Independence Day: Ondo Governor, Aiyedatiwa, Celebrates By Pardoning 117 Prisoners

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, celebrated the country’s 64th independence day by extending pardon to 117 prison inmates.

The state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, announced this gesture on Tuesday.

In his reaction, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, pointed out that the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy proffered the suggestion of freeing the inmates to the Governor.

The 19 inmates will be released with immediate effect, Adeniyan stated.

Some inmates on death row, will have their sentences upturned to life imprisonments instead.

Some others will see their lenghty prison sentences reduced as part of the Independence day celebrations.

“Governor Aiyedatiwa’s actions are in line with Section 212 (1) (2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

“The council’s discussions considered insights from correctional authorities, legal experts, and community leaders, focusing on the nature of the offenses, length of incarceration, age, health, and behavior of the inmates.

“This compassionate gesture highlights Governor Aiyedatiwa’s steadfast commitment to reducing overcrowding in correctional facilities in Ondo State and is an essential part of ongoing Justice Sector Reforms.

“The approval for these releases signifies not only a step toward mercy but also a reaffirmation of the belief in the potential for change and redemption within every individual,” the Governor’s Aide, Adeniyan, stated.

President Bola Tinubu used the opportunity of the festivity to admonish Nigerians to turn their mistakes of their past to future triumph