Democracy Day: Gov Umaru Bago Pardons 80 Inmates

Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago has pardoned 80 inmates in various correctional centres in the state.

Bago also approved the immediate payment of their fines to enable the inmates to rejoin their families.

The governor’s pardon was contained in a statement signed and issued by the Secretary to the State Government,
Alhaji Abubakar Usman in Minna on Monday said that the gesture was to mark the 2023 Democracy Day.

He explained that the release of the inmates was in line with the prerogative of mercy granted to the governor by the Constitution.

Usman said that 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 any act that could lead them back to prison.

He also admonished them to be law-abiding and engage in legitimate endeavours by taking advantage of various empowerment windows.

The SSG called on the people of the state to use the period to reflect on their roles in peace-building and support for good governance.

He also enjoined them to support the programmes and policies of the administration designed to bring rapid development to 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.

He urged the people of the state not to allow despondency to replace hope, adding that they should renew their commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and imbibing tolerance, patriotism, and discipline.

The SSG said the government was very concerned about the security challenges in the state and fully prepared to tackle the situation.

Meanwhile, Kanyi Daily reported that President Bola Tinubu says his administration will not tolerate illegal orders from courts used to truncate or abridge democracy.

He said the process of reforming the judiciary has started.

Tinubu stated this in his first Democracy Day speech broadcast to the nation on Monday morning, June 12.