Kaduna
Kaduna state governor, Nasir el-Rufai, has granted amnesty to 13 convicts. The prerogative of mercy was given to those who had attained the age of 60, showed remorse or had few more years to serve, as part of Nigeria’s 57th independence anniversary.
El-Rufai, who disclosed this yesterday during his independence address to the people of the state, said the Independence Day was supposed to be used for sober reflection and urged the citizens of the state to reflect on what they could do to strengthen the country, uphold peace and harmony within the diversity of the country.
The governor tasked Nigerians to work together for equal opportunity, adding, “This independence anniversary is a moment for us to give thanks to the Almighty God that has preserved us, amidst all the storms and stresses; it is also a time to reflect on how we, as citizens and leaders, can contribute to strengthen our country, uphold peace and harmony within it, and embrace the common humanity that shines so brilliantly through our diversity.
“It is customary to mark this anniversary of liberty by showing compassion to some of our convicted compatriots. Accordingly, I have acted on the recommendations made to me by the State Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, and exercised the power to grant amnesty to 13 convicts. These persons either have only a short time left to complete their sentences, or are now above the age of 60, with records of remorse and good conduct.
“Rather than enable few of our selfish political elite in their pastime of seeking personal advantage through exploiting ethnic, regional and religious fault lines, let us build a strong constituency that demands and works for equality of opportunity for all. Let us retain our faith that ours can be a better country. Let us commit to the beauty of a diverse country, and uphold the values of equal opportunity, meritocracy, hard work, honesty and harmony.
He said he would continue to pursue a robust economic activity that will assist the steady work of building a strong and stable society, explaining, “we continue to vigorously attract the private investors that can bring many jobs and improve our state’s tax base. In September alone, two major agricultural investments of over N50 billion were commissioned that will give thousands of our people employment opportunities.
He advised countrymen to celebrate the country’s political freedom and cherish the things which have blessed the nation, and use them to build a better society.
