The governor recently granted an executive pardon to prisoners in Bauchi, in exercise of his constitutional Prerogative of Clemency powers. This decision follows a careful review of the detainees’ files by the Clemency Prerogative Committee, confirming their remorse for their misdeeds and their desire to become good citizens.
The governor clarified that he only granted pardons to convicts unable to pay fines or compensation during their trial, and that he deliberately refused to pardon convicts for capital crimes in order to deter them from committing crimes. other people to commit such acts.
“I encourage those pardoned from now on to respect the law and engage in legitimate activities. Take advantage of the various emancipation opportunities offered by the administration to become independent and useful to society.”
The governor also asked the state’s chief justice to sensitize judges, especially those in lower courts, to avoid sending people to correctional centers for minor offenses or civil cases such as matrimonial disputes .
Earlier, the state Commissioner for Justice said the governor had allocated and approved N7 million for the payment of fines and compensation to convicts whose sentences involved such financial obligations.
This gesture of humanity shows the importance of the rehabilitation and integration of former prisoners into society. It is essential that these individuals, after benefiting from this second chance, seize the opportunity to become exemplary and active citizens within the community.