Yakubu Busari
The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Simon Bako Lalong has granted a state pardon to four prison inmates which include, Mr. Obinna John, Sagir Mukaila, Teryile Ishi, Daniel Honok, on the 61st independence day parade celebration held at the Rwang Pam township stadium Jos,
He said, in the spirit of the 61st Independence Anniversary and in the exercise of the powers conferred on me as Governor in Section 212 of the Constitution of The Federal Republic Of Nigeria 1999 (As Amended), after due consultation with The State Advisory Council On Prerogative Of Mercy, I have granted absolute pardon to four (4) Prisoners serving jail terms having been convicted for various offenses.
Lalong says, all these pardons are granted for reasons of good conduct, with effect from the different dates of sentences.
We are also continuing with our engagement to foster dialogue, synergy, collaboration, and forgiveness in order to sustain the peace of the State. This we intend to continue doing, even as we go after criminal elements that are bent on making life miserable for our people. I urge all citizens to cooperate with us by giving accurate and timely information to security agencies.
He complained of the high rate of unemployment that further pushes our youths to idleness and the tendency to commit crimes.
Lalong promised to continue to provide training and entrepreneurship development using the PLASMIDA where thousands of youths have been empowered.
We are also working hard to ensure that our citizens get access to other empowerment, assistance from the Federal Government and other donor agencies.
In addition, he explained government efforts in ease of doing business are encouraging more investment, productivity, and less dependence on Government jobs.
Governor Lalong restated his determination to ensure that he sustain the democratic culture in Plateau State and Nigeria at large.
He noted that the government has supported PLASIEC within constitutional provisions, to carry out its duty of conducting Local Government Elections. As citizens go to the polls on the 9th of October to choose their leaders, I wish to appeal to all citizens, political parties, and their followers, as well as leaders of thought across the State to work for a peaceful exercise.
PLASIEC, security agencies, and other stakeholders have given their commitment to being fair to all contestants and political parties, he added.
Governor Lalong charged that, let us go out there to freely choose those we want to govern us at the grassroots level without any molestation. Sustaining our democracy will not only guarantee good governance but ensure that our democracy flourishes.
Therefore, the Government will not sit by and watch anybody foment trouble or disrupt the process. Security agencies have been directed to be on high alert and deal with individuals or groups who attempt to disturb public peace before, during, and after the elections no matter how highly placed. Anyone who has any grievances should use legal channels to seek redress and not resort to incitement, or destructive action.
