Man freed after 25 years in prison without trial in Akwa Ibom

DENNIS UDOMA, Uyo

Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom, Friday, granted amnesty to 64 year old Mr. Okon Sunday Akpan from Etinan Local Government Area of the state.

Mr. Akpan who gained his freedom through the governor’s gesture, had been at the medium security prison, Ikot Ekpene for over 25 years without trial.

The Governor, accompanied by the State’s Chief Judge, Justice Stephen Okon and members of his cabinet, was at the prison on a working visit to avail himself with the welfare of the inmates where he exercised the prerogative of mercy.

“Go and sin no more,” the governor advised the beneficiary but, frowned at the slow dispensation of justice by the judiciary and stressed the need for speedy trial to save the prisons from congestion especially, those wrongfully being incarcerated and put in awaiting trail.

Governor Emmanuel used the occasion to advise parents to see the need for proper upbringing of their children through sound moral guidance to enable them become useful citizens in the society.

He reiterated his commitment to ensuring that youths are meaningfully engaged in vocational skills as avenue of reducing criminality and advised the inmates to show genuine repentance.

While directing the health ministry to ensure medicare for two female inmates who are pregnant, the governor announced the donation of 100 bags of rice and three cows to the prison for their upkeep and commended the prison officials for dedication as reformers of the society.

Comptroller of Prisons, Akwa Ibom State Command, Dr. Regina Akpan, expressed appreciation to the Governor for the visit. She said the prison accommodates five hundred and eighty three inmates with five hundred and forty-five males, and thirty-eight females.

The Comptroller however, called on the state government to assist the prison with the provision of operational vehicles, water, medicals and training facilities amongst others.