By Henry Ibya, Makurdi
Benue State governor, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia, on Monday granted pardon to six inmates serving at the Maximum Correctional Center in Makurdi.
Alia’s action is not an isolated incident, as he had previously granted pardon to 12 inmates in February this year with the action demonstrating commitment to rehabilitation and reintegration aimed at providing a second chance to those who have shown signs of positive change in attitude.
The Governor who was represented by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Fidelis Mnyim, during his visit to the facility, cited Section 212 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 As Amended as the basis for his authority to grant them pardon.
He emphasized that the released inmates would receive various skills training to become self-sufficient,
adding that the pardoned inmates were recommended by the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, headed by Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order.
The governor noted that the pardon was not influenced by political reasons but rather by the recommendations and testimonies of clergy and individuals who interacted with the inmates personally, assuring that other inmates who demonstrate genuine change and remorse by exhibiting good character, may be considered for pardon in the next phase.
He disclosed that the freed inmates have been empowered with skills acquisition training to make them self-reliant and useful to society.
Benue State Comptroller of Nigeria Correctional Services, Mary Oche, in a remark thanked the governor for freeing the inmates and encouraged them to shun crime and embrace their new life.
One of the released inmates, Umar Danasabe, who was sentenced to death for armed robbery 14 years ago, expressed gratitude to the governor and promised to be of good conduct going forward.