Governors Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State and Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State have granted freedom to 139 inmates as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
Fintiri pardoned nine inmates and commuted the death sentence of another to life imprisonment, while Mutfwang granted freedom to 130 inmates and reduced the sentences of four others on death row to life imprisonment.
In Adamawa, the nine inmates pardoned and discharged include Abubakar Dajo, serving at the Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Jos; Zabadi Ayuba and Salvation Nyamso of the Numan Custodial Centre; and Amir Idris, Mohammed Saidu, Yaro Sambo, Buhari Salisu, Urube Samuel and Bamaiyi Amos, who were held at various custodial centres in the state.
Fintiri also commuted the death sentence of Saidu Abdullahi of the Yola Old Custodial Centre to life imprisonment.
The governor acted on the recommendation of the Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy and in accordance with Section 212(1)(d) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
The pardons and commutation took immediate effect after the necessary legal formalities were completed with the Nigerian Correctional Service.
In Plateau, Mutfwang granted freedom to 130 inmates in his Independence Day goodwill message.
He also commuted the death sentences of four inmates — Zuhumnan Musa, Jeremiah Aese, Pam Lang and Thoma Danboyi — to life imprisonment.
Mutfwang said the Independence anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on Nigeria’s journey since 1960, honour the sacrifices of its founding fathers and acknowledge the challenges facing the country.
He urged Nigerians to preserve the nation’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity, stressing that nation-building was a collective responsibility.
According to him, “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 Plateau governor also acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s efforts towards sustaining national unity and stability, particularly in the areas of national cohesion, peace and economic development.
Mutfwang reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a peaceful and secure Plateau State where citizens could pursue their aspirations and participate in inclusive development.
Meanwhile, Fintiri paid tribute to Nigeria’s founding fathers, including Nnamdi Azikiwe, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Obafemi Awolowo and Ahmadu Bello, for their contributions to the country’s independence.
He also commended the military and other security agencies for their service and sacrifices in protecting the country amid ongoing security challenges.
Fintiri assured the people of Adamawa that projects initiated by his administration would be completed, saying none would be abandoned.
Both governors congratulated Nigerians at home and abroad on the 66th Independence Anniversary and expressed optimism that the country would overcome its current challenges through unity and collective effort.
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