South East governors preach sacrifice, fairness, hope, peace

Obiano commutes death sentences of eight
As Nigeria marked her 57th anniversary as a sovereign nation yesterday, Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu and his Imo, Enugu and Ebonyi counterparts, Rochas Okorocha, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and David Umahi canvassed sacrifice, fairness, hope and peace.

To Ikpeazu, the challenges notwithstanding, Nigerians should still look up to God for redemption.

“Nigeria cannot however be destroyed by the activity and or inactivity of one man or group,” he submitted.

However, the Bishop of Anglican Diocese of Egbu, Geoffrey Okorafor, enjoined the political class to work harder to salvage the country.

Ugwuanyi, on his part, sued for equity and /*fairness, saying it was the only way the people could appreciate the country’s togetherness.

Umahi, in his remarks, said he was sending a bill to the House of Assembly for an Act prohibiting hate speeches in the state.

The chief executives made their positions known at separate functions to mark the day in their various capital cities of Umuahia, Owerri, Enugu and Abakaliki.

Umahi warned against violent agitations by youths in the country, advocating for a peaceful and united country where fairness, justice, love reign supreme.

Also, the first executive governor of the state and senator representing Ebonyi North, Sam Egwu warned against violent marches.

Also yesterday, Governor Willie Obiano commuted to life imprisonment the death sentences of eight prisoners in exercise of his right to prerogative of mercy as part of his independence package to the citizens.

The convicts, who have been in custody for no less than 19 years each, would now be granted freedom upon completion of their new 12-year terms.

The governor announced the reprieve at a Eucharistic mass in St. Mathew’s Catholic Church, Akpu in Orumba South Council of the state.

He revealed that 12 other prisoners, serving various sentences, would also have theirs commuted while others would be granted amnesty.