Cephas Iorhemen 
To empower them with various skills to be self-reliant
Governor Hyacinth Alia, on Tuesday, visited the Maximum Correctional Center in Makurdi, Benue State and granted pardons to six inmates serving at the facility.
Speaking during the visit, Alia said the released inmates would be empowered with various skills to be self-reliant.
He said all the pardoned inmates were recommended by the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy headed by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Fidelis Mnyim for pardon.
Represented by Mr. Mnyim, Alia said Section 212 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As Amended) has empowered him to do so.
He said through the Advisory Council on the prerogative of mercy, some inmates who have shown genuine change and remorse by exhibiting good character worthy to cohabit with other members of society may be pardoned.
“This action has no political influence attached to it but based on the recommendation and testimonies of people cut across the clergy and good-spirited individuals who interacted with the inmates personally”. he said
Alia said his administration has made available programmes that are geared towards reforming and empowering the youths of the State.
He urged them to be of good conduct and take advantage of the Makurdi fashion hub to learn skills and other various interventions of his administration to better their lives.
Earlier, Benue State Comptroller Nigeria Correctional Services, Mary Oche, appreciated the governor for using his good office to free six inmates from the correctional centre.
Oche further charged the freed inmates to shun crime and embrace new life.
Among the six freed inmates is Mr. Umar Dansabe who was convicted and sentenced to death by hanging 14 years ago for armed robbery.
Speaking to journalists, Mr Dansabe thanked the governor for granting them pardon and promised to be of good conduct going forward.
