Umahi ordered that the death sentences on 14 prisoners be commuted to life imprisonment

Ebonyi state governor David umahi has ordered that death sentences on 14 prisoners of Ebonyi origin in various prisons be commuted to life imprisonment.

The governor gave the order on Saturday in Abakaliki during activities to mark the 56th independence day and 20th year of Ebonyi creation according to the governor, 32 inmates from the state have also been granted   unconditional pardon for offences which they were jailed.

"The order is to the comptroller's of Enugu, Abakalilki and Afikpo prisons and pursuant to powers of section 212 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, conferred on me as the state governor .

"The decisions were reached after due  constitution with states committee on prerogative of mercy and other enabling warrant," he said.

Umahi explained that the effective date of decision was oct.1

He said those whose death sentence were annulled include Igantius Ochioso, Paul ominyi, Nnachi Asula, Ukpai Onyebuchi Eze and Ikechukwu Nwafor.

Those who were pardoned unconditionally include Ogbonnia Odom, Ogbuzuru Odoh, shadrack Eboko, Ezi Ekum,  Ndubuisi Nwodo, Paul Una, Musa Bako,  Chukwu Ndukwe, Mgbeleke Oduma, Ugo Ogbuba, among others.

The governor also announced a five per cent increase in workers salaries with effect from oct.1 and thanked labour leaders in the state for their understanding and support in reaching the decision.

"Ebonyi people should tow the path of righteousness, rally around its leader to enable it meet its developmental objectives as a young state," he said.