Niger State Governor Umaru Bago has pardoned 80 inmates from the state’s various correctional facilities in celebration of Democracy Day today.
The governor also allowed the prompt payment of their fines, allowing the convicts to rejoin their families.
This is contained in a statement issued on Monday by Alhaji Abubakar Usman, Secretary to the State Government in Minna.
He emphasised that the detainees’ release was consistent with the governor’s constitutionally authorised prerogative of pity.
Usman stated that the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy recommended the release of the 80 detainees based on their age, health, and good behaviour.
Meanwhile, he urged the offenders to take use of the opportunity to engage in productive activities and to avoid any actions that could land them back in prison.
They are urged to follow the law and engage in legitimate activities by taking advantage of numerous empowerment opportunities.
Speaking to residents, the SSG urged them to spend the occasion to reflect on their roles in peacebuilding and to support good governance.
He also urged them to support the administration’s programmes and policies aimed at accelerating the state’s growth.
Usman guaranteed that the government would ensure that the rewards of democracy were felt throughout the state.
He urged the state’s citizens not to let despair replace optimism, and to reinvigorate their commitment to establishing democratic institutions and instilling tolerance, patriotism, and discipline.
According to the SSG, the government is deeply concerned about the state’s security concerns and is well equipped to address them.
(NAN)
