Okowa sets up Prerogative of Mercy panel

·       Harps On Rehabilitation Of Ex-inmates

Governor  Ifeanyi Okowa pf Delta State  has inaugurated a seven- man Advisory Council On The Prerogative Of Mercy with a charge to proffer ways of reintegrating  ex-inmates into the society.

Speaking in Asaba Thursday [30-03-17], the Governor said that the Advisory Council should ,apart from granting pardon to convicts, come up with a  workable plan for the rehabilitation of ex-inmates once they are released.

Governor Okowa in red cap, with members of Prerogative of Mercy panel.

Those inaugurated were Chief  Patrick Okpakpor [Chairman];  Dr. Samuel Efetobor; Barr. Kress Njuokuemeni; Hon. (Mrs.) Irene Imilar; John Okoriko Esq; Paulina Egbon, Representative, Nigerian Prisons Services [members], while Rosemary  Monye (Mrs.)would serve as  secretary.

According to him, “it is in line with the constitutional provision and consistent with our pursuit of a justice system that is fair and equitable that the Delta State Advisory Council On The Prerogative Of Mercy is being inaugurated. Beyond granting pardon to convicts, it is my hope and expectation that the Council will also come up with a template for the rehabilitation of this people once they are released, it is needful that we come up with a workable plan of how these ex-inmates can be engaged to facilitate their reintegration into the mainstream of society”

Okowa explained that “Over the years, the Prerogative of Mercy has helped to decongest our overcrowded prisons nationwide, currently, there are 3,442 inmates in our prisons in Agbor, Kwale, Ogwashi-Uku, Sapele and Warri, this figure includes convicted felons and those awaiting trial. An additional 1,000 plus persons were convicted by the Delta State Judiciary but serving their various sentences in prisons in other parts of the Federation”.

While commending the chairman and members of the Council on their appointment, Okowa urged them to carry out their duty diligently as enshrined in the constitution.

Responding on behalf of the members, Chief Okpakpor thanked Governor Okowa for their appointment and assured him that they would give quality advice to him in the course of their duty.