The Global Society for Anti-Corruption (GSAC) has appealed to Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State to pardon 17 inmates of the state on death row at the Enugu Correctional Centre.
President of the group, Frankline Ezeona, said the inmates 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 made available to LEADERSHIP, Ezeona stated; “Like in other climes, independence day is a day many governments usually use to grant unconditional pardon and amnesty to reformed inmates in correctional centres.
He said; “With this discretionary power imposed on Your Excellency, Hope Uzodimma, I appeal to you to use it in favour of Imo State inmates who from the evidence from authorities of Enugu Correctional Centre have been reformed immensely and can be safely reintegrated into society.
“This noble gesture will send strong signals to hardened inmates that there is need and benefit in reforming and turning a new leaf. Nigerian Correctional Centres have proven to have the capacity for reforming inmates through most of their educational programmes to university level.
“There is now an open university centre at the Nigerian Correctional Centre in Enugu with other vocational programmes in the centre that have been of benefit to most of the Imo State inmates. Everyone deserves a second chance.”
He urged the governor to assist in decongesting the centre and assist the inmates to live normal life.
