President Buhari releases 500 inmates during his two-day visit to Kano

-National pardon is part of efforts to de-congest prisons

President Buhari visits Kano for two days, releases 500 inmates

President Muhammadu Buhari has arrived in Kano for a 2-day visit, during which activities have commenced.

Upon his arrival, President Buhari was welcomed by Governor Abdullahi Ganduje and top government officials.

During this visit, President Buhari has pardoned 500 inmates in the state and donated undisclosed sum to them to begin businesses.

Compriising men and women, the pardoned inmates were selected from the Kurmawa central prison, Kano.

The pardon is part of plans by the Federal Government’s effort to decongest prisons across the nation.

At the Emir’s palace, President Buhari after paying homage to the Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammadu Sanusi, said he had observed many activities in politics since he joined it in 2003. He also said Nigerians need to understand the differences in a civillian government and a military one.

Buhari said, “When I was the military head of state, I have arrested many people and jailed them for alleged coruption and in the end I also ended in jail.

“Since I joined politics in 2003, I have contested for president three times but I could not get it right untill at the forth attempt in 20015. I was in court for 30 months challenging the 2007 election and in 2011, I also spent 16 months in court.

He added that “They squandered the money and we still dont have constant power supply, no good education for our children and we don’t have good hospitals and roads.

He also expressed how close Kano is to his heart saying, “Kano emirate council has contributed a lot to my life. Whatever I become in my life, I always consult Kano emirate council.”

Speaking on security, Buhari said, his government had played significant roles in restoring peace and harmony in the northeast.

“We have recorded tremendous successes in our efforts to achieve the three agenda of my government; security, economy and fight against corruption.

“Nigeria, Chad and Niger republic have succeeded in crushing Boko Haram insurgents in the northeast. The countries have come together to fight a common goal because without peace and stability we cannot achieve anything, he said.

“If there is peace and stability in the North, there will be peace and stability in the whole country and if there is problem in the region it will affect the entire country.”