Inmates of the Calabar Correctional Centre have appealed to the Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, to extend the prerogative of mercy to deserving inmates and improve conditions within the facility.

The appeal came during the governor’s visit to the centre as part of activities marking his 66th birthday. The visit, which also had in attendance the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Akon Ikpeme; Speaker of the House of Assembly, Elvert Ayambem; Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Odey; and Secretary to the State Government, Anthony Owan-Enoh, provided a rare opportunity for direct interaction between the state’s leadership and those behind bars.

Chairman of the Prison Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) in the state, Deacon Maurice Ogar, urged the governor to constitute a Prerogative of Mercy Board to review cases of inmates who might have been unjustly convicted or are suffering deteriorating health conditions.

Citing Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Ogar reminded the governor of his power to grant pardons to persons convicted under state laws.

“Your Excellency, this section gives you the prerogative of mercy to pardon offenders either unconditionally or on lawful terms. I spent four years here for a crime I did not commit, so I understand what it means to be forgotten. Please remember those who are ill or have no one to speak for them,” Ogar said.

One inmate, Mr. Kelvin Ogbona, recounted how, despite being granted pardon earlier in the year, he remained in custody because authorities demanded N2.8 million as damages before his release.

Another inmate, Mr. Act Ibe, speaking on behalf of a group who have spent years awaiting trial, said some had been held for as long as 27 years without conviction.

“Sir, I speak for many who have been waiting endlessly for trial. We appeal for your intervention,” he said. The State Comptroller of Corrections, Richard Moses-Williams, appealed to the government to provide operational vehicles, including a bus and an ambulance, to ease the movement of inmates to court. He also requested solar-powered lighting for the administrative complex on Barracks Road, Calabar.

Responding, Otu said his visit was not ceremonial but a personal mission to understand the living conditions within the correctional facility. “I did not come because anyone asked me to. I came to see things for myself and to determine how government can help improve the situation,” he said.

The governor commended the facility’s management for maintaining order under challenging circumstances and assured that the government would look into the various requests presented during the visit. (The Guardian)