In perhaps his last act in charge of Edo State, outgoing governor, Godwin Obaseki, on Monday, granted pardon to 10 inmates with less than one year to serve their terms in correctional centres in the state.
Those pardoned were Igwe Kelechukwu, Esazobor Ohioze, Gift Osaretun, Takyi Rockson, Dikuar Friday, Ossai Glory, Augustine Sunday, Daulagha Ebifagha Godluck, James Paul and Anas Isah.
The pardon, in exercise of the governor’s prerogative of mercy, was contained in a statement by the Office of the Special Adviser (Media) in the Governor’s Office, headed by Mr. Crusoe Osagie.
Obaseki is handing over power to Senator Monday Okpebholo, who was declared winner of last 21 September governorship election, defeating his closest rival and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dr. Asue Ighodalo.
Obaseki’s pardon of 10 inmates followed the request by the Chairman of the Edo State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, Justice P.O. Isibor (rtd).
The statement read: “Following the ending of His Excellency’s tenure, the council received a letter from the Benin Correctional Service, dated 5th day of November 2024, requesting for clemency for the inmates having less than one year to serve, forwarded to the council by the Controller of the Correctional Centre.
“The council convened a meeting where their applications were scrutinised and unanimously made appropriate recommendations.
“Mr Governor is respectfully invited to consider and approve the recommendations of the council”.
Meanwhile, the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City has come alive as the inauguration ceremony to usher in Okpebholo as the new governor.
Okpebholo becomes the fifth governor of the state since the Fourth Republic commenced in 1999.
Expectedly, all the All Progressives Congress governors will be in Benin, the state capital, while Senate President Godswill Akpabio leads members of the Red Chamber to the event to honour one of their own.
The deputy governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, who is a member of the House of Representatives, will also have the support of members of the Green Chamber, led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas.
On Monday, major streets around the stadium and Airport Road wore a new look.
A member of the inauguration committee who craved anonymity told The PUNCH that the party bigwigs are expected to be in town.
He noted that some arrived in Benin on Monday for the inauguration.
He said: “It is true that the party bigwigs, including governors, senators and ministers will be in town for the event. Some have even arrived and many more will come in tomorrow.
“The people are also expected to come out en masse for the event that Okpehbolo is bankrolling. You know the governor does not like wasteful spending”.
