By Samuel Luka, Bauchi
The Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, has granted executive pardons to 73 inmates from correctional centres across the state and provided each of them with N100,000 to support their reintegration into society.
The announcement was made during a ceremony held at the Government House Banquet Hall in Bauchi on Wednesday.
Speaking at the event, the governor said the decision coincided with the holy month of Ramadan, which he described as a period of mercy, reflection and renewal.
“The prerogative of mercy is a sacred responsibility that requires wisdom, restraint and careful consideration,” Mr Mohammed said.
“Ramadan is a season of mercy, reflection, repentance, renewal and devotion. While justice preserves order, mercy restores hope,” he added.
According to the governor, the decision to pardon the inmates followed a thorough review process that considered factors such as remorse, improved behaviour, health conditions, age and the broader interest of justice.
He said the move was intended to offer deserving individuals an opportunity to rebuild their lives.
Mr Mohammed also commended the state’s Attorney General, the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy and officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service for what he described as a rigorous and transparent process.
The governor said the financial support given to each beneficiary was aimed at helping them begin a new chapter after their release.
In his remarks, the Bauchi State Controller of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Monday Tebu, thanked the governor for the pardons.
He also appealed to members of the public to accept the released inmates and support their reintegration into society.
