Tambuwal, Akeredolu Pardon 49 Inmates

Sokoto State Governor, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal and his Ondo State counterpart, Rotimi Akeredolu, have pardoned 49 prigon inmates.

While Tambuwal freed 19 in Sokoto, Akeredolu freed 30 in Ondo.

Speaking at the Sokoto central prison yesterday, Tambuwal said the move was in line with the governor’s mandate as contained in section 214 of the 1999 Constitution.

“The gesture is exercised by the governor based on the powers conferred on him by the 1999 Constitution.’’

Tambuwal, who was represented by the state Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Suleiman Usman (SAN), said each of the pardoned inmates would be given N30,000 as assistance to enable them return their various homes.

He called on the pardoned inmates to be law abiding and keep away from criminal activities.

In a remark, the state Commissioner of Home Affairs, Alhaji Isa Sadiq Achida, called on the freed inmates to turn a new leaf.

According to him, they should use the opportunity to engage in meaningful activities that will enable them become responsible members of the society.

”You should be of good behavior, be good ambassadors of your families, as well as strive to be good and productive citizens,” Achida advised.

The Controller of Prisons, Mr. Haliru Nababa, commended the governor for the gesture.

He urged the freed inmates not to engage in any activity that could lead them back to jail.

In Ondo State, the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Yemi Olowolabi, said the pardon of the prisoners by Akeredolu was effected to mark the country’s 57th Independence anniversary.

Olowolabi said the action of the governor, was a follow up to recommendation of the State Advisory Council.

“The prisoners’ pardon is part of the prerogative of mercy which the state governor executes regularly particularly during the annual independence anniversary.

“Most of the released prisoners were recommended for pardon on account of having been found to be of good conduct while serving their jail terms,” he said.