Ikpeazu pardons nine prisoners as Abia workers get December salaries

Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu at the weekend pardoned nine prisoners serving various jail terms at the Enugu, Aba, Umuahia and Kirikiri, Lagos prisons in the spirit of the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

According to Abia State Commissioner for Information, John Okiyi Kalu, the prisoners were convicted by courts within Abia State for offenses ranging from murder to stealing, advanced fee fraud and assault.

In a statement made available to The Guardian, Kalu said: “Two of the prisoners had their death sentences commuted to life imprisonment, while another female murder convict, had her death sentence commuted to a pardon and an order made for her release.

“The other six prisoners were granted total pardon and also ordered to be released forthwith.”Okiyi Kalu also revealed that the state government has settled its workers’ salaries to ensure they celebrated the Christmas with their families, adding, “All ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) received November 2017 salary payments with at least six MDAs receiving December 2017 payment before the close of business on Friday.

“Teachers were expected to have been paid, alongside others, but necessary documentations were completed late on Friday. We, therefore, expect teachers and pensioners to receive salary payment bank alerts on Wednesday, December 27 alongside other MDAs that are yet to receive December 2017 salaries. Further payments will be made to teachers and pensioners as we commence the disbursement of the third tranche of Paris Club Refunds.”