Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has granted pardon and other forms of executive clemency to 101 inmates and convicts as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The beneficiaries include 94 inmates granted mercy on grounds such as old age, medical conditions, good conduct and rehabilitation, while seven others had their sentences remitted, according to the governor.
Ododo announced the decision in his Independence Day address in Lokoja on Thursday, saying the exercise was carried out under the constitutional prerogative of mercy and guided by considerations of rehabilitation, remorse, humanitarian circumstances, public interest and justice.
He said the Independence anniversary represented freedom, responsibility and enduring hope, adding that justice should be balanced with compassion and recognition of rehabilitation.
The governor disclosed that he inaugurated the seven-member Kogi State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy on September 2.
The council, chaired by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Muizudeen Yunus Abdullahi, SAN, reviewed the cases of the inmates and convicts.
According to Ododo, the council examined correctional records, considered representations made on behalf of the beneficiaries and reviewed correctional reports. Its members also visited correctional centres in Koton Karfe, Kabba, Dekina, Ankpa, Idah and Okene.
He said the council considered factors including the beneficiaries’ ages and health conditions, the nature of their offences, time already served, conduct in custody, remorse, rehabilitation, vocational skills acquired, family and community support, the interests of victims, public safety and the broader interests of justice.
Among those granted mercy on old-age and medical grounds were Lamidi Mohammed Garuba, 91; Ajagbonna Olufemi David, 72; Yakubu Atabo; Chief Umane Okeme; Saidu Atuluku Yunusa; Hilary Chike Nwaeze; Ebenezer Mopah; Abdullahi Jibril; and Usman Ismaila.
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The seven beneficiaries whose sentences were remitted are Tunde Adura, Olusaye Moses Abayomi, Abu Mowde, Zakariyau Baba, Michael Ojonugwa, Rami Sadiq and Salawudeen Sanusi.
Ododo stressed that the clemency did not diminish the seriousness of the offences for which the beneficiaries were convicted, describing the exercise as an expression of constitutional compassion in deserving circumstances.
“You have been given another opportunity, and every second opportunity comes with a greater responsibility,” the governor said.
He urged the beneficiaries to return to their communities as responsible citizens and put the skills acquired while in custody to productive use.
The governor also urged Kogi youths to reject kidnapping, armed robbery, fraud, theft, cultism, drug-related offences and other forms of criminality.
He said poverty, peer pressure and the quest for quick wealth should not be used as excuses for crime.
Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies and strengthening the administration of justice.
He also called on parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders and community stakeholders to support efforts to combat criminality.
“The battle against criminality is not a battle that government can win alone. It is a collective struggle for the soul and future of our communities,” he said.
The governor also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for its reforms in the economy, infrastructure, energy, agriculture, education, healthcare and social investment.
He particularly referenced the deep offshore investment framework, which he said was targeted at unlocking $50 billion in investment.
Ododo said Kogi, with its strategic location at the confluence of the Rivers Niger and Benue and its agricultural, mineral and tourism potential, remained aligned with efforts to build a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.
He called for unity among Kogi residents, irrespective of political, ethnic or religious differences.
“Politics will come and go. Administrations will come and go but Kogi State will remain our common home,” Ododo said.
NAN
