See the 9 people who will now determine prisoners’ freedom in Lagos (photo)

– The newly inaugurated council will determine prisoners to be granted mercy by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos state

–  The governor approved the constitution of the advisory council in response to persistent request of the citizenry of the state to grant pardon to prison inmates

–  Adeniji Kazeem implored members to work tirelessly to achieve the set objectives and most importantly ensure that the most deserving inmates are adequately re-integrated into the society

The Lagos state government has inaugurated a nine-member advisory council on prerogative of mercy.

Adeniji Kazeem, the state attorney-general and commissioner for justice, said at the inauguration of the council in Alausa, Ikeja, said that the government’s action was derived from the Nigeria constitution which provides for an advisory council and grants Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, who is working to make Lagos a world-class city, powers to grant clemency to convicted persons on the advice of the council.

Kazeem said: “Prerogative of mercy is a right recognised under the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended); Section 212(2) of the constitution provides that the powers conferred on the governor under section 212(1) shall be exercised by him after consultation with the advisory council of the state on the prerogative of mercy as may be established by the law of the state.”

He affirmed that the governor has approved the constitution of the advisory council in response to persistent request of the citizenry of the state to grant pardon to inmates that have been reformed and ready for re-integration into the society.

READ ALSO: Lagos shuts religious centres over noise pollution

He identified the objectives of the state’s justice system to include reform, rehabilitation and re-integration into society of offenders after serving due punishment, adding that members of the council were appointed based on their individual track records and experience while membership cuts across key sectors of the society.

The new council members include Professor Oyelowo Oyewo, a legal practitioner as chairman; Mrs Tola Akinsanya, director, legislative drafting, as secretary; Mr Adeniji Kazeem, Lagos attorney-general; Olugbenga Oniyire of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja branch; Mrs Bolatumi Animashaun, NBA Lagos branch; Adedotun Adebayo Adetunji, NBA, Ikorodu branch and Chris Okoye, NBA, Badagry; Mrs Musili Onasanya, representative of the state controller-general of prisons and Sheikh Abdul-Rahman Ahmed, a clergyman.

READ ALSO: Lagos to treat Omo-onile as criminals

Kazeem said that in accordance with the provisions of the law, the tenure of the present council commences from 21st June 2016 and ends on the 28th May, 2019, adding: “however, a member, not being a person employed in the civil service of the state, may at any time resign his appointment by writing under his hand addressed to the Governor.”

He therefore implored members to work tirelessly to achieve the set objectives and most importantly ensure that the most deserving inmates are adequately re-integrated into the society.

Professor Oyewo thanked the governor for the appointment and opportunity to serve the state, promising that members will discharge their duties with probity and due process.

The post See the 9 people who will now determine prisoners’ freedom in Lagos (photo) appeared first on Nigeria News today & Breaking news | Nigerian newspapers 24/7.