Governor of Cross River state, Bassey Otu, has exercised his prerogative of mercy by freeing 45 prisoners in the state.
Gatekeepers News reports that the inmates who were convicted of various offenses had spent a considerable period in Correctional Center in the state.
According to the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Nsa Gill, in a statement released, his action was in the spirit of the new year and the People First mantra of his administration.
Gill noted that the directive was approved by the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ededem Ani, in line with Section 212 (1) (a) of the Nigerian Constitution.
The offences of the freed prisoners offenses include felony, stealing, breaking and entering, assault, threats to life, cultism, armed robbery, illegal entry, logging and unlawful possession of firearms, conspiracy, assault and threatening violence, and malicious damage.
He added, “It’s important to give a second chance to those pardoned and considered reformed, as well as the need to decongest the prison.”
