- Governor Hyacinth Alia has pardoned 12 prisoners serving various terms at the Makurdi, Otukpo and Gboko prisons.
- Alia said the act of mercy was granted based on his administration’s desire to offer the best to the people of Benue, even as he was worried that most of the inmates were young persons who ordinarily should not be anywhere near the prison
Twelve prisoners who were incarcerated at the Nigeria Correctional Centre in Makurdi on varied jail terms were pardoned on Sunday by Benue State Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia.
In addition to pardoning the prisoners, Dennis Yogbo, who was fired from the state civil service around 28 years prior, received a state pardon from the governor during his visit to the facility.
The agreement states that Yogbo’s discharge was actually a termination of appointment rather than a dismissal.
The Governor took the decision based on the recommendation of the Benue State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy headed by the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Barr. Fidelis Mnyim.
While admonishing the inmates that were released to be of good behaviour, as they integrate with the larger society, Governor Alia, urged them to make use of the skills acquired while in confinement, to better their lot.
According to the Governor, “Give your society the very best. And as for the gentleman whose dismissal has been converted to termination of appointment, don’t take any elements of life for granted; demonstrate your newness into your society.”
Furthermore, Alia noted that the act of mercy was granted based on his administration’s desire to offer the best to the people of Benue, even as he was worried that most of the inmates were young persons who ordinary shouldn’t be anywhere near the prison.
He lamented that, “This shouldn’t be home for them. I was quite shocked to see the faces of many young people here where there are a total of 525 inmates including 25 females! one with a baby, while some came in with pregnancy.”
Earlier in his remarks, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Barr. Fidelis Mnyim told the governor that the 8-man Committee he heads, did a thorough duty, before recommending those that were granted pardon, in line with Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution for offences they committed against the state.
He also stated that the inmates that were released, were drawn from Makurdi, Otukpo and Gboko correctional facilities.
Responding on behalf of the inmates that were released, Barnabas Apavv, thanked Governor Alia on behalf of the other beneficiaries and pledged that henceforth, they would be of good behaviour as they go back to the society.
Also speaking at the occasion, Dennis Yogbo, who was granted state pardon, said he had been in bondage for 28 years and seeking solution to no avail until the God-sent governor came to his rescue, following the recommendation of the council after reviewing his case and converting his dismissal to termination.
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