Governor Umar Bago of Niger State has pardoned 80 inmates in various correctional centres across the State.
The governor has also approved the immediate payment of their fines to enable the inmates immediately rejoin their families.
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Alhaji Abubakar Usman, Secretary to the State Government, in a statement in Minna on Monday, explained that the gesture was part of activities to mark the 2023 Democracy Day.
According to the governor, the release of the inmates was in line with the prerogative of mercy granted to the governor by the Constitution for them to start a new life afresh.
Usman said, “The State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy recommended the release of the 80 inmates based on old age, ill health and good behaviour.”
Usman appealed to the inmates to make use of the opportunity to engage in useful ventures and shun acts that could lead them back to prison and be detrimental to the peaceful coexistence of the state and the country as a whole.
He admonished them to be law-abiding and engage in legitimate endeavours by taking advantage of various empowerment windows to establish themselves in society for their benefit.
The SSG called on the people of the state to use the 2023 Democracy Day to reflect on their roles in peace-building and support good governance for a better tomorrow.
He also enjoined them to support the programmes and policies of the present administration designed to bring rapid development in all spheres of life to the people in the state.
Usman reassured that the government would ensure that the dividends of democracy were felt in all the nooks and crannies of the state for the overall benefit of all.