Outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State on Monday, November 12, pardoned 10 inmates who have been serving less than a year in correctional facilities in the state.
The pardoned inmates were Igwe Kelechukwu, Esazobor Ohiozu, Gift Osaretun, Taki Rockson, Dikwar Friday, Osai Glory, Augustine Sunday.
Dauraga Ebifaga Golak, James Paul and Anas Isah.
The pardon is in accordance with the Governor’s pardon powers and was contained in a statement by the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, headed by Crusoe Osagie.
Obaseki completed his term as Governor on Monday and will hand over powers to the new Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpeboro, today.
Okufeboro’s rise comes after he won the September 21, 2024 gubernatorial election in the state, defeating his closest rival and Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Asue Ighodalo.
Obasekipardon of the 10 prisoners was made following a request by the Chairman of the Edo State Mercy Advisory Committee, Justice P.O. Isibor (retd.).
The statement read: “Following the end of His Excellency’s term, the Council received a letter dated November 5, 2024 from Benin Prisons seeking pardon of the prisoners who have served less than one year. The letter was forwarded to the Council by the Director of Correctional Centre.
“The Council convened a meeting where their application was examined and appropriate recommendations were made unanimously.
“The Governor is respectfully requested to consider and approve the recommendations of the Council.”
Meanwhile, the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City will be alive today (Tuesday) with the inauguration ceremony to install Okpeboro as the new Governor of Edo State.
Okpeboro will be the fifth Governor of the state since the inauguration of the Fourth Republic in 1999. All the All Progressives Congress governors are expected to be in Benin, with Senate President Godswill Akpabio leading members of the Red Chamber at an event to honour his governor.
Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa, who is a member of the House of Representatives, will also be supported by members of the Green Chamber led by Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas.
On Monday, the main streets around the stadium and Airport Road were given a new look.
A member of the inauguration committee, who preferred anonymity, told The Punch that bigwigs of the party are expected to be in town.
He noted that some arrived in Benin on Monday for the inauguration ceremony. He explained: “It is true that bigwigs of the party, including the governor, senators and ministers, will be in the city for the event. Some have already arrived, while more are expected to arrive tomorrow.
“We are also expecting a large turnout for any event sponsored by Okpeboro. They know the governor does not like wasteful spending.”
However, outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki may not attend the ceremony, saying he was not invited to the inauguration.
“If he decides not to attend, no one can force him to do so, but that doesn’t stop the inauguration,” a member of the inaugural committee said.