Gov. Mukhtar Yero of Kaduna State on Wednesday granted amnesty to 12 prison inmates in the state.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Director-General, Media and Publicity to the Governor, Ahmed Maiyaki, and issued in Kaduna.
“Governor Yero has also approved amnesty for 12 inmates serving various terms in prisons in the state, as part of activities marking this year?s Democracy Day celebrations.
“The amnesty follows approval of the recommendation by the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy for the commuting of the sentences of prisoners, a total of, for the time being, 12.
“The governor?s action is in line with the powers given to him under Section 212 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended.”
He said a letter had been sent to the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kish Adamu, for the release of the inmates.
The statement said the governor had also approved a law establishing the State Vigilance Service as part of plans to ensure peace and security in the state.
It said the Attorney-General had been directed to gazette and implement it into law.
“The Vigilance Service is expected to complement activities of security agencies in providing additional security in communities across the state.
“ This law is aimed at reducing crime and criminality in communities, especially those in rural areas, where the presence of security agencies may not be sufficient.”
The governor called on the people to support the state government by living in peace with one another, irrespective of differences.
