Calabar, Nigeria – In the exercise of his prerogative of mercy, Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has granted unconditional pardon pursuant to Section 212 (1) (a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (Amended) to 45 convicts with minor offences.
The Governor’s action, in the spirit of the new year and the People First Mantra of his administration, was contained in the approval given to the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Ededem Ani.
The pardoned inmates were convicted of various offences 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, and malicious damage, among a few others.
Governor Otu explained that it’s important to give a second chance to those pardoned and considered reformed, as well as the need to decongest the prison.
The names of the 45 are 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, and Monday Ndem.
Others are 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, Joseph Ubi Effiom, Eyo Ewa Eyo, Etim Essien Oku, Elvis Inokojong, Bassey Okon Bassey, Francis Eyo Honesty, and Anthony Agbor Lazarus.
The rest are 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.
