Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has granted state and partial pardons to 66 inmates serving various prison terms at the Maiduguri Maximum Custodial Centre as part of activities marking this year's Democracy Day celebration.

According to a statement issued by the Governor's Media Aide, Dauda Iliya, Zulum also commuted death sentences to life imprisonment and reduced jail terms for several other inmates.

Constitutional Powers and Committee Recommendations

"Based on the powers conferred on me under Section 212 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, I hereby grant state and partial pardons to 66 inmates of the Maximum Custodial Centre," Zulum declared.

The governor emphasized that the pardons were specifically issued as part of the Democracy Day celebrations, highlighting the connection between democratic governance and justice reform.

Support for Inmate Rehabilitation

Beyond the pardons, Governor Zulum announced plans to strengthen the vocational training centre within the correctional facility. The initiative aims to provide intensive literacy, numeracy, and digital skills programs for inmates to enhance their rehabilitation prospects.

Zulum urged the inmates to maintain good conduct and refrain from actions that could disrupt the peace and progress of Borno State, emphasizing the importance of their reintegration into society.

Unprecedented Support for Correctional Facility

The Controller of Borno State Correctional Service, Ahmed Bawa, commended the governor for his support to the facility and its inmates, describing it as "unprecedented" and "first of its kind."

As part of his visit, the Governor donated 300 bags of rice, 50 jerrycans of cooking oil, and five cows to improve living conditions at the facility. Additionally, each of the 1,280 inmates received a cash gift of N20,000.

This gesture comes as Nigeria celebrates Democracy Day, commemorating the restoration of democratic governance in the country and honoring the sacrifices made in the struggle against military rule.

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