Bauchi Governor pardons 153 inmates

From David Kuvie Bauchi

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has granted Executive Pardon to 153 inmates serving different jail terms for various offences across the state.

Nigeria Correspondents report that this is inline with provision of section 2012 of the 1999 Constitution which gives such power to the Governor under the Prerogative of Mercy.

The Governor has also donated N50,000 to each of the freed inmates to enable them establish small scale businesses.

Addressing the pardoned inmates at Government House, Bauchi, on Friday, Mohammed charged them to be law abiding citizens and contribute to the development of the society.

Governor Mohammed expressed concern with the present judicial administration system saying it causes unnecessary hardship to inmates.

He promised to introduce a policy that would reduce the state of inmates awaiting trial with a view to decongesting the correctional centres.

He also called for establishment of a Federal Court of Appeal in the state towards ensuring speedy dispensation of justice.

In their separate remarks, the State Chief Judge, Justice Rabi Talatu Umar and the Chairman of the State Council on Prerogative of Mercy, Barrister Abubakar Abdulhamid Bununu who is the Attorney General of the state, called on the inmates to reciprocate the governor’s gesture by avoiding anti social behavior when they reunite with their families.

Also speaking, the Controller of the State Correctional Service, Ali Abubakar Bajoga, commended the Governor for the gesture, noting that it was the largest pardon in the history of the State.

Speaking on behalf of the pardoned inmates, Sa’idu Adamu Giade expressed delight for the gesture and pledged to be law abiding citizens at all time.

Nigeria Correspondents report that most of the pardoned inmates could not meet the option of paying N5,000 as fine to guarantee their freedom.