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Gov. Alia pardons 12 inmates, converts status of dismissed civil servant
Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, granted clemency to 12 prison inmates serving various jail terms at the Nigeria Correctional Center in Makurdi on Sunday.
During a visit to the center, the Governor also extended a state pardon to Dennis Yogbo, who had been dismissed from the state civil service about 28 years ago. The dismissal was officially converted to termination of appointment under the Governor’s decision.
The Governor’s actions were based on the recommendation of the Benue State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, led by the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Barr. Fidelis Mnyim.
Governor Alia, while urging the released inmates to integrate responsibly into society, emphasized the importance of utilizing the skills acquired during their confinement to improve their lives.
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“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,” remarked the Governor.
Expressing concern about the high number of young inmates, Governor Alia stated, “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.”
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Barr. Fidelis Mnyim, assured the Governor that the 8-man Committee thoroughly reviewed each case before recommending those granted pardon, in accordance with Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution for offences against the state.
The released inmates were drawn from Makurdi, Otukpo, and Gboko correctional facilities. Barnabas Apavv, speaking on behalf of the released inmates, thanked Governor Alia and pledged to behave responsibly as they reintegrate into society.
Dennis Yogbo, who received a state pardon after 28 years, expressed gratitude, stating that the Governor’s intervention came as a divine rescue following the council’s recommendation to review his case and convert his dismissal to termination.
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