Governor Yahaya grants clemency to 39 convicted inmates in Gombe

• Sets to roll out food palliatives to 90,000 poor people Tuesday

• Seeks cooperation of all to maintain peace

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has granted clemency to 39 convicted inmates in the state’s custodial centres in the spirit of the new year and based on the recommendation of the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.

Governor Yahaya made this disclosure on Monday in Gombe in his state-wide broadcast on the occasion of the New Year 2024 celebration.

Out of the number, Yahaya explained that 26 inmates will be granted unconditional pardon, while the remaining 13 have their sentences commuted to shorter periods.

The Governor expressed the hope that the beneficiaries will turn a new leaf and embrace this opportunity for a fresh start.

His words, “In the spirit of the new year, and based on the recommendation of the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, I have granted clemency to 39 convicted inmates in our custodial centres, out of which 26 inmates will be granted unconditional pardon, while the remaining 13 have their sentences commuted to shorter periods.

“It is our hope that the beneficiaries will turn a new leaf and embrace this opportunity for a fresh start”, he said.

The Governor noted that the removal of fuel subsidy, though a painful yet necessary decision, has resulted in a rising cost of living and economic hardships among Nigerians.

According to him, “Over the past 6 months, we have introduced policies like wage grants to civil servants, food and agricultural support, and other palliative measures aimed at cushioning the side effects of the resulting economic shocks.

“The first phase of our food palliative intervention which was rolled out in August 2023 targeted 420,000 poor and vulnerable people among us.

“Tomorrow, (Tuesday) we are rolling out the second phase of our palliative food distribution program, targeting about 90,000 beneficiaries across the state. “Already a committee has been set up under the chairmanship of Deputy Governor, with representation of various stakeholders to take charge of this responsibility”.

Admitting that the challenges ahead are no doubt enormous, as the world continues to face increasing levels of economic and political uncertainties, Yahaya urged each and every one in the State “to actively join hands with us in the task ahead”.

Continuing , he said, “Your advice, prayers, and support are vital as we work together in order to shape the destiny of Gombe State.

“Let us strive for excellence, build resilience, encourage innovation, and foster a sense of collective ownership and shared aspirations”.

The Governor comments the people of Gombe for their resilience and understanding during these trying times. “As we brace up for tougher challenges in 2024, and as we begin to invest the gains of fuel subsidy removal in areas that deliver long-term growth and inclusive development, I have no doubt that together we shall weather the storms and emerge stronger”.

He added, “As we mark the beginning of a new year, let us carry forward the lessons learned in 2023. Let us embrace the coming year with a renewed hope, determination, and common sense of purpose.

“In 2024, our focus will be on building a Gombe State that leaves no one behind, as articulated in our recently passed 2024 budget christened the “budget of continuity and consolidation.”

“We will continue to invest in education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, job creation, peace and security.

“We shall continue to harness our human and natural resources in order to put Gombe State on the path of sustainable progress and all-inclusive development.

“The pursuit of lasting peace and security in our communities requires a united front. I therefore appeal to our traditional rulers, religious leaders and the general public to lend their guidance, cooperation and prayers for the prosperity and security of Gombe State and Nigeria at large.

“Let us all join hands to ensure that peace and harmony become the cornerstone of our shared existence”, he appealed.