The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has condemned the pardon granted by Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje to 12 prison inmates in the state, IGBERETV reports.
Governor Ganduje pardoned 12 inmates awaiting execution at various correctional facilities in Kano and also commuted the death sentences of six others to life imprisonment.
A statement on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, by the spokesman of Kano Command of the Nigeria Correctional Service, SC Musbahu Lawan Nassarawa, said the governor also pardoned four female inmates with long term sentences based on their good behaviour and industry as recommended by the Service.
The governor also gave N5,000 fare to each of the released inmates to enable them reunite with their families.
According to the statement, some of the pardoned inmates have spent 25 years awaiting execution.
However, the main opposition party in the state, New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has alleged in an open letter to President Muhammadu Buhari that the governor was granting pardon to prison inmates to join thugs that would foment violence in the state during the forthcoming gubernatorial and House of Assembly elections.
Denying the allegation, the Commissioner of Information, Muhammad Garba, said the governor was only exercising his constitutional powers based on recommendations of the Prerogative of Mercy Committee, adding that the NNPP was only raising unnecessary issues because of fear of failure at the polls.
