The Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, on Monday pardoned 39 inmates serving various terms in five Custodial Centres across the state.
In a state-wide broadcast to usher in the new year, Governor Yahaya said the inmates were pardoned based on the recommendation of the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.
“In the spirit of the new year, I have granted clemency to 39 convicted inmates in our custodial centres, out of which 26 inmates will be granted unconditional pardon. While the remaining 13 have their sentences commuted to shorter periods,” he said.
He, therefore, called on the pardoned inmates to turn a new leaf and embrace the opportunity for a fresh start.
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The governor also disclosed that he would launch the second phase of the food distribution programme as palliative to about 90,000 beneficiaries across the state.
He said a committee had been set up under the chairmanship of Deputy Governor, Manassah Daniel Jatau, “with representation of various stakeholders to take charge of this responsibility.”
“The removal of fuel subsidy, though a painful yet necessary decision, has resulted in a rising cost of living and economic hardships among Nigerians.
“Over the past six months, we have introduced policies like wage grants to civil servants, food and agricultural support, and other palliative measures aimed at cushioning the side effects of the resulting economic shocks,” he added.
According to him, 420,000 poor and vulnerable people have benefited in the first phase of the palliative intervention which was rolled out in August 2023.
Governor Yahaya commended people of the state for their resilience and understanding during the trying times, urging them to be patient as the state invests in the gains of the subsidy removal.
He said, “As we brace for tougher challenges in 2024, and as we begin to invest the gains of fuel subsidy removal in areas that deliver long-term growth and inclusive development, I have no doubt that together we shall weather the storms and emerge stronger.
“In 2024, our focus will be on building a Gombe State that leaves no one behind, as articulated in our recently passed 2024 budget christened the ‘budget of continuity and consolidation.’”
The governor also promised that his administration would continue to invest in education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, job creation, peace and security.
