The Global Society for Anti-Corruption (GSAC) has appealed to Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo state to in the spirit of the country’s independence anniversary celebration grant pardon to 17 inmates of Imo State origin languishing at the Enugu Correctional Centre.
President of the group, Mr. Frankline Ezeona, stated that the inmates, who are on death row, had spent over 20 years in prison, adding that the call for their unconditional pardon and amnesty was based on their reformation.
He listed the inmates as Ogueri Vincent (1990); Ogidi Cyracus ( (1996); Egbuluche Paul (2000); Esonu Chukwunyere (2002); Anunobi Ameachi (2003); Obizue Evans (2006); Ebonine Lawrence ( 2006); Ilomuanya Ifesinachi (2007); Ohakwe Ugochukwu (20078); Uzoechi Ugochukwu (2007); Obasi Thompson (2007); Onyekaba Chimobi (2010); Iwuajunwa John (2010); Okafor Okechukwu (2010); Ezenwa Ifeanyi (2010); Nwachukwu Andrew (1987) and Okorie John (1997).
In a statement he made available to The Guardian, Ezeiona said: “Like in other international climes, independence day is a day many governments usually use to grant unconditional pardon and amnesty to reformed inmates in correctional centres.
“With this discretionary power imposed on Your Excellency, I appeal to you to use it in favour of Imo state inmates who from the evidence from authorities of Enugu Correctional Centre have really reformed immensely and can be safely integrated back into society.
“With this noble gesture, it will send strong signals to hardened inmates that there is a need and benefits in reforming and turning a new leaf. Nigerian Correctional Centres have proven to have the capacity in reforming inmates through most of their educational programmes to university levels. There is now an Open University centre at the Nigerian Correctional Centre in Enugu with other vocational programmes in the centre that have benefited most of the Imo State inmates. Most of them have spent over 20 years on death rows. Everyone deserves a second chance.”
