130 Plateau inmates regain freedom

Plateau Governor Caleb Mutfwang has announced full pardon to 130 inmates and commuted the death sentences of four others to life imprisonment.

Mutfwang, in a goodwill message to mark the 66^th Independence anniversary of Nigeria, signed by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr Gyang Bere, said: “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.

Those granted absolute pardon are: Kamshine Gomerep, Maju Sajen, Jan Thomas, Gody Victor, Imran Maikasuwa, Biplang Emmanuel, Peace Sunday, Salisu Usman, Geoffrey John, Shwarpo Luka, among others.

The Governor described the occasion as “a significant moment for Nigerians to reflect on the nation’s journey since independence, honour the sacrifices of past leaders, acknowledge the challenges confronting the nation, celebrate its achievements and renew their collective faith in the promise of a stronger, united and prosperous Nigeria.”

He urged Nigerians to honour the legacy of the founding fathers by preserving Nigeria’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

According to him: “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.

“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.”

He commended the people of Plateau State for “their resilience, patience, patriotism and invaluable contributions to the development of the state and the nation,” urging them to “keep faith in the Nigerian project despite the challenges confronting the nation.”

On behalf of the Government and the peace-loving people of Plateau State, Governor Mutfwang “wished Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora a peaceful, meaningful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary,” and urged all 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.”