Prerogative of Mercy: Obaseki Pardons Inmates with Less Than One Year to Serve

*APC transition committee urges governor-elect to institute inquiry into state’s finances

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

Outgoing Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has granted pardon to 10 inmates with less than one year to serve their terms in correctional centres in the state in exercise of his prerogative of mercy.
This was disclosed by the Chairman of the Edo State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, Hon. Justice P.O Isibor (Rtd).
According to him, “Following the ending of His Excellency’s tenure, the Council received a letter from the Benin Correctional Service dated 5th day of November, 2024, requesting for clemency for the inmates having less than one year to serve was forwarded to the Council by the Controller of the Correctional Centre.
“The Council convened a meeting where their applications were scrutinised and unanimously made appropriate recommendations. Mr. Governor is respectfully invited to consider and approve the recommendations of the Council.”
Those pardoned by the governor included Igwe Kelechukwu, Esazobor Ohioze, Gift Osaretun, Takyi Rockson, Dikuar Friday, Ossai Glory, Augustine Sunday, Daulagha Ebifagha Godluck, James Paul and Anas Isah.
Meanwhile, the Edo APC Transition Committee, has recommended the setting up of enquiry into the finances of the state under the outgoing administration of Godwin Obaseki, by the incoming administration of Senator Monday Okpebholo.
The committee added that the outgoing government didn’t provide audited financial statements published or unpublished.
It also asked the new administration to carry out a complete review of all Memoranda of Understandings (MOUs) on the management of the Central Hospital and Stella Obasanjo by the outgoing government.
The 25-member committee led by former deputy governor, Dr. Pius Odubu, further recommended that all the local and foreign debts incurred under Obaseki must be accounted for, pointing out that even the procurement agency in its report to the transition committee, indicted the government.