By Khalid Idris Doya
The Bauchi state governor Bala Mohammed has granted executive pardon to 73 convicted inmates who are serving various sentences across the correctional centres of the state and donated N100,000 to each of them, describing the decision as a constitutional duty guided by compassion and justice.
He described the prerogative of mercy as not a routine administrative act, but a sacred trust that demands wisdom, restraint and careful evaluation and implementation.
According to the Governor, the clemency of mercy requires balancing the sanctity of the law and the higher calling of redemption.
"I wish to put on record my deep appreciation to the State Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Hassan EL-Yakubu (SAN), the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Marcy, the Nigeria Correctional Service for the gregarious, transparent and pains-taking work undertaken in this exercise".
Governor Bala explained that the detailed review, custodial centre visits, interviews, medical considerations and assessment of conduct reflects professionalism of the highest order.
"This was not a symbolic gesture, it is a thorough, evidence-based process, good and fairness, and accountability".
He stated that the clemency, exercised under Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution, followed recommendations from the state Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy after a thorough review process.
"Having carefully considered the recommendations presented to me and in the exercise conferred on me and my office by the Constitution of our dear nation, I hereby grant clemency to 73 inmates across the various custodial centres in Bauchi state".
"Let it be clearly understood that the decision is not an investment of one doing, it is an affirmation of transformation. It is a recognition of remorse, improved conduct, health realities, age consideration and the broader interest of justice".
Mohammed also described the clemency as a deliberate decision to give deserving individuals a new lease of life, saying it is not merely opening prison gates, but opening doors of opportunities.
"We are choosing restoration over perpetual condemnation. We are affirming that no human being is beyond reform. To further support genuine reintegration, the government of Bauchi state will provide a token sum of 100, 000 to each beneficiary".
This modest support is not charity, it is a bridge to lawful enterprise, family responsibility and to dignify time with society.
He told the beneficiaries that today is not the end of sentence alone, it is the beginning of responsibility, as society has extended trust on them, hence they should not betray, and their lives be testimonies that change is possible at any stage of life.
"Let your conduct inspire others to be good citizens, to aspire to the highest office in Bauchi state with humility, having seen the consequences of unlawful choices, and use their experience to counsel people, speaking to them about the reality of incarceration.
The Governor further told the clemency beneficiaries that, "There is dignity in crime, no honour in violence, no future in shortcut. Their strength lies in their discipline, education, enterprise and service to the society.
Senator Bala Mohammed assured them, "The government will continue to create opportunities, but you must, and I say must, choose the path of responsibility and dedication to families and communities.
He concluded, "Integration is a shared duty when society rejects to transform individuals, it pushes them back to despair and hopelessness. When society embraces them with guidance and accountability, it strengthens peace and security for all".
The Attorney General and Chairman of the Council for Prerogative of Mercy, Barr. Hassan El-Yakub SAN, stated that 117 applications were reviewed before 73 inmates were found qualified for the governor’s approval.
According to him, the governor also approved financial support for compensation, palliatives, and transportation to ease reintegration, urging beneficiaries to embrace responsible conduct and avoid returning to crime.
Speaking on behalf of the released inmates, Musa Muhammed Shira expressed gratitude for the Governor's concern and pledged to become responsible members of society.
They expressed appreciation for the freedom granted them and promised to be law abiding citizens when they reunite with their family.
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