Niger canvasses advancement of democracy
Governor Uba Sani has ordered the release of 110 convicts to mark this year’s Democracy Day in Kaduna State.
He gave the directive during a visit to the Nigerian Correctional Centre in Kaduna yesterday, where he extolled those who sacrificed during the struggle for June 12 revalidation.
His words: “I came to this custodial centre today (yesterday) with mixed feelings. We are celebrating our Democracy Day, a day set aside to pay tributes to those who made sacrifices so that we can live in freedom. I am also here to see our brothers and sisters, who found themselves on the wrong side of the law.
“No society can exist and endure without law and order. Citizens must at all times desist from criminal activities and obey constituted authorities. We, however, recognise the fact that some citizens may have found themselves in custodial centres due to their inability to access justice or pay fines for small offences. We live in a society where the underprivileged do not have the financial wherewithal to vigorously pursue the course of justice.”
The governor remarked “For the avoidance of doubt, I am releasing a total number of 110 convicts today (yesterday) to mark the celebration of our one year in office, and more importantly, to celebrate the 2024 June 12 Democracy Day.
“Out of this number, there are 22 convicts who will be released on pardon under the prerogative of mercy powers conferred on me by Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). The remaining 88 convicts consist of those who have been convicted with an option of a fine from 10,000 and above, while others have compensation to pay to their victims from N150,000 and above, and in some cases, we have those with both fines and compensation elements.
“I have been so disturbed with the high rate of inmates either awaiting trials or those whose trials have begun but are still ongoing, while those who have been convicted with fine or option of fine also make the number. This is more worrisome to me considering the capacity of our custodial centres in Kaduna State. The initial capacity was 500 but upgraded now to 1,100. The custodial centres have been overstretched. We now have a total number of 3,000 inmates.”
ALSO, Niger State Governor, Muhammad Umaru Bago, has regretted that amid achievements, Nigeria has continued to grapple with numerous challenges such as electoral violence, insecurity, ethnic and religious intolerance, as well as economic hardship, which are hampering the growth and development of democracy in the country.
He made the submission in a message, issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, to mark the celebration.
The governor canvassed electoral reforms, strengthening of democratic institutions, promotion of youths and women empowerment in politics, as well as investing in education and addressing socio-economic challenges for advancement
