TheCable

Inuwa Yahaya, governor of Gombe, has pardoned 39 inmates serving jail terms in various correctional facilities in the state.

Yahaya disclosed this on Monday during a statewide broadcast, as part of activities to mark the New Year celebrations.

“In the spirit of the New Year, and based on the recommendations of the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, I have granted clemency to 39 convicted inmates in our custodial centres,” NAN quoted him as saying.

“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.”

While wishing all residents a prosperous 2024, the governor urged them to carry forward the lessons of 2023 and embrace the New Year with renewed hope and common sense of purpose.

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

Hyacinth Alia, governor of Benue, had also pardoned 12 prisoners who were serving jail terms in Makurdi, the state capital.

Alia said the action was based on the recommendation of the Benue advisory council on the prerogative of mercy, headed by Fidelis Mnyim, state attorney-general and commissioner for justice and public order.