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 governor announced the exercise of his prerogative of mercy on Thursday in his Independence Day goodwill message to Plateau residents and Nigerians at home and abroad. He said the decision followed consultation with the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.
The four inmates whose death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment are Zuhumnan Musa, Jeremiah Aese, Pam Lang and Thoma Danboyi, according to the statement issued by Mutfwang’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr Gyang Bere.
The exercise falls under the constitutional prerogative of mercy available to state governors. Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, empowers a governor to grant a pardon, respite or substitute a less severe punishment for a person convicted of an offence created by state law, subject to consultation with the state’s Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.
The constitutional provision also allows a governor to remit all or part of a punishment imposed for an offence or penalties and forfeitures due to the state. The requirement for consultation with the relevant advisory council is expressly contained in Section 212,2.
Mutfwang’s announcement therefore combines two forms of executive clemency: absolute pardons for 130 inmates and sentence commutations for four inmates who had been on death row.
The governor did not announce that the four death sentences had been overturned by the courts; rather, their punishment was reduced to life imprisonment through the exercise of the prerogative of mercy.
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In his Independence Day message, Mutfwang said the anniversary provided an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey since independence in 1960, honour the sacrifices of past leaders, acknowledge challenges and recognize the country’s achievements.
He called on Nigerians to preserve the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country, stressing that nation-building was a shared responsibility passed from one generation to another.
According to the governor, Nigeria’s strength lies in the collective determination of its citizens to overcome their differences and build a society where people have a sense of belonging and opportunities to pursue their aspirations.
Mutfwang also acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts toward sustaining national unity and stability, particularly in the areas of national cohesion, peace and economic development.
At the state level, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a Plateau where residents can pursue their aspirations in an atmosphere of peace, security, justice and inclusive development.
He commended Plateau residents for what he described as their resilience, patience and patriotism, as well as their contributions to the development of the state and the wider country.
The governor urged citizens to remain committed to the Nigerian project despite the economic and social challenges confronting the country, while wishing Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora a peaceful and meaningful Independence Day.
The pardon and commutation bring the focus of Plateau’s Independence Day activities beyond the traditional commemorations, highlighting the constitutional role of executive clemency in providing relief to eligible convicted persons while reinforcing broader calls for justice, rehabilitation and reintegration.
Tribune Online
