The Governor made the gesture in his speech during the occasion of the release of 110 convicts from custodial centers in Kaduna, Tuesday, saying that his administration is anchored on justice and fairness with a commitment to bringing succour to the poor, vulnerable, and underserved in the State.
According to him, there is inherent goodness in every person and everyone deserves a second chance including Persons in custodial centers who can turn a new leaf and contribute to the growth and development of the state.
The Governor opined that no society can exist and endure without law and order as Citizens must at all times desist from criminal activities and obey constituted authorities.
However, he understands that some citizens may have found themselves in custodial centers due to their inability to access justice or pay fines for small offences which is why he took the liberty of granting State Pardon to some while paying the fine for others.
He revealed that due to his concerns for a more reformatory system, he had cause to release on pardon some inmates deserving of such magnanimity during October 1st, 2023, and the January 1st, 2024 New Year Celebrations.
He therefore urged the freed convicts to reciprocate the kind gesture of the State by turning a new leaf adding that the State is willing to support them in acquiring skills that will bring good benefits to them.
Gov. Sani concluded his speech by appreciating the officers and men of the Correctional Service, especially those of Kaduna Command for their efforts in ensuring an atmosphere of peace and calm in the custodial centers.
“I came to this Custodial Center today with mixed feelings. We are celebrating our Democracy Day; a day set aside to pay tribute 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 recognize the fact that some citizens may have found themselves in custodial centers 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.
“Our administration is anchored on Justice and Fairness. We are committed to bringing succor to the poor, vulnerable, and underserved in Kaduna State. We have zero tolerance for discrimination.”
“We strongly believe that there is inherent goodness in every person. We believe that everybody deserves a second chance. Persons in custodial centers can turn a new leaf and contribute to the growth and development of our state.”
“In my one year in office, I have had cause to release on pardon some inmates deserving of such magnanimity during October 1st, 2023, and the January 1st, 2024 New Year Celebrations. I decided to come today in person to identify with you all and to let you know my concerns for a more reformatory system that brings about positive attitudinal changes.”
“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 centers in Kaduna State. The initial capacity was 500 but upgraded now to 1,100. The custodial centers have been overstretched. We now have a total number of 3,000 inmates.”
“All of you who are convicts and who have earned my sympathy and pardon today must assure me that you will not go back to the bad ways that necessitated your being here and for which we are granting you pardon.”
“For the avoidance of doubt, I am releasing a total number of 110 convicts today to mark the celebration of our 1 year in office and more importantly, to celebrate the 2024 June 12, Democracy Day. Out of this number, 22 convicts 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 the option of a fine ranging from N10,000:00 and above, while others have compensation to pay to their victims ranging from N150,000:00 and above and in some cases, we have those with both fines and compensation elements.”
“I urge all of you who are about to be released to reciprocate our gesture by being of good character henceforth. Try and acquire one or two skills. Our administration is eager and willing to assist you in acquiring skills. It is not too late to be useful to yourself, your family, and to society.”
Speaking earlier, the Controller of Corrections, Kaduna State Command, Isah Mohammed Nuru expressed his gratitude to the Governor for his kind gesture to the management and convicts.
He termed the visit ‘A freedom and relief Tour’ saying it is a day when the dreams of the Inmates are turned into reality and management enjoys decongestion respectively as the Senator is the First Governor in Kaduna State to visit the Custodial Centre for the release of Inmates.
Controller Isah however, used the medium to relay some of the challenges faced in the Centre and its environs to the Governor and also appealed for assistance in the provision of some necessities that will help in the smooth running of the center.
“Sir, even though your visit is an exercise of your administrative Constitutional obligation, we are aware of your tight schedule, hence we appreciate the fact you graciously took out this time to put smiles on the faces of our inmates.”
“Sir, the Custodial Centre in Kaduna and its environment are facing challenges ranging from a high number of Awaiting Trial Inmates and operational Vehicles to convey inmates Courts, as those in use are inadequate. The need also for the 18-seater bus which can be used in carrying a special class of inmates to Courts.”
“Sir, there are also some basic needs that will help in the smooth running of the Centre such as Solar light which will assist in lighting the Centre in the night when the light goes off, Solar Bore Hole to assist in Shortage of water in the Centre and Drugs.”
“Sir, on behalf of the Officers and Men of Nigerian Correctional Service as well as Inmates, May I appreciate you and your entourage. Be assured of our best wishes and warm regards as you return to your various destinations. May Allah reward you in abundance and bless you.”
