Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has commuted the death sentence of 45 condemned prisoners to jail terms.

The governor also granted pardons to 41 other inmates serving in different correctional centres in Ogun State.

Speaking at the 2024 Democracy Day held at the June 12 Cultural Centre in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, Abiodun said the decision was in exercising his prerogative of mercy as the governor of the state.

He said: “Government has a duty to uphold democratic values by consistently applying principles of mercy, justice, and the rule of law. In this vein, the Nigerian Constitution empowers me to exercise a prerogative of mercy to anyone convicted of an offence in Ogun State.

“Having received the guidance of the Ogun State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, I have signed the appropriate warrants ordering the release of 41 convicts currently imprisoned across different correctional facilities in Ogun State. I have also signed warrants converting the death sentences of 45 inmates to prison sentences.

“This gesture signals a break from past grievances and a move towards a more inclusive and compassionate society where merciful second chances are granted to deserving offenders.

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“All convicts who have received this gesture have shown remorse for their crimes, acquired skills and certifications in prison, with several of them receiving university degrees from the National Open University of Nigeria. They have also demonstrated verified good conduct during their imprisonment.”

Abiodun stated that the celebration holds immense significance as it marks the triumph of democracy, the power of the people, and the pursuit of justice and freedom.

He added that the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola stands as one of the finest trailblazers from Ogun State, saying his courage and commitment to democratic ideals remain an inspiration to the people.

Governor Abiodun said Abiola’s campaign slogan, “Hope ’93”, was a national reawakening rooted in faith and the limitless ability of Nigerians to face their challenges and solve the problems of nation-building.

Also speaking at the event, the guest lecturer, Richard Akinnola, chided the nation’s judiciary for being a tool in the hands of the military government to annul the June 12 election.

Akinnola also condemned those calling for the return of the military over the hardship in the country, saying: “In fact, June 12 stands as a defining moment and a watershed in our quest for democracy. That is why we should be very careful.

“Some people who did not experience what we went through are not subtly calling for the military. We must say no, never do we call for military again.

“Whatever the challenges we are having, let’s fight, let us argue, let us disagree, let us abuse each other but never should we be tempted to invite the military.”

The Star