… Raises over three million Naira for instant release of those sentenced with option of fine
… Offer Free Legal services to over 1,500 awaiting trial inmates
The member representing Okigwe South Federal Constituency, in the House of Representatives, Hon. Deacon Chike Okafor, on Wednesday 15th November 2023, stormed Owerri Correctional Centre, Okigwe road, Owerri, to mark his 51st birthday with the inmates.
Recall that Hon. Chike Okafor had put off his 50th birthday, in 2022, following the demise of his father in-law, and it was believed he will mark this year’s birthday in style, especially as it coincided with numerous political victories, for himself, and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), which has just clinched, again, the Governorship seat of Imo State, through the incumbent Governor, Sen. Hope Uzodimma.
Hon. Chike Okafor chose, rather, to repeat his signature prison ministry, as a way to mark his birthday.
He arrived the confinement with notable leaders, religious and secular, his gospel band and with family and friends, including his parents, His Royal Highness, Eze Dr. Ifeanyichukwu Okafor -Ibe and his wife, State pastor of Dominion City, Pastor Nnanna, who took the exhortation, Presiding Pastor of City of God church, Owerri, who concluded the alter call, Pastor King, Pastor Kasie Ugo and a host of other pastors.
Members of Imo State Executive council were ably represented through Hon. Dr. Okey Anukwem, the Hon. Commissioner for Special Duties, and Hon. Prince Henry Okafor, the commissioner for Niger Delta Affairs, as well as Hon. Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Comrade Simon Ebegbulam, among other top Government functionaries.
Hon. Chike Okafor, after his usual song ministration, called on the prison comptroller to make available the list of those sentenced with option of fine, irrespective of the amount, and the names were reeled out.
The total cost, which was well over three million Naira, was immediately raised, by Hon. Chike Okafor, his Wife, Deaconess Akudo Okafor and friends and allies there present.
Also noteworthy is the fact that Inmates with pressing Medical needs had their bills sorted, immediately, including those who required surgery.
Responding, the comptroller of facility thanked Hon. Chike Okafor for always being there when they call, recalling that Hon. Chike Okafor had built an ICT centre in the facility, some time ago, which is used for examinations, including the forthcoming NECO exams, which some inmates applied for and are set to seat for the exams.
Hon. Chike Okafor received a rousing applause from the inmates and also prayers for his wellbeing and growth.
The inmates also commended Hon. Chike Okafor for his love and commitment towards them, and for continuously assisting them secure their freedom and access Medicare.