June 12: Governor Bago Frees 80 Prisoners

Eighty prisoners serving different jail terms have been freed by Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State.

Governor Bago also approved immediate payment of their fines so that the affected prisoners can rejoin their families.

A statement by Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Abubakar Usman, in Minna on Monday, said the gesture was to commemorate the 2023 Democracy Day.

He said freeing the inmates was in line with the power of prerogative of mercy granted to the governor by the Constitution.

Usman said the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy recommended the freeing of the 80 inmates due to old age, ill health and good behaviour.

Usman advised 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 told them to be law-abiding and engage in legitimate endeavours by taking advantage of various empowerment windows.

The SSG called on 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 programmes and policies of the administration designed to bring rapid development to the state.

Usman said the government would provide dividends of democracy throughout the state.

He urged people to be hopeful, saying they should be committed to strengthening democratic institutions and imbibing tolerance, patriotism and discipline.