Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has granted an absolute pardon to 130 inmates and reduced the death sentences of four others to life imprisonment as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
Mutfwang announced the decision on Thursday while congratulating Nigerians and residents of Plateau State at home and in the diaspora on the October 1 celebration.
In a goodwill message signed by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr Gyang Bere, the governor described the anniversary as an opportunity to reflect on Nigeria’s journey, remember the sacrifices of past leaders, recognise the country’s challenges and achievements, and renew faith in a stronger and more united nation.
He urged Nigerians to preserve the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country in honour of the nation’s founding fathers.
He said, “The responsibility of nation-building has passed from one generation to another and that every citizen has a role to play in building a peaceful, stable and prosperous country.”
Mutfwang reaffirmed that “Nigeria’s strength lies in the collective determination of its citizens to rise above differences and build a nation in which every citizen has a sense of belonging and an opportunity to fulfil his or her aspirations.”
The governor also commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as efforts to sustain national unity and stability and advance the Nigerian project.
He praised the President’s “continued emphasis on national cohesion, peace, economic development and the collective responsibility of Nigerians to build a stronger nation.”
READ ALSO: Plateau Attacks: Mutfwang Summons Emergency Security Council Meeting
On Plateau State, Mutfwang reiterated his administration’s commitment “to building a Plateau State where citizens can pursue their aspirations in an atmosphere of peace, security, justice and inclusive development.”
He praised the people of the state for “their resilience, patience, patriotism and invaluable contributions to the development of the state and the nation,” while urging them to “keep faith in the Nigerian project despite the challenges confronting the nation.”
The statement said the governor exercised his constitutional powers after consulting the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.
It stated that “In exercising the powers conferred upon him by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, Mutfwang after due consultation with the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, has granted absolute pardon to 130 inmates, while four inmates serving death sentences had their sentences reduced to life imprisonment.”
The four inmates whose death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment are Zuhumnan Musa, Jeremiah Aese, Pam Lang and Thoma Danboyi.
Among those granted absolute pardon were Kamshine Gomerep, Maju Sajen, Jan Thomas, Gody Victor, Imran Maikasuwa, Biplang Emmanuel, Peace Sunday, Salisu Usman, Geoffrey John and Shwarpo Luka, among others.
Concluding his Independence Day message, Mutfwang, on behalf of the Plateau State Government and its people, “wished Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora a peaceful, meaningful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary.”
He also urged citizens to “continue to believe in Nigeria and contribute their quota towards building a nation worthy of the sacrifices of its heroes past and the aspirations of generations yet unborn.”