In exercise of his prerogative of mercy, the Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has granted unconditional pardon to 45 convicts with minor offences.
A statement issued on Wednesday by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Gill Nsa said the governor’s action which is in the spirit of the new year was contained in the approval given to the state 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 others.
Gov. 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 prisons.
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The list of 45 pardoned inmates is as follows: 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.
Also granted pardon 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, Anthony Agbor Lazarus, and Christian Amos.
Others include 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.