Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State on Friday, granted State Pardon and Mercy to 96 convicted inmates serving various sentences in Correctional Centres across state and empowered each of them with N100, 000.
The State Pardon is in exercise of Section 212 (1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), under the Prerogative of Mercy.
Speaking at the event, Governor Mohammed said the decision to grant the pardon followed the recommendation of the state committee on the Prerogative of Mercy after reviewing the records and confirmed the repentant spirit of the inmates and their determination to become good citizens.
The governor listed part of the criteria by the Committee as old age, terminal, severe and contagious illnesses, convicts on long-term sentence or life imprisonment who have served ten (10) years and above, and good character.
Others are those convicted with minor offenses with option of payment of fines and compensation who have served 2/3rd of their sentence and have exhibited good character.
He urged the freed inmates to be law-abiding citizens and engage in legitimate endeavours by taking advantage of the various empowerment windows provided to them by his administration to become self-employed and useful to themselves and the larger society.
“Accordingly, because of the situation in the country, each of the pardoned persons would receive the sum of N100, 000 and I implore you to make good use of the money.
“This money is not from my pocket, it’s from the state coffers. It is the people of Bauchi state that has extended this good gesture to you. Use it correctly and please, don’t terrorize them with criminality.
“Try and be useful citizens. We believe because of the auspiciousness of this month, you will definitely come back and be better than what you were before,” he said.
Mohammed also called on the Chief Judge of the State to prevail on judges, especially those at the lower courts to be wary of remanding persons at the correctional centres for simple and mundane offences, or even purely civil cases like matrimonial matters.
Governor Mohammed stressed that the pardon granted to the inmates was part of his administration’s determination to ensure decongestion of correctional centres across the state.
He added that his government cares about the poorest and most vulnerable people, hence its resolve to ensure total justice reforms for equity and justice to all.
On his part, Chairman, Bauchi State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, who is also the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Hassan U. EI-Yakub, SAN, said the governor had earmarked and approved the sum of over N7 million for the payment of fines and compensation for those convicts whose sentences involved the payment of fines and compensation.
He said governor Mohammed equally earmarked, approved and released the sum of about N13 million as palliatives and transport money for the 96 freed inmates.
EI-Yakub said the Advisory Council received 106 applications from convicts who were seeking the indulgence of the Governor for mercy, pardon or clemency.
“The Council carefully selected 96 deserving inmates and recommended them to his Excellency for approval. I am delighted to inform this august gathering that, in his usual humane nature and benevolence, His Excellency without any hesitation, approved the recommendations of the Council for the release of all the inmates presented by the Council,” EI-Yakub said.
In their separate remarks, Comptroller, Nigeria Correctional Service, Bauchi State Command, Ali Bajoga, Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Auwal Musa among others, hailed Governor Mohammed for his foresight.
They charged the pardoned inmates to reciprocate the gesture by living up to expectations.
Some of the inmates expressed appreciation for the freedom granted them and promised to be law abiding citizens when they reunite with their family.
