As part of activities marking this year’s Democracy Day, the Governor of Niger State, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Umar Bago has approved the payment of fines for the discharge of 80 inmates spread across various Correctional Centres in the State.
A statement issued by Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Abubakar Usman, explained that the payment of fine for the discharge of the inmates by the governor was in line with power of Prerogative of Mercy as guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
According to the SSG, “the payment of fines was also considered based on the recommendation of the State Advisory Council on prerogative of mercy with due consideration to old age, ill health and good behavior”.
He appealed to the inmates to make use of their freedom by engaging in useful ventures and shun any act that could lead them back to correctional facility.
Alhaji Usman implored the inmates to be law-abiding citizens and engage in legitimate endeavours by taking advantage of various empowerment windows.
In a similar development, as the nation celebrates this year’s Democracy Day, the Secretary to the Government of Niger State (SSG), Alhaji Abubakar Usman has called on the people of the State to use the period to reflect on their roles in peace building and support for good governance.
The SSG who made the call in a message to mark the 2023 Democracy Day, enjoined the people of the State to support the programmes and policies of the present administration designed to bring rapid development to the State.
He reassured the people of the State that Government is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that democratic dividends are felt in all the nooks and crannies of the State, stressing that Nigerlites must not allow despondency to replace hope.
Alhaji Usman implored the people of the State to renew their commitment to strengthening democratic institutions by imbibing values that will promote democracy such as tolerance, patriotism and discipline.
The SSG explained that Government noted with concern the security challenges in the State but assured citizens that all forms of criminality will soon be nip in the bud.
Niger State Governor, Hon. Mohammed Umar Bago, has reassured Nigerlites of his administration's commitment to their welfare.
The Governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Bologi Ibrahim, to mark the 2023 Democracy Day, said the welfare of citizens was paramount to the development of a democratic system.
Looking at the periods of successive administrations both at the national and state levels since the return to democracy, Governor Bago maintained that time has come for things to be done differently, to bring about the desired results.
"It is time for the leadership at all levels to depart from the usual rhetoric and seek pragmatic solutions to the challenges of governance in order not to destroy our hard-earned democracy", he stated.
According to him, "Under my watch, Niger will be great and lives of its citizens will be better".
The Governor eulogized all patriotic Nigerians who made sacrifices to ensure the celebration of Democracy Day and urged Nigerians, especially residents of the state, to remain resolute, to sustain the dreams of the founding fathers.
While congratulating the people on the celebration of Democracy Day, Governor Bago also commiserated with the people affected by renewed banditry attacks in parts of the state.
He assured them of his resolve to have a secured state, explaining that the impact of his interface with service chiefs will soon be felt by all and sundry.
The Governor who prayed for the repose of the souls of those killed, also prayed for quick recovery of the injured and safe return of all abductees.
