The Anambra State Governor , Chief Willie Obiano on Sunday commuted the jail sentences of eight prisoners on death row to life imprisonment in the spirit of the Independence celebration.
The governor disclosed this during a church service at Saint Matthew’s Catholic Church, Akpu in Orumba North Local Government Area of the state.
He said the gesture was in the exercise of his powers on prerogative of mercy on occasions as the Independence Anniversary.
He said some of the prisoners had spent 18 years in prisons.
He said 12 others had their sentences reduced to various jail terms, while some were granted absolute pardon.
Obiano said he considered the health and mental conditions of the prisoners in the circumstance.
The governor added that,” At our forum as South East Governors, we are liaising with the Federal legislators from the zone and Ohana eze Ndigbo to articulate the region’s view on restructuring”.
The governor sues for peace in the state and the zone in general.
Earlier in his sermon, the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev Paulinus Ezeokafor asked christians to always pray for political leaders and other people in positions of authority to help the country overcome its challenges.
Ezeokafor who noted that the country was confronted with several challenges, said only trust in God would help in addressing the issues.
He commended the Anambra state government for what he called prudent utilization of scarce resources.
The bishop, however, drew government’s attention to erosion problems in the state, especially the one threatening the Retreat Centre at Okpuno, Awka.
Ezeokafor also urged the government to construct the Akpu – Ajalli- Ufuma- Nawfija- Ogbunka road to open up the areas as well as enhance the evacuation of agricultural produce and increased commercial activities.
Comments