New Year: Gov Alia pardons 12 inmates… 

Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue has granted a State Pardon to 12 inmates serving various jail terms at the Federal Maximum Correctional Centre Makurdi.

Alia granted the pardon on Monday when he visited the Nigerian Correctional Centre Makurdi,  the Benue capital.

He charged the pardoned inmates to be of good behaviour as they reintegrated into society and made use of the skills they acquired while in prison to better their lot.

He explained that they were granted pardon based on his administration’s desire to offer the best to the people, and lamented that most of the inmates were young persons who ordinarily should not be anywhere near the prison.

He disclosed that among those to be granted state pardon was one Dennis Yogbo, who was dismissed from the state Civil Service about 28 years ago.

He said with the pardon, Yogbo’s dismissal had also been converted to termination of appointment.

Alia said his decision was based on the recommendation of the Benue State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy headed by the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Fidelis Mnyim.

The State Comptroller, Nigeria Correctional Service, Mrs Mary Oche acknowledged the efforts of the government in ensuring that inmates did  not stay in the correctional centres unnecessarily.

Oche also commended the governor for providing transportation fares to the inmates to get to their respective destinations and enjoy the New year with their loved ones.