In their heartfelt plea through the president of the group, Mr Franklin Ezeona, GSAC was appealing to the Governor to grant executive pardon to prison inmates who have spent countless years on death row in EnuguCorrectional Centre. As their cases reach a critical juncture, the call for clemency echoes with the importance of compassion, mercy, and the belief in the potential for redemption which is a basic ingredient of democracy.
The individuals awaiting execution have languished in the confines of their cells, often for decades, enduring the emotional and psychological toll of an uncertain fate. Many of them have exhausted every legal avenue available, and their cases have been thoroughly examined and scrutinized by legal experts, casting doubt on the fairness and reliability of their convictions.
The group made reference to one Mr Paul Egbunuche, the son of the late oldest inmate, Pa Celestine Egbunuche who passed away two years ago, whose body is still at the mortuary. Pleading that the Executive Governor of Imo State should use his good office to grant him an executive pardon to enable him come home to bury his father. Pa Egbunuche who hails from Amachara Owerre Village, Akokwa in Ideato local government area in Imo State passed away few months after he was released from Enugu prison.
The Global Society for Anti-Corruption (GSAC) has appealed to Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo state to in the spirit of the country’s Democracy Day anniversary celebration grant pardon to 17 inmates of Imo State origin languishing at the Enugu Correctional Centre.
The GSAC president, Mr. Frankline Ezeona, stated that the inmates, who are on death row, had spent over 30 years in prison, adding that the call for their unconditional pardon and amnesty was based on their reformation.
He listed the inmates as;
Ogueri Vincent (1990); Ogidi Cyracus ( (1996); Egbuluche Paul (2000); Esonu Chukwunyere (2002); Anunobi Ameachi (2003); Obizue Evans (2006); Ebonine Lawrence ( 2006); Ilomuanya Ifesinachi (2007); Ohakwe Ugochukwu (20078); Uzoechi Ugochukwu (2007); Obasi Thompson (2007); Onyekaba Chimobi (2010); Iwuajunwa John (2010); Okafor Okechukwu (2010); Ezenwa Ifeanyi (2010); Nwachukwu Andrew (1987) and Okorie John (1997).
In a statement he made available to FountainCare Reporters, Ezeiona stated thus:
“Like in other international climes, independence day is a day many governments usually use to grant unconditional pardon and amnesty to reformed inmates in correctional centres"
“With this discretionary power imposed on Your Excellency, I appeal to you to use it in favour of Imo state inmates who from the evidence from authorities of Enugu Correctional Centre have really reformed immensely and can be safely integrated back into society"
“With this noble gesture, it will send strong signals to hardened inmates that there is a need and benefits in reforming and turning a new leaf. Nigerian Correctional Centres have proven to have the capacity in reforming inmates through most of their educational programmes to university levels. There is now an Open University centre at the Nigerian Correctional Centre in Enugu with other vocational programmes in the centre that have benefited most of the Imo State inmates. Most of them have spent over 30 years on death rows. Everyone deserves a second chance.”
GSAC argued that the purpose of the criminal justice system should not solely be punitive but also restorative. Long-term death row inmates have demonstrated profound transformations during their confinement, displaying genuine remorse, personal growth, and a sincere desire to contribute positively to society if given a second chance.
"Granting executive pardons to these individuals would not only be an act of justice but also a reflection of our society's commitment to fairness and compassion. It would demonstrate a belief in the power of redemption and provide an opportunity for these inmates to make amends, contribute positively to society, and advocate for criminal justice reform from a unique perspective"
"The Governor, as the ultimate arbiter of justice, possesses the authority to intervene and prevent the irreversible loss of human life"
By considering GSAC's plea for executive pardons, the Governor can create a legacy of compassion and fairness that aligns with the values of our great state"
As the Governor contemplates this critical decision, it is hoped that the voice of reason, empathy, and justice prevails. Granting executive pardons to these individuals would not only rectify potential miscarriages of justice but also embody the spirit of forgiveness and provide hope for a more equitable future.
FountainCare Reporters
