Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State on Saturday extended executive mercy to 32 inmates across custodial centres in the state, using his 66th birthday to offer them a fresh start and a chance at reintegration into society.
The governor announced the pardon during a visit to the Lafia Custodial Centre, one of the facilities housing beneficiaries of the decision. The visit formed part of activities lined up to commemorate his birthday.
Addressing the freed inmates, Sule urged them to embrace responsible living and avoid actions that could lead them back into conflict with the law.
He stressed that the pardon was an opportunity for renewal and should be justified through good conduct and positive contribution to society.
He explained that the exercise was carried out in fulfilment of his constitutional duty, following recommendations submitted by the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.
The governor praised members of the council for handling the process with diligence, integrity and thorough assessment of the cases presented to them.
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Sule further reminded the inmates that the mercy extended to them came with expectations of discipline and law-abiding behaviour, noting that society would judge the success of the gesture by their conduct after release.
Also speaking during the visit, the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Isaac Danladi, commended the governor for the decision, describing it as a deliberate move to strengthen the justice system and promote humane governance in the state.
Danladi said the pardon was granted in line with the powers vested in the governor under Sections 212 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution, following due consultation with the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.
He added that the action reflected the governor’s belief in rehabilitation, restorative justice and the importance of giving deserving citizens a second chance to reform and rebuild their lives.
The pardon exercise is part of ongoing efforts by the Nasarawa State Government to decongest custodial centres while reinforcing correctional ideals centred on reform rather than punishment alone.
NAN
