by Iyobosa Omorogie
Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State has granted a total pardon to a 77-year-old man, Dickson Umukoro, and two other condemned inmates in commemoration of the nation’s 54th independence anniversary.
The septugenarian, Umukoro had is sentence commuted to freedom on grounds of age, health challenge and good conduct in Prison. He was convicted on the offence of murder in 2007 but later had his sentence commuted to life imprisonment in 2010.
The release of the inmates was pursuant to the governor’s power of prerogative, in line with Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution.
Others who enjoyed total pardon include 53-year-old Monday Tom and an unnamed adolescent, who were sentenced to death in 2005 and 2009 respectively.
Also pardoned by the governor are, Dele Mokwunye, Ufuoma Paul Eto, Moses Orakpor, Uche Dike, Jonathan Igbi, Chukwuemeka Igwebuike, Chijioke Edeh, Augustine Okoroh and Joshua Musa, who were sentenced to various prison terms.
According to the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Charles Ajuyah (SAN), the governor’s gesture was laudable. He said, “The governor acted pursuant to his power of prerogative of mercy and in the spirit of the celebration of Nigeria’s 54th independence anniversary.”
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