Democracy Day:Niger govt.pays fine to free 80 inmates.

 By correspondent in Minna.

   Governor Mohammed Umar Bago.

 Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger state has approved the payment of an unspecified sum of money as a fine for the discharge of 80 inmates serving various jail terms across National Correctional Centres (NCC) in the state as part of activities marking June 12/Democracy Day, Governor.

The Niger State Government (SSG), Alhaji Abubakar Usman, disclosed this in a statement signed by Lawal Tanko, an Information Officer, Office of the SSG in Minna on Monday.

The approved payment of the fine, according to SSG, is in line with the powers of the Prerogative of Mercy as guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The payment of fines was also considered based on the recommendations of the State Advisory Council on the prerogative of mercy with due considerations too; old age, ill health, and as well good behaviors," the SSG added.

The SSG  implored the inmates to make good use of their freedom by being law-abiding, engaging in legitimate ventures, shunning acts that could lead them back to the correctional facility, and exploring the many available empowerment schemes to become self-reliant.

Usman also called on the people of the state to reflect on their roles in nation-building, promotion of peace as well as ensuring support for good governance. 

 

He also enjoined Nigerlites to support the programs and policies of Governor Umar Bago-led administration geared towards bringing rapid development across the state.  

 

"Niger state government is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that democratic dividends spread across the nooks and crannies of the state, hence Nigerlites must not allow despondency to replace their hope and trust in the Bago-led administration," urged.

 

He also implored the citizenry to renew their commitments to strengthening democratic institutions by imbibing the values of peaceful co-existence, tolerance for one another, patriotism, and discipline without which democracy cannot thrive.

Edited by Dada Ahmed.