Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has granted absolute pardon to 130 inmates and commuted the death sentences of four others to life imprisonment as Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.
Mutfwang announced the exercise of his prerogative of mercy on Thursday as part of activities marking the October 1 anniversary. According to a statement issued by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr Gyang Bere, the decision followed consultations with the Plateau State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.
The four inmates whose death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment were identified as Zuhumnan Musa, Jeremiah Aese, Pam Lang and Thoma Danboyi. The governor’s action means the four inmates will no longer face execution under their existing sentences, while the 130 others received absolute pardons. The two forms of clemency are distinct.
The state government did not provide details of the offences or individual circumstances of all 130 inmates in the announcement.
In his Independence Day message, Mutfwang described the anniversary as an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey since independence, honour the sacrifices of past leaders and acknowledge the challenges and achievements recorded over the years. He urged citizens to preserve Nigeria’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity, saying responsibility for nation-building had passed from one generation to another.
The governor also called on Nigerians to rise above their differences and build a country where citizens have a sense of belonging and opportunities to pursue their aspirations. He commended Plateau residents for their resilience, patience and patriotism and urged them to maintain faith in Nigeria despite the challenges confronting the country.
The governor concluded by wishing Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and meaningful 66th Independence Anniversary.
