Kaduna State governor, Uba Sani, has granted clemency to 97 inmates of the Kaduna Correctional Centre as part of activities marking this year’s Democracy Day.
The governor made the announcement during a ceremony held at the correctional facility, where he said June 12 remains a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic history and a reminder of the sacrifices made to restore civil rule.
He noted that Democracy Day offers an opportunity to honour the legacy of Nigerians who fought for democratic governance and to renew commitment toward building a more united, peaceful and prosperous nation.
In an earlier Democracy Day message to residents of the state, Sani described the annulled 1993 presidential election as a turning point in Nigeria’s political history, stressing that it demonstrated Nigerians’ ability to transcend ethnic, religious and regional divides in pursuit of national unity.
The governor paid tribute to late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, Gani Fawehinmi (SAN), Beko Ransome-Kuti, Hajiya Kudirat Abiola, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other pro-democracy figures, describing their sacrifices as central to the freedoms Nigerians enjoy today.
“Their courage remains a powerful reminder that freedom is never free and that democracy must be nurtured, protected and strengthened by every generation,” he said.
Sani explained that the release of the inmates was carried out under the constitutional Prerogative of Mercy, following recommendations by the Kaduna State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy after reviewing eligible cases.
He said the exercise involved outright release, commutation of sentences and payment of fines for affected inmates.
Describing the gesture as a demonstration of the transformative power of second chances, the governor urged beneficiaries to embrace lawful and productive lives upon reintegration into society.
He also announced cash grants for the released inmates and offered them admission opportunities into Kaduna State Skills Acquisition and Vocational Institutes in Soba, Rigachikun and Samaru-Kataf for those interested in acquiring vocational skills.
