Posted by By Anayo Okoli on
GOVERNOR Chris Ngige of Anambra State has ordered the release of 19 prisoners from the Awka and Onitsha prisons as part of activities marking the celebration of the second anniversary of ' Anambra Liberation Day".
AWKA-GOVERNOR Chris Ngige of Anambra State has ordered the release of 19 prisoners from the Awka and Onitsha prisons as part of activities marking the celebration of the second anniversary of ' Anambra Liberation Day".
Anambra Liberation Day was passed into law last year by the State House of Assembly. Following attempt to abduct Ngige on July 10, 2003, the House made a law declaring July 10 Liberation Day in the State.
To mark this year's anniversary, Ngige visited Awka and Onitsha prisons where he released the 19 prisoners, which he said was recommended by the State's Council on Prerogative of Mrecy headed by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Chief Nnoruka Udechukwu [SAN]. He also directed the Attorney-General to liaise with the prison authorities to compile another list of prisoners due to be released.
Ngige also donated a Mitshubisi L-300 bus to the prison authorities and announced N1 million donation for the upliftment of the facilities in the prisons. He said that prison inmates would henceforth be receiving free medical treatment in Governments Hospitals in the State.
Earlier in his remarks, the State Comptroller of Prisons, Mr. Sule Danyaya complained of no vehicles to move inmates to courts when their matters come up.
Meanwhile, as part of the activities to mark the Liberation Day, a church service was yesterday held at the St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Awka, which was attended by Ngige and members of his cabinet and some House of Assembly members.