BIRTHDAY GIFT: GOV SOLUDO TO PARDON THREE INMATES OF AWKA CORRECTIONAL CENTRE

REPORTER: BEN ILECHUKWU

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has called for speedy trial of inmates in the country’s correctional facilities.

Governor Soludo made the call when he visited the Awka Correctional Centre to mark his 62nd birthday with the inmates.

The Governor, accompanied by his wife and other dignitaries, also used the occasion to announce plans to pardon three inmates in the Nigerian Correctional Service within the jurisdiction of the Awka Custodial Center, next week in exercise of his prerogative of mercy.

According to the Governor, the pardon is an offshoot of the review which ended in May.

He stressed that another review will be concluded to pardon those who truly deserved it after spending a reasonable period of time in the correctional centre.

Governor Soludo also said that the executive and judicial arms of government are already synergizing to make for speedy trial by exploiting the option of virtual sessions, so that those awaiting trial could easily be served justice.

The Governor, while reiterating that justice delayed is justice denied, said it was heartbreaking for people to await trial for many years in custody without conviction.

He promised to fix the roof of the center’s health clinic, provide a central solar power and cable television subscription, while the review of conditions of inmates continued.

The Controller of Correctional Centre, Anambra State Command, Mr. Pat Chukwuemeka, eulogized Governor Soludo as “a man who honours his words whenever he makes promises.”

The Controller reiterated that notwithstanding the fact that Governor Soludo assumed office at a difficult time when the polity was troubled, he had made outstanding successes within the very short period.

Food stuff were distributed to the inmates during the visit.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU