As part of the events to mark the 2024 New Year, four Nigerian Governors pardoned 96 prisons inmates in their different states.
Benue pardoned 12, Gombe 39, Nasarawa released 14 while Taraba showed clemency to14.
Benue Governor Hyacinth Alia pardoned 12 prisoners who served various terms at the Makurdi, Otukpo and Gboko prisons.
In a statement on Sunday by his media aide Bridget Ikyado, the governor granted the inmates pardon during a prison visit.
The gesture, according to the statement, conformed with the provisions of Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended and as part of efforts to decongest the prisons.
Read also
- Gunmen free 240 Inmates from Kogi Prison
- Inmates rot in Akwa Ibom Correctional Centres- alleges Journalist
- Former Akwa Ibom Attorney General Advocates more prisons to ease congestion
The pardon was granted based on the Benue State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy recommendations headed by attorney general Fidelis Mnyim.
“Give your society the very best. And as for the gentleman whose dismissal has been converted to termination of appointment, don’t take any elements of life for granted. Demonstrate your newness in your society,” Mr Alia advised the freed inmates.
He added, “I will make provision for better welfare for you here, but this shouldn’t be home for you. I am quite shocked to see the faces of many young people here where there are a total of 525 inmates, including 25 females, one with a baby and others who came in with pregnancy.”
Mr Mnyim explained that the eight-man committee thoroughly scrutinised the inmates before making its recommendation.
Speaking on behalf of the released inmates, Barnabas Apaav thanked the governor for his gesture and assured him they would behave well.
From Gombe State, 39 convicted inmates across custodial centers were pardoned; 26 are to be released unconditionally, while 13 others’ terms have been shortened.
Announcing this on Monday during a statewide broadcast to commemorate the 2024 New Year, Governor Muhammadu Yahaya said it was based on the recommendation of the state advisory council on the prerogative of mercy.
He urged the beneficiaries to distance themselves from criminal activities capable of returning them to correctional centres.
He said, “In the spirit of the new year, and based on the recommendation of the state advisory council on the prerogative of mercy, I have granted clemency to 39 convicted inmates in our custodial centres, out of which 26 inmates will be granted unconditional pardon, while the remaining 13 have their sentences commuted to shorter periods. It is our hope that the beneficiaries will turn a new leaf and embrace this opportunity for a fresh start.”
“Over the past six months, we have introduced policies like wage grants to civil servants, food and agricultural support, and other palliative measures aimed at cushioning the side effects of the resulting economic shocks. The first phase of our food palliative intervention, which was rolled out in August 2023, targeted 420,000 poor and vulnerable people among us.
“Tomorrow, we are rolling out the second phase of our palliative food distribution program, targeting about 90,000 beneficiaries across the state. Already, a committee has been set up under the chairmanship of H.E. Deputy Governor, with representation of various stakeholders to take charge of this responsibility.
The Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule pardoned 14 inmates from serving various jail terms at the custodian centers in the state.
This was made known in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General (AG), Labaran Magaji and made available to journalists in Lafia.
The Commissioner said that the action of the governor was an exercise of the powers conferred on him under Sections 212 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The AG further explained that Gov. Sule had carried out the function based on the enabling powers conferred on him and in due consultation with the State Advisory Council on the prerogative of mercy, chaired by himself.
Magaji also said that the governor have released the inmates in commemoration of the January 1, 2024, celebration.
The Attorney-General therefore called on the inmates to be law-abiding and desist from committing any crime that would bring them back to the correctional facility.
Also, Taraba State governor, Agbu Kefas, granted clemency and pardoned 31 inmates in correctional centres across the state.
According to the governor, the decision reflects his administration’s commitment to justice, compassion and believes in the transformative power of rehabilitation.
Governor Kefas maintained that his dedication to the peace, unity and development of Taraba state is unwavering as he assured the people of addressing and overcoming security challenges in the state head-on.
The governor spoke in a statewide broadcast to mark the 2024 New Year.
He said, “As we usher in the dawn of a new year, I extend my heartfelt wishes to each and every one of you.
“Together, we started at the threshold of 2024, a year brimming with possibilities and opportunities for our great state.
“In the spirit of renewal and progress, I am pleased to announce that, in the exercise of my prerogative of power, we shall be granting clemency to 31 deserving inmates.
“This decision reflects our commitment to justice, compassion and the belief in the transformative power of rehabilitation.
“In addition, let me assure you that our dedication to the unity and development of Taraba remains unwavering.
“Every citizen across the 168 wards is an integral part of our collective journey towards prosperity.
“My administration is resolute in ensuring that the dividends of governance are felt by the people.
“Our government is truly a government by the people, of the people, for the people.”
Addressing the security challenges that have touched the lives of some of our citizens is a constitutional responsibility that we take seriously.
“In the coming months of the year, we will redouble our efforts to make Taraba a safer haven for all.”
