By Fatima Zahra Muhammad
ASHENEWS reports that the Niger state governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago has pardoned 80 inmates, to mark this year’s Democracy Day celebration.
This is contained in a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman on Monday.
Usman said that the governor equally approved the payment of fines for all 80 inmates to facilitate their discharge from the various correctional centers across the state.
“The payment of fine for the discharge of the inmates by the Governor was in line with the power of Prerogative of Mercy as guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The payment of fines was also considered based on the recommendation of the State Advisory Council on the prerogative of mercy with due consideration to old age, ill health, and good behavior,” the statement said.
Usman charged the beneficiaries to take the government’s pardon as an opportunity to make themselves useful members of society.
He further urged the people of the State to renew their commitment to strengthening democratic institutions by imbibing values that will promote democracy such as tolerance, patriotism, and discipline.
Usman, who urged citizens not to allow despondency to replace hope said that the government was aware of the existing security challenges in the state.
He reassured the people of the state that the government is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that democratic dividends are felt in all the nooks and crannies of the state.
