The Yobe State Government has pardoned 115 inmates selected from various correctional centers across the state.
The pardoning followed rigorous scrutiny by the sub-inaugural committee on the prerogative of mercy, headed by the former Attorney General and the current Senior Special Assistant on Legal Matters to the Governor, Barrister Sale Samanja.
While presenting the report, Samanja said the pardoning by the governor was in line with the powers conferred on him in Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution as amended.
Barrister Sale Samanja said all those freed were happy with the governor’s benevolence, assuring them that they could use their freedom to correct their past mistakes.
Receiving the committee’s report at the Government House in Damaturu, Governor Mai Mala Buni described the report for the pardoning of the inmates as vital, taking into consideration the efforts of his administration towards supporting the decongestion of the correctional services.
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Buni said that as a government, he believes in measures that will facilitate inmates’ rehabilitation, urging wealthy individuals to assist in upsetting minor fines that put many in jails.
The governor expressed hope that those who were freed have learned their lessons by avoiding repeating what put them in jail.
He commended the committee for their efforts, which led to the successful identification and freeing of the 115 inmates.
