Governor Umaru Bago of Niger has approved the release of 80 inmates across various correctional centres in the state.
A statement by Abubakar Usman, Secretary to the State Government, in Minna on Monday said that the gesture was to mark the 2023 Democracy Day.
According to Usman, the inmates were released based on old age, ill health and good behaviour.
He explained that the release of the inmates was in line with the prerogative of mercy granted to the governor by the constitution.
Usman appealled to the inmates to make use of the opportunity to engage in useful ventures and shun any act that could lead them back to prison.
He also admonished them to be law-abiding and engage in legitimate endeavours by taking advantage of various empowerment windows.
The governor also approved the immediate payment of their fines to enable the inmates to rejoin their families.
He urged the people to should renew their commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and imbibing tolerance, patriotism and discipline.
That’s very good news for those prisoners. That’s also nice of the governor.