From Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has granted amnesty and an unconditional pardon to 45 inmates convicted of minor offenses, in accordance with Section 212(1)(a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Amended).
The Governor’s decision, made in the spirit of the New Year and aligned with the “People First” mantra of his administration, was communicated to the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ededem Ani.
The pardoned inmates were convicted for various offenses, including felony, stealing, breaking and entering, assault, threats to life, cultism, armed robbery, illegal entry, logging and unlawful possession, conspiracy, assault and threatening violence, and malicious damage, among others.
Governor Otu emphasized the importance of giving a second chance to those pardoned, particularly those who have shown signs of reform.
He also highlighted the need to decongest the prison system.
The list of the 45 pardoned inmates includes:
Yahaya Suleman, Odey David, Jeremiah William Etim, Ubong Sunday Francis, Michael Gbenga, Randy Bassey Etu, Ivara Odum, John Ambrose Adecon, Gabriel Eke, Ukeme Godwin Benson, Godwill Delphin Mbey, Monday Ndem, Abraham Elijah, Kelvin Ogbonna, Terlumum Giki, Etim Edet Effiong, Abraham Effiong, Mkpang Efa Eyo, Christopher Uduak Etim, Daniel Bassey Duke, Edet Aququo Edet, Glory Friday James and Joseph Ubi Effiom.
Others include, Eyo Ewa Eyo, Etim Essien Oku, Elvis Inokojong, Bassey Okon Bassey, Francis Eyo Honesty, Anthony Agbor Lazarus, Christian Amos, Onuwa Ogana Onuwa, Ebin Ita Nsuijon, Samuel Effiong Mark, Daniel Jatto, Raphael Kingsley Ben, Stanley Julius, Wisdom Maduka, Covenant Ebri, Mary Linus Ekpo, Osim Inyang Ejah, Ogar Victor, Udiba Ona Samuel, Ekpenyong Bassey, Effiong Okon, and Chibuike Lucky.
