By; MKPUMA ENYINNA, Abakaliki
Based on the applications by certain members of the public requesting for a state pardon for certain convicts in the state presented by the Chairman of the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, Chief Barr Cletus Ofoke during the Executive Council meeting held recently in Abakaliki, capital of Ebonyi State 20 out of 28 applicants have been granted state pardon.
Briefing newsmen after the executive council meeting, the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Barr.Uchenna Orji said that the considerations were on grounds that peace has been made between the families of the victims and the convicts, ill health, where there was no case of premeditated intention and where there were possibilities of proper integration into the society upon manifest remorse.
Barr. Orji further said that the exco acknowledged the requests made and the considerations sought in the 28 applications.
Exco also noted the painstaking consultations made by the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy and the discretional powers of the Governor under the Council of Mercy Law (Cap. 8) Vol. 1, Laws of Ebonyi State of Nigeria, 2009 and the imperative of section 212 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and approved the recommendations of the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy that a total of 20 out of 28 applicants be granted state pardon by the Governor of Ebonyi State.
