Gov. Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State, delivering his Independence Speech on Thursday in Lokoja
Clemency
Gov. Ahmed Ododo of Kogi has granted pardon and other forms of executive clemency to 101 inmates and convicts as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
Ododo announced the decision in his Independence Day broadcast on Thursday in Lokoja.
He said the exercise was anchored on the constitutional prerogative of mercy and guided by considerations of rehabilitation, remorse, humanitarian circumstances, public interest and justice.
He said the anniversary represented freedom, responsibility and enduring hope, noting that justice must be balanced with compassion and recognition of rehabilitation.
The governor said he inaugurated the seven-member Kogi State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy on Sept. 2, chaired by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Muizudeen Yunus Abdullahi, SAN, to review the cases.
He said the council examined correctional records, representations made on behalf of inmates, correctional reports and visited correctional centres in Koton Karfe, Kabba, Dekina, Ankpa, Idah and Okene.
He said factors considered included age, health, nature of offences, period served, conduct in custody, remorse, vocational skills acquired, family support, interest of victims, public safety and broader interest of justice.
Ododo said 94 beneficiaries were granted mercy on grounds including old age, medical conditions, good conduct and rehabilitation, while seven others received remission of sentence.
Among those granted mercy on old-age and medical grounds were Lamidi Mohammed Garuba, 91; Ajagbonna Olufemi David, 72; Yakubu Atabo; Chief Umane Okeme; Saidu Atuluku Yunusa; Hilary Chike Nwaeze; Ebenezer Mopah; Abdullahi Jibril; and Usman Ismaila.
The seven, whose sentences were remitted are Tunde Adura, Olusaye Moses Abayomi, Abu Mowde, Zakariyau Baba, Michael Ojonugwa, Rami Sadiq and Salawudeen Sanusi.
The governor stressed that the exercise did not diminish the seriousness of offences, describing it as constitutional compassion in deserving circumstances.
“You have been given another opportunity, and every second opportunity comes with a greater responsibility,” Ododo said.
He urged the beneficiaries to return as responsible residents and put to productive use, skills acquired in custody.
He urged Kogi youths to reject kidnapping, armed robbery, fraud, theft, cultism and drug-related offences.
He stressed that poverty, peer pressure and quest for quick wealth must never be excuses for crime.
Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies and strengthening administration of justice.
He urged parents, traditional rulers, religious and community leaders to join the fight against criminality.
“The battle against criminality is not a battle that government can win alone. It is a collective struggle for the soul and future of our communities,” he said.
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Ododo commended President Bola Tinubu for pursuing national renewal through reforms in economy, infrastructure, energy, agriculture, education, healthcare and social investment, including the deep offshore investment framework targeted at unlocking 50 billion dollars.
He said Kogi, with its strategic location at the confluence of Rivers Niger and Benue and its agricultural, mineral and tourism potentials, remained aligned with the aspiration for a stronger and prosperous Nigeria.
“Politics will come and go. Administrations will come and go but Kogi state will remain our common home,” he said.
The governor urged unity beyond political, ethnic and religious differences. (NAN)
