ODAHIEKWU OGUNDE, Yenagoa
The Movement for the Survival of Ijaw Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has slammed the Ministry of Interior and the Nigerian Correctional Service for allegedly defying President Muhammadu Buhari on the state pardon he granted 159 prisoners.
The group described the non-release of the pardoned prisoners more than 60 days after President’s prerogative of mercy as an affront to the constituted authorities in the land.
MOSIEND said despite the Presidential Order and the failing health of most of the beneficiaries of the state pardon, the alleged decision of the MoI and NCS to disobey the President and the Council of State should not be tolerated and condoned.
The group in a statement on Monday by its Secretary-General, Ambassador Wiston Amain, however, commended President Buhari for the decision to grant state pardon to a son of the Niger Delta, Mr. Ebiware Edmund, and 158 others serving various jail terms in the nation’s correctional centres.
Amain said: “The people of the Niger Delta commend President Muhammadu Buhari for granting state pardon to Mr. Ebiware Edmund and 158 others that are serving various jail terms in the nation’s correctional facilities.
“We will forever be grateful for this singular act of Mr. President that will see Mr Ebiware Edmund as a free man to reunite with his immediate family, friends and loved ones.
“Having granted this state pardon, it’s expected that the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Justice and other relevant organs of government do justice to the state pardon that was also endorsed by the National Council of State to enable all those listed and captured to reunite with their various families.
“But this is now looking like a tall order that after 60 days, they are still held in Kuje Correctional Centre. We are using this medium to call on our father, President Muhammadu Buhari to match words with action by directing the relevant state actors to get to work and do the needful by releasing all those captured for state pardon.”
The secretary general also restated the group’s call for the beneficiaries of the state pardon, particularly Ebiware Edmund, to be released and allowed access to medical care.
He added: “Ebiware is in need of medical attention as a result of his failing health and body weakness being observed recently.
“Therefore, we are appealing to President Buhari to match his words with action in calling for the immediate release of Comrade Ebiware Edmund and others that have been granted state pardon to enable them to recieve urgent medical examination and reunite with their families and loved ones.”