Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State on Friday marked the 2026 Democracy Day celebration by granting clemency to 97 inmates of the Kaduna Correctional Centre, while reaffirming the enduring values of justice, compassion, freedom and democratic governance that define the June 12 struggle.
Speaking during the ceremony at the Kaduna Correctional Centre, Governor Sani said Democracy Day provides an opportunity to honour the sacrifices of Nigerians who fought for the restoration of democratic rule and to recommit to building a more united, peaceful and prosperous nation.
In an earlier message to the citizens of the State, the Governor described June 12 as a defining moment in Nigeria’s history, noting that the 1993 presidential election demonstrated the capacity of Nigerians to transcend ethnic, religious and regional divisions in pursuit of a common national destiny.
As a participant in the pro-democracy struggle, Governor Sani paid tribute to Chief MKO Abiola, GCFR, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN, GCON, Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, Hajiya Kudirat Abiola, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and other patriots whose sacrifices helped secure the democratic freedoms Nigerians enjoy today.
“Their courage remains a powerful reminder that freedom is never free and that democracy must be nurtured, protected and strengthened by every generation,” he said.
The Governor explained that the release of the inmates was in exercise of the constitutional Prerogative of Mercy, following recommendations by the Kaduna State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy after reviewing eligible cases. The exercise involved outright release, commutation of sentences and payment of fines for affected inmates.
Describing the gesture as a demonstration of the transformative power of redemption and second chances, Governor Sani urged the beneficiaries to embrace lawful and productive lives.
To support their reintegration, he announced cash grants for all 97 beneficiaries and offered admission opportunities into Kaduna State Skills Acquisition and Vocational Institutes in Soba, Rigachikun and Samaru-Kataf for those interested in acquiring or upgrading vocational skills.
According to him, the initiative aligns with his administration’s commitment to rehabilitation, empowerment and inclusive development.
“While justice must be upheld, we must never lose sight of the transformative power of redemption and the importance of second chances,” the Governor stated.
He also appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, community groups and residents to support the reintegration of the released inmates, stressing that successful rehabilitation requires collective societal support.
In further support of correctional reforms, Governor Sani approved the donation of a utility bus to the Nigerian Correctional Service, Kaduna State Command, and donated medical equipment and consumables to strengthen healthcare services at the correctional centre.
Earlier, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Sir James Kanyip, described the exercise as another demonstration of Governor Sani’s compassionate and reform-oriented leadership. He noted that the Prerogative of Mercy remains an important instrument for balancing justice with mercy, promoting rehabilitation and reducing congestion in correctional facilities.
The Democracy Day clemency exercise underscores the Kaduna State Government’s commitment to criminal justice reform, social inclusion and the delivery of democratic dividends through policies that restore hope, expand opportunities and strengthen the bonds of citizenship.
