From Yakubu Wuyep,Jos
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has granted absolute pardon to 130 inmates, and commuted the death sentences of four others to life imprisonment as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The exercise followed consultations with the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, according to a statement issued on Thursday by the Governor’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr Gyang Bere.
The four inmates whose death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment are Zuhumnan Musa, Jeremiah Aese, Pam Lang, and Thoma Danboyi.
Mutfwang announced the exercise in his goodwill message to Nigerians to mark the Independence Anniversary, urging citizens to remain committed to peace, unity and the development of the country.
He described the anniversary as an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the nation’s journey since independence, honour the sacrifices of the founding fathers, acknowledge the challenges confronting the country and celebrate its achievements.
The Governor stressed the need for citizens to preserve Nigeria’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity, noting that nation-building is a shared responsibility passed from one generation to another.
According to him, Nigeria’s strength lies in the collective determination of its citizens to rise above their differences and build a country where everyone has a sense of belonging and the opportunity to pursue their aspirations.
Mutfwang also acknowledged the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in sustaining national unity and stability, while commending the Federal Government’s emphasis on national cohesion, peace and economic development.
At the state level, the Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a Plateau where citizens can pursue their aspirations in an atmosphere of peace, security, justice and inclusive development.
He commended the people of Plateau State for their resilience, patience, patriotism and contributions to the development of the state and the nation, urging them to remain committed to the Nigerian project despite the challenges confronting the country.
The Governor congratulated Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora on the 66th Independence Anniversary and called on citizens to contribute their quota towards building a nation worthy of the sacrifices of its heroes past and the aspirations of future generations.
The Plateau State Government said the 2026 prerogative of mercy exercise covers inmates approved under the state’s programme, with 130 inmates receiving absolute pardon and four death sentences reduced to life imprisonment.