As part of activities marking this year’s Democracy Day, Niger State Governor, Umar Mohammed Bago has approved the payment of fines for the discharge of 80 inmates spread across various Correctional Centres in the State.
The approval to this effect is contained in a statement issued to Newsmen by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman in Minna.
It explained that the payment of fines for the discharge of the inmates by Governor Umar Bago was in line with the power of Prerogative of Mercy as guaranteed under Nigeria’s 1999 constitution.
According to him, “the payment of fines were also considered based on the recommendation of the State Advisory Council on prerogative of mercy with due consideration to old age, ill-health and good behavior.”
The Secretary to the Niger State Government appealed to the former inmates to make use of their freedom by engaging in useful ventures and shun acts that could lead them back to prison.
Alhaji Usman implored them to be law-abiding citizens and engage in legitimate businesses, in addition to taking advantage of various empowerment windows.
He also called on residents of the State to use the period to reflect on their roles in peace-building and support for good governance.
