LIVE UPDATES
In Niger State, Governor Umar Bago has released 80 prisoners from their different prisons.
In order to allow the detainees to quickly reunite with their families, the governor has also ordered the prompt payment of their penalties.
The gesture was a part of events to commemorate 2023 Democracy Day, according to a statement made on Monday in Minna by Alhaji Abubakar Usman, Secretary to the State Government.
The release of the prisoners, according to the governor, was in accordance with the power of pity provided to the governor by the Constitution so they may begin a new life.
The State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy recommended the release of the 80 prisoners due to their advanced age, poor health, and good behavior, Usman added.
Usman urged the prisoners to take advantage of the chance to work on worthwhile projects and avoid behavior that would land them in jail again or be harmful to the state's and the nation's overall efforts to maintain peace.
He cautioned them to uphold the law and participate in lawful activities while taking advantage of many empowering opportunities to integrate into society for their own gain.
The SSG urged the state's citizens to use 2023 Democracy Day as an opportunity to consider their contributions to peacebuilding and support good governance for the sake of a better future.
He also urged them to support the policies and programs of the current government that are intended to help the state's citizens experience fast progress in all areas of their lives.
Usman guaranteed that the government would make sure that democracy's benefits were felt throughout the whole state for the benefit of everyone.
