As part of activities to mark the 2023 Democracy Day, Governor Umar Bago of Niger State has granted pardon to 80 inmates held in various correctional facilities across the state. This action was taken as part of the prerogative of mercy granted to the governor by the Nigerian Constitution, for the purpose of giving the pardoned inmates a fresh start in life.
The Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, disclosed in a statement released on Monday that the pardon was granted based on the recommendations of the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy. The council had recommended the release of the inmates based on various factors such as old age, ill health, and good behaviour.
Gov. Bago also approved the immediate payment of their fines to facilitate their quick reunion with their families. The governor urged the pardoned inmates to take advantage of the opportunity to engage in productive ventures and desist from acts that could land them back in jail.
The SSG encouraged the inmates to be law-abiding citizens, engage in legitimate endeavours, and leverage on the various empowerment programmes and policies of the government aimed at improving their welfare and living conditions in the society. He appealed to the people of Niger State to reflect on their roles as peace builders, support good governance in the state, and bring about rapid development in all areas of life.
Usman reassured the public that the present administration would continue to implement measures aimed at ensuring that the dividends of democracy permeated all spheres of life in Niger State, for the overall benefit of the people.
