Buea Central Prison: Nigerian Consul General, Eze Gburu Gburu free incarcerated Nigerians, Cameroonians.

Those freed include 13 Nigerians and five Cameroonians, who had completed their prison sentences, but were still languishing in jail because of the nonpayment of their fines. 
Their fines, amounting to millions, were paid in full by the businessman, with the goal of highlighting the brotherly relations between Cameroon and Nigeria.

In addition to the fines paid, the Consulate General also provided all the necessary travel documents and transport fares to enable the Nigerians travel back to their country of birth.
Addressing the beneficiaries during the ceremony, H.E Bappah Lawal, reminded them that they were loved by their families and countries and must thus live lives away from what took them to prison. 

“…You are still loved by your family, friends and most importantly by Nigerians as well as the Cameroonian government. You can still be useful in your communities. Gird your loins and engage in legitimate businesses to be responsible members of your communities and society,” H.E Bappah advised.

He further urged the beneficiaries to engage in academic pursuit or start small businesses to support their families and communities. 
“For some of you who are academically inclined, you can continue with your studies, while those with skills can engage in other entrepreneurial ventures, with support from family and your community, so that you can have a new lease of life,” he added.

‘Prison was a reformation’
For his part, Eze Gburu Gburu reminded them that prison was a reformation ground and thus they should copy the example of former South African President, the late Nelson Mandela, who left prison to become an important figure. 
“Prison is a correction centre where you learn a lot. As you go home today, drop all the grievances here because if you do not do that, you will be coming back here. Go back and rebuild your lives because you are still important in your community,” he told them. 

Speaking to the press, the business magnate said his humanitarian gesture was the legacy he wanted to build and to demonstrate the friendly relations between the two countries. 
“I want that when I am not here again, people will remember that there was a man called Eze Gburu Gburu, who helped people indiscriminately. This is to show that we as Nigerians, are friendly to our host Cameroonians, because we are one people,” he stated.

Speaking to journalists after receiving his release documents, Peter Nganje Sambe, one of the five Cameroonians who benefited from the gesture, expressed joy, while promising to live a life without crimes after his release. 
“I feel very happy and relieved to be released today. I promise not to go back to the life I was living that led me to prison. I want to thank the Nigerian Consulate and His Royal Majesty Eze Gburu Gburu, for paying my fines and clearing my name,” Nganje said.
For his part, Efiti Godpower Paul, a Nigerian beneficiary, promised to give his life to Christ, so that he will not come back to prison. 

“I am very happy. I thank the Consul General for paying my fines and releasing me. I pray God blesses them. I will give my life to Christ and give up on the life that brought me to prison,” he said.