From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
As part of the Democracy Day Celebration, Kaduna State Governor, Sen. Uba Sani has paid a fine for the release of 88 convicts and also granted 22 others a State Pardon.
The Governor asserted this in his speech during the occasion of the release of 110 convicts from custodial centers in Kaduna, today, saying that his administration is anchored on Justice and Fairness with a commitment to bringing succor to the poor, vulnerable, and underserved in the State.
According to him, there is inherent goodness in every person and everyone deserves a second chance including Persons in custodial centers who can turn a new leaf and contribute to the growth and development of the state.
The Governor opined that no society can exist and endure without law and order as Citizens must at all times desist from criminal activities and obey constituted authorities.
However, he understands that some citizens may have found themselves in custodial centers due to their inability to access justice or pay fines for small offences which is why he took the liberty of granting State Pardon to some while paying the fine for others.
He revealed that due to his concerns for a more reformatory system, he had cause to release on pardon some inmates deserving of such magnanimity during October 1st, 2023, and the January 1st, 2024 New Year Celebrations.
He therefore urged the freed convicts to reciprocate the kind gesture of the State by turning a new leaf adding that the State is willing to support them in acquiring skills that will bring good benefits to them.
Gov. Sani concluded his speech by appreciating the officers and men of the Correctional Service, especially those of Kaduna Command for their efforts in ensuring an atmosphere of peace and calm in the custodial centers.
“I came to this Custodial Center today with mixed feelings. We are celebrating our Democracy Day; a day set aside to pay tribute to those who made sacrifices so that we can live in freedom. I am also here to see our brothers and sisters who found themselves on the wrong side of the law.
“No society can exist and endure without law and order. Citizens must at all times desist from criminal activities and obey constituted authorities. We however recognize the fact that some citizens may have found themselves in custodial centers due to their inability to access justice or pay fines for small offences. We live in a society where the underprivileged do not have the financial wherewithal to vigorously pursue the course of justice.
“Our administration is anchored on Justice and Fairness. We are committed to bringing succor to the poor, vulnerable, and underserved in Kaduna State. We have zero tolerance for discrimination.
“We strongly believe that there is inherent goodness in every person. We believe that everybody deserves a second chance. Persons in custodial centers can turn a new leaf and contribute to the growth and development of our state.
“In my one year in office, I have had cause to release on pardon some inmates deserving of such magnanimity during October 1st, 2023, and the January 1st, 2024 New Year Celebrations. I decided to come today in person to identify with you all and to let you know my concerns for a more reformatory system that brings about positive attitudinal changes.
“I have been so disturbed with the high rate of inmates either awaiting trials or those whose trials have begun but are still ongoing, while those who have been convicted with fine or option of fine also make the number.
“This is more worrisome to me considering the capacity of our custodial centers in Kaduna State. The initial capacity was 500 but upgraded now to 1,100. The custodial centers have been overstretched. We now have a total number of 3,000 inmates.”
