In commemoration of 2023 Democracy Day, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa has granted pardons to two inmates in the state’s correctional facilities.
This is contained in a statement by Humwashi Wonosikou, the chief press secretary to the governor, on Monday in Yola.
Mr Fintiri said he pardoned the inmates based on their good conduct right from the day of their convictions.
“After due consultation with the State Advisory Council On Prerogative of Mercy, I have granted various categories of pardon to two prisoners for their good conduct.”
The governor gave the names of the pardoned persons as Adeolu Adumjobi and Ibrahim Babale.Mr Fintiri expressed delight over Nigeria’s unbroken democracy since the return to civil rule in 1999, describing it as the ‘triumph of freedom’.
“Twenty-seven years ago, we witnessed a scene that had once seemed impossible – an election where, for the first time, the people of this nation had a choice-unanimously agreeing to ensure democracy thrives.”
Mr Fintiri noted that though it was thwarted, 1999 saw a new beginning as the event turned out to be a landslide victory for freedom as it ushered in the beginning of the end of military rule.
He said: “And we have seen the extraordinary progress since that time. As Nigeria today is standing tall as proud a democracy.”
While describing Adamawa as a peaceful state, he regretted the ugly happenings of the state governorship election, where some elements tried to subvert the people’s will.
He commended the resilience of those who stood to preserve democracy by ensuring that the right thing was done.