OGUN STATE GOVERNOR reverses death sentences on six prisioner, while 40 detainees have been released
As part of festivities to honor the 2023 Democracy Day, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun reverse the life imprisonment of six death row prisoners and the release of 40 detainees.
The governor made the announcement while addressing at the M.K.O International Stadium in Abeokuta, the state capital, on June 12th for the state's commemorative anniversary and Nigeria's Democracy Day.
He explained that the committal to life imprisonment and release of the convicted inmates is in accordance with the provisions of Sections 212 (1) and (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, (as amended) and Sections 4 and 5 of the Ogun State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy (Establishment Law), Laws of Ogun State 2006.
The governor, who has advocated for punitive measures for election violations, has stated that in 2023, people's ballots must count and be respected.
The governor noted that the June 12 struggles, orchestrated by late MKO Abiola, gave birth to Nigeria's seamless democracy over the last 29 years.
He emphasized that "we can truly honor the memory of those ideals that Chief MKO Abiola and others stood and died for only by upholding the tenets of democracy and ensuring its sustainability."
The governor, on the other hand, urged citizens to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards, stating that voter involvement in the registration process is the first step toward a free, fair, and credible election.
Abiodun emphasized that in order for the 2023 general elections to be a tremendous success, every eligible Nigerian must register to vote and vote on election day.
"If values are important to us, religion and ethnicity should not be campaign topics or determinants of who gets what, when, and how in our political system, nor should they be significant considerations in our leadership recruitment and governance procedures." "I can see these Nigerians who sacrificed their all writhing in their graves as they watch us celebrate divisive vices and do-or-die politics," the governor said.
