About 45 prisoners have regained freedom through Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu’s exercise of his prerogative of mercy.

The inmates who regained their freedom were convicted for various offenses and have spent considerable periods in correctional centre in the state.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nsa Gill, the governor’s action was in the spirit of the new year and the people’s first mantra of his administration.

He noted that the directive was contained in the approval given to the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ededem Ani.

According to the statement, the exercise was in pursuant to section 212 (1) (a) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (Amended).

Mr Gill listed the freed prisoners’ offences to include felony, stealing, breaking and entering, assault, threats to life, cultism and armed robbery.

Others are illegal entry, logging and unlawful possession of firearms, conspiracy, assault and threatening violence, and malicious damage.

He stated, “It’s important to give a second chance to those pardoned and considered reformed, as well as the need to decongest the prison.’’

(NAN)