GOVERNOR Willie Obiano of Anambra has commuted eight death row inmates to life imprisonment.

He also granted a prerogative of mercy to others, who are serving various jail terms.

Obiano announced this during a Holy Mass at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Akpu, Orumba South Local governments Area of Anambra State.

The governor said the prerogative of mercy was in line with the celebration of the 57thIndependence of Annivassary of Nigeria.

“I have commuted 8 prisoners on death row to life imprisonment. Already, they had served over 18 year; so they have two or three years to be free,” Obiano declared.

The governor also noted that another 12 prisoners had their jail sentences reduced to various terms, while some were granted pardon.

He said it was regretted the pitiable condition of some prisons across the country, which in some cases had been responsible for inmates contracting different kinds of communicable diseases.

Obiano observed that Nigeria had undergone various challenges orver the past 57 years, calling for unity of purpose to achieve national interest.

Earlier in a sermon, Paulinus Ezeokafor, Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese,  urged Christians to consistently pray for the political leaders as well as other people in positions of authority to help the country to overcome challenges.

Ezeokafor, who acknowledged that the country was faced with many challenges, explained that only a trust in God would help in addressing issues.

The prelate, however, called government’s attention to erosion sites in the state, especially the one threatening the Retreat Centre at Okpuno-Awka.

Ezeokafor urged government to construct the Akpu-Ajalli-Ufuma- Nawfija-Ogbunka road to open up the areas to enhance the evacuation of agricultural produce and increase commercial activities.

– Oct.  4, 2017 @ 08:52 GMT |