Obaseki inaugurates 12-man prerogative of mercy council

Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki yesterday inaugurated a 12-man Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.

Speaking during the inauguration of the Advisory Council, Obaseki said the council headed by Justice Peter Isibor (rtd) would ensure justice is served with mercy.

Obaseki said:  “I believe that in advising me you will balance the concept of justice with mercy for victims, victims’ family, society, the convicts and justice to all.

“The Prerogative of Mercy is a constitutional power granted to the governor under section 212 subsection 1 of the 1999 Constitution as amended, which allows the governor to grant any person respite from execution or any punishment after consultation with an advisory council on Prerogative of Mercy as may be established by the law of the state.”

Responding,Isibor said: “We will be dealing with people who are already convicted by a superior Court and we will ensure that only persons who deserve mercy are recommended for state pardon,” 

Members of the council include Isaiah Gaja; the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. YinkaOmorogbe; Prof.VioletAigbokhaevbo; Mrs. F Osazee; Dr. Stephanie Ighedosa; Dr. E Oyanna; Mrs. Rosaline Edigin; Ven. OsaroUyiIgbinosa, the state’s Controller of Prisons; the Commissioner of Police; and the Commander of the Nigerian Air Force.