Plateau State Governor, Caleb 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.
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The decision was announced on Thursday, October 1, as the governor joined Nigerians at home and abroad in commemorating 66 years of the country’s independence. The clemency followed consultations with the Plateau State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.
The four inmates whose death sentences were reduced to life imprisonment are Zuhumnan Musa, Jeremiah Aese, Pam Lang and Thoma Danboyi. Among those granted absolute pardon are Kamshine Gomerep, Maju Sajen, Jan Thomas, Gody Victor, Imran Maikasuwa, Biplang Emmanuel, Peace Sunday, Salisu Usman, Geoffrey John and Shwarpo Luka.
The governor exercised the power under Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution, which permits a state governor, after consulting the state’s Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, to grant a pardon, suspend the execution of a punishment, substitute a less severe punishment or remit all or part of a punishment imposed for an offence created by state law.
For the four inmates on death row, the decision does not amount to an absolute pardon. Rather, their death sentences have been replaced with life imprisonment, meaning they will remain in custody under the lesser sentence.
For the 130 inmates granted absolute pardon, the governor exercised the broader clemency power available to him under the Constitution following the recommendation and consultation process.
The announcement formed part of Mutfwang’s Independence Day message, in which he urged Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey since 1960 and remember the sacrifices made by generations before them.
He described the anniversary as an opportunity to acknowledge Nigeria’s challenges, recognise the progress made over the years and renew confidence in the possibility of building a more peaceful and prosperous country.
Mutfwang urged Nigerians to protect the country’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity, saying nation-building was not the responsibility of government alone but a duty that had passed from one generation to another.
“The responsibility of nation-building has passed from one generation to another and every citizen has a role to play in building a peaceful, stable and prosperous country,” the governor said.
He argued that Nigeria’s strength ultimately rests on the willingness of its people to rise above ethnic, religious, political and other differences and work towards a country in which everyone has a sense of belonging.
“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 said.
The governor also acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s efforts towards national unity and stability, referring to the administration’s emphasis on peace, economic development and national cohesion.
Turning to Plateau State, Mutfwang said his administration remained committed to creating an environment where residents could pursue their aspirations in conditions of peace, security, justice and inclusive development.
He thanked Plateau residents for what he described as their resilience, patience and patriotism, particularly against the backdrop of the security and economic pressures facing communities across the state.
Mutfwang urged them not to lose faith in the country despite those difficulties.
The pardon and commutation of sentences add a justice and rehabilitation dimension to the state’s Independence Day activities, with the governor using a constitutional power that allows the executive to temper punishment after the criminal justice process has run its course.
Section 212 specifically provides that the power cannot be exercised in isolation from the state’s established Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy. The Plateau government said Mutfwang acted after the required consultation.
Closing his Independence Day message, the governor wished Nigerians at home and in the diaspora a peaceful and memorable anniversary and called on citizens to continue contributing towards building a country worthy of the sacrifices of those who came before them.
He said Nigerians should continue to believe in the country and work towards leaving future generations a nation in which they can live with greater security, opportunity and hope.
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