By Onwa Ekor, Calabar.
In line with Section 212 (1) (a) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, Cross River governor, Prince Bassey Otu, has granted unconditional pardon to 45 convicts with minor offenses.
The governor’s new year’s gift which is in line with his ‘People First Mantra,’ was contained in an approval given to the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ededem Ani.
The pardoned inmates were convicted of various offenses ranging from felony, stealing, breaking and entering, assault, threats to life, cultism, armed robbery, illegal entry, logging and unlawful possession, conspiracy, assault and threatening violence, as well as malicious damage, among others.
Otu explained that it was pertinent to offer a second chance to the pardoned, as well as help in decongesting the prison.
Those who benefited from the prerogative of mercy were; Yahaya Suleman, Odey David, Jeremiah William Etim, Ubong Sunday Francis, Michael Gbenga, Randy Bassey Etu, Ivara Odum and John Ambrose Adecon.
Others include, 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 and Daniel Bassey Duke.
Also in the governor’s magnanimous list were; Edet Aququo Edet, Glory Friday James, Joseph Ubi Effiom, Eyo Ewa Eyo, Etim Essien Oku, Elvis Inokojong, Bassey Okon Bassey and Francis Eyo Honesty.
The list also included; 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.
