By Julian Osamoto
Governors Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State and Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State have granted freedom to a combined 139 inmates as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
Governor Fintiri granted pardon to nine inmates and commuted the death sentence of one inmate, Saidu Abdullahi, to life imprisonment.
The Adamawa State Governor said he acted on the advice of the Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy and in exercise of powers conferred on him by Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
The nine inmates pardoned were drawn from custodial centres in Jos, Numan, Jimeta, Ganye, Guyuk, Yola and Kojoli.
In Plateau State, Governor Mutfwang granted freedom to 130 inmates and commuted the death sentences of four inmates to life imprisonment.
The four inmates are Zuhumnan Musa, Jeremiah Aese, Pam Lang and Thoma Danboyi.
The governors announced the measures in separate Independence Day messages, describing the anniversary as an opportunity to reflect on Nigeria’s journey, renew commitment to national unity and development.
Fintiri paid tribute to Nigeria’s founding fathers and commended the military and other security agencies for their service and sacrifices in protecting the country.
He also called for continued unity and collective efforts to overcome the country’s challenges.
Mutfwang urged Nigerians to preserve the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country, saying nation-building was a collective responsibility.
He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to peace, security, justice and inclusive development in Plateau State.
The governors congratulated Nigerians at home and abroad on the 66th Independence Anniversary and expressed optimism about the country’s future.
