Adamawa State Governor Umaru Fintiri and his Plateau counterpart, Caleb Mutfwang, have granted freedom to 139 inmates as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
Fintiri approved the release of nine inmates and commuted the death sentence of another prisoner to life imprisonment.
According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou, the beneficiaries are inmates from various custodial centres across Adamawa and Plateau states.
Those pardoned and discharged include Abubakar Dajo, Zabadi Ayuba, Salvation Nyamso, Amir Idris, Mohammed Saidu, Yaro Sambo, Buhari Salisu, Urube Samuel and Bamaiyi Amos.
The governor also commuted the death sentence imposed on Saidu Abdullahi, an inmate at the Yola Old Custodial Centre, to life imprisonment.
The statement said Fintiri acted on the advice of the Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy and in exercise of powers conferred on him by Section 212(1)(d) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
It added that the pardons and commutation took immediate effect after all legal formalities were completed with the Nigerian Correctional Service.
In Plateau State, Governor Mutfwang granted freedom to 130 inmates as part of the Independence Day celebrations.
He also commuted the death sentences of four inmates — Zuhumnan Musa, Jeremiah Aese, Pam Lang and Thoma Danboyi — to life imprisonment.
In his Independence Day message, Mutfwang urged Nigerians to preserve the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the 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 said.
Both governors described the anniversary as an opportunity to reflect on Nigeria’s journey since independence in 1960 and renew commitment to a peaceful and prosperous nation.
Fintiri paid tribute to Nigeria’s founding fathers, including Nnamdi Azikiwe, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Obafemi Awolowo and Ahmadu Bello, while commending the military and other security agencies for their service.
He also assured Adamawa residents that ongoing projects initiated by his administration would be completed.
Mutfwang, meanwhile, 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 urged citizens to remain committed to nation-building.
