Imo State Government House
Press Release
The 16 Prison inmates convicted by the Imo State Judiciary have lauded the Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha for his compassion in granting them amnesty during the 54th Independent Anniversary of Nigeria.
Some of the freed inmates, who spoke at the Owerri Prisons while signing their Bond of Good Conduct, expressed joy that they have been given an opportunity to re-unite with their families and pledged to be of good conduct in the society.
Addressing the inmates of Owerri Prison, the Chairman of the Committee on Prerogative of Mercy and Attorney General of the State, Mr. Chukwuma Machukwu Ume (SAN) who was represented by the Secretary of the Committee, Barr. Jude Nwokonkwo said the event was to properly document records as regards the process of their release and ensure that appropriate records are kept.
He said the Governor’s decision to free the deserving prison inmates was borne out of his desire to extend magnanimity to them as was recommended by the committee and warned the beneficiaries to stay clear of all forms of criminal tendencies as they are integrated back into the society, while assuring them that government has made plans to assist in their rehabilitation.
The Controller, Imo State Prison Command, Mr. Ifeanyi Amaliri said the occasion was to formalize the release of the 16 inmates granted prerogative of mercy after 5 years such exercise last took place in the State.
He commended the Imo State Government for its magnanimity and enjoined the inmates to refrain from crime. “Always avoid conflict with the Law and things that will bring you back into the Prison. Don’t say the Prison is full and can’t admit you;” he warned.
Some of the freed inmates, Mr. Austin Chukwuemeka who was convicted for life but had spent 17 years, wrote a book while in prison entitled STAY AFLOAT IN RIGHTEOUSNESS WHILE IN PRISON.
Another beneficiary, Mr. Chinedu Ogbonnaya also serving life imprisonment term but had spent 16 years said his vision is to carry out enlightenment campaign to educate the youths on the consequences of crime. He advocated for the teaching of Nigerian Constitution in all Institutions of Learning to keep the youths abreast of the dangers of crime.
Equally pardoned was Mr. Canice Egbunanne, an 83 year old man on grounds of age, Mr. Samuel Akpan, Godson Chukwudi, among others recommended by the Committee.
The freed inmates are to report to the Divisional Offices of their respective LGAs in keeping with the Bond of Good Conduct.
Unadike William
For: SSA Media
October 14, 2014
