Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, says his administration is making renewed efforts to identify minor offenders in correctional centres across the state for possible pardon as part of yuletide interventions.
Otti disclosed this on Friday during the November edition of his monthly media interaction in Umuahia, where he outlined several security, infrastructure and welfare initiatives of his government.
The governor said he recently met with the Zonal Commandant of the Nigerian Correctional Service and reviewed ongoing support for facilities in the state.
He explained, “Even though it is a federal agency, our people are the ones affected. So, we decided to protect the entire place by erecting perimeter fences, and we are building a one-storey holding centre to decongest the cells. The idea is not to keep more people there, but to ensure that those who enter the centre do not come out as hardened criminals.”
Otti said he had previously attempted to apply the prerogative of mercy but had been unable to find eligible inmates. He has now directed the Command to conduct a fresh review.
According to him, “In the last two years, I made attempts to grant pardon to minor offenders using the prerogative of mercy, but we couldn’t find any. All the 1,900-plus inmates had serious offences. I have asked the Zonal Commandant to look into it again to see if there are people who can be considered as we mark the end of the year.”
The governor also appealed to residents to remain security-conscious throughout the festive period.
“As a government, we are doing all necessary to ensure a secure environment. We consult regularly with service commanders — police, army, NSCDC and others. Intelligence is key. Give information, take charge of your own security and don’t fear,” he said.
Otti then gave a rundown of the government’s achievements over the last month, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to governance and infrastructure.
He noted that “Abia emerged as the most prepared state out of the 36 states plus Abuja,” in the national assessment and has received positive ratings from independent bodies.
The governor disclosed the arrival of electric buses in the state, “Before the end of the year, our electric buses that have started arriving will be put on the road, and that will further crash the cost of transportation in the state.”
On revenue enforcement, Otti said the sealing of some business premises followed due process, including demand notices and court orders, adding that the government “does not discriminate” but is focused on recovering what is owed.
He also revealed that Abia is concluding plans to acquire the distribution network in Umuahia and neighbouring LGAs to enable the state to distribute excess power generated in Aba.
On workers’ welfare, Otti said the state remains up-to-date on salaries. He described the over ₦60bn verified gratuity backlog since 2001 as “disheartening,” but assured that gradual payment would begin soon.
The governor further announced improved support for NYSC members serving in the state, noting that the long-standing ₦4,000 extra allowance had been increased to between ₦20,000 and ₦50,000 depending on location. He added that the NYSC camp in Bende had been upgraded with water, street lights and internal road improvements
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