Nigeria@66: Plateau gov pardons 130 inmates

Plateau gov., Muftwang. Photo: File

As part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, Plateau State Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has granted an absolute pardon to 130 inmates and commuted the death sentences of four others to life imprisonment.

Mutfwang announced the pardon on Thursday while felicitating with Plateau citizens and Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora on the 66th Independence Anniversary of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, October 1, 2026.

In a goodwill message signed by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr Gyang Bere,  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.

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.”

He also acknowledged the efforts of President Bola Tinubu in sustaining the unity and stability of the country and in advancing the Nigerian project, commending the president’s “continued emphasis on national cohesion, peace, economic development and the collective responsibility of Nigerians to build a stronger nation.”

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment, the governor said he remains committed “to building a Plateau State where citizens can pursue their aspirations in an atmosphere of peace, security, justice and inclusive development.”

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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.”

The statement noted 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.

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

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.”