Independence: el-Rufai Pardons 3 Prisoners

Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasir el-Rufai has granted state pardon to three convicted prisoners  in the state.The compassion extended to the convicts was part of 2016 Independence Day anniversary. The convicts have been granted amnesty and subsequently released. Malam el-Rufaiannounced the pardons in his address to the residents of Kaduna State to mark the country’s 56th Independence anniversary.This followed recommendations from the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy. “As is customary, we mark this day of liberation with a gesture of compassion,” the governor said. “Following recommendations from the Advisory Council, I have therefore approved the release of three prisoners based on guidelines which include the convicts attaining the age of 60 with good conduct and convicts suffering from ill-health likely to lead to death. I have exercised powers conferred by Section 212 of the Constitution and endorsed the release orders for three convicts. ”The convicts, Mohammed Usman and  Hassan Saidu were left off on account of being over 60, good conduct and having only a little part of their sentence remaining. Ill-health accounted for Zaro Dickson’s  pardon, who has hypertension and diabetes.

Malam el-Rufai urged Nigerians to be confident that our country will overcome the current economic challenges. He asked residents of Kaduna to continue to uphold peace and harmony, and to shun any recourse to self-help and vendetta.To mark Independence Day, the Kaduna Golf Club staged the Governor’s Cup. Wife of the Governor, Mrs. Hadiza el-Rufai, performed the tee-off at the event which attracted golfers from across the country.Gambo Hamza, Executive Secretary of the Kaduna Investment Promotion Agency (KADIPA), said that the golf event was organised to showcase Kaduna’s investment and tourism potentials. Mrs. Hadiza el-Rufai also hosted an independence party for children. Staged within the grounds of the Government House, the party was attended by Malam Nasir el-Rufai, Mrs Ladi Bala, wife of deputy governor, Barnabas Yusuf Bala and Hajiya Rabi Abdusalam, the commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development.