes, saying, “We are committed to making sure that we provide you with all the tools and funds you require to ensure that our people in these social homes live in comfort and dignity.”
The First Lady urged Board members to be diligent, fair, and transparent in discharging their duties, emphasizing the importance of compliance with the law and proper care for the children.