In a major Democracy Day gesture, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has granted freedom to 97 inmates, backed it up with cash support and vocational training opportunities to help them rebuild their lives.

According to cbinewstv, Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has granted clemency to 97 inmates at the Kaduna Correctional Centre as part of activities marking Nigeria's 2026 Democracy Day celebration.

But the governor didn't stop at releasing the inmates. He also announced cash grants for all beneficiaries and offered them the chance to enrol in state-owned vocational training institutes to help them successfully reintegrate into society.

Speaking during the ceremony on Friday, Governor Sani described Democracy Day as a moment for Nigerians to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who fought for the return of democratic rule and to renew the nation's commitment to justice, freedom and unity.

He explained that the release was carried out under the constitutional Prerogative of Mercy after recommendations from the Kaduna State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, which reviewed eligible cases.

The exercise included outright releases, reduced sentences and the payment of fines for selected inmates.

"While justice must be upheld, we must never lose sight of the transformative power of redemption and the importance of second chances," the governor said.

Governor Sani encouraged the freed inmates to embrace lawful and productive lives, assuring them of government support as they begin a new chapter.

To strengthen their rehabilitation, beneficiaries will receive financial assistance and have access to skills acquisition programmes at Kaduna State vocational institutes located in Soba, Rigachikun and Samaru-Kataf.

The governor noted that the initiative is aimed at helping former inmates become self-reliant and valuable contributors to society.

He also called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, community groups and residents to support the reintegration process, stressing that successful rehabilitation requires collective effort.

As part of broader efforts to improve correctional services in the state, Governor Sani approved the donation of a utility bus to the Nigerian Correctional Service, Kaduna State Command, alongside medical equipment and consumables to enhance healthcare services within the correctional facility.

Earlier, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Sir James Kanyip, praised the governor's decision, describing it as another example of his compassionate and reform-focused leadership.

In a separate Democracy Day message, Governor Sani described June 12 as a defining moment in Nigeria's democratic history. He noted that the annulled 1993 presidential election demonstrated Nigerians' ability to rise above ethnic, religious and regional divisions in pursuit of a common national goal.

The governor, who was actively involved in the pro-democracy struggle, paid tribute to notable democracy advocates including MKO Abiola, Gani Fawehinmi, Beko Ransome-Kuti, Kudirat Abiola and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to him, their sacrifices remain a powerful reminder that democracy must be continuously protected and strengthened by every generation.

Nigeria's Democracy Day, observed annually on June 12, commemorates the historic 1993 presidential election widely regarded as the freest and fairest in the country's history. The election was won by MKO Abiola but later annulled by the military government. Since 2018, June 12 has been officially recognised as Democracy Day in honour of the struggle that eventually led to Nigeria's return to democratic rule in 1999.

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