Kaduna governor frees 97 inmates, offers training

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has granted freedom to 97 inmates at the Kaduna Correctional Centre, reaffirming his administration's commitment to justice and rehabilitation. The clemency, part of Democracy Day activities, included cash grants and enrollment opportunities in state vocational training institutes for the ex-convicts.

Governor Sani explained the releases were made under the constitutional Prerogative of Mercy, following recommendations from the Kaduna State Advisory Council. The exercise involved outright releases, sentence commutations, and fine payments for eligible inmates. "While justice must be upheld, we must never lose sight of the transformative power of redemption and the importance of second chances," Sani stated, urging the freed individuals to embrace lawful lives.

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While justice must be upheld, we must never lose sight of the transformative power of redemption and the importance of second chances.

To facilitate their reintegration, the governor announced financial grants and offered admission to Kaduna State Skills Acquisition and Vocational Institutes. This initiative aims to equip former inmates with practical skills for self-reliance and positive societal contribution. Sani also appealed to community leaders, including traditional and religious figures, to support the beneficiaries, emphasizing that "Successful rehabilitation requires collective societal support."

The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, James Kanyip, described the clemency as a demonstration of the governor's compassionate leadership. He highlighted the Prerogative of Mercy as a constitutional tool for balancing justice with mercy, promoting rehabilitation, and decongesting correctional facilities. In a separate Democracy Day message, Sani reflected on Nigeria's democratic journey, particularly the 1993 election, and paid tribute to key figures of the pro-democracy movement.

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Successful rehabilitation requires collective societal support. We must all play our part in ensuring that those who have served their time are given the opportunity to rebuild their lives.