Governor Caleb Mutfwang, the Plateau State Governor, has granted clemency to four prison inmates serving various jail terms in the state.
Mutfwang announced this in a statewide broadcast to the people of the state on Sunday, as part of celebrations commemorating the nation’s 63rd anniversary of independence.
Mutfwang said, “On this remarkable day, it is my pleasure to exercise my prerogative of mercy as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Having reviewed the recommendations of the Council on Prerogative of Mercy, I hereby approve as follows: Danladi Musa, who was sentenced to life imprisonment for culpable homicide and has served 17 years, is granted an absolute pardon.
“Tali Zingtim, who was sentenced to death by hanging for criminal conspiracy and armed robbery, will serve 21 years of imprisonment. Ponzing Nanshep, who was sentenced to life imprisonment for criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide, will serve 21 years of imprisonment. Dauda Joshua, who was sentenced to death by hanging for culpable homicide, will serve life imprisonment.”
Mutfwang further emphasised his commitment towards fulfilling the social contract he had signed with the people when he took the oath of office, pointing out that his passion and dedication to enhance peace, security, and entrench good governance for the betterment of the citizens remained unwavering.
“Irrespective of the challenges we face, we must stick together, look beyond the horizon, and work towards building a prosperous state and nation. We are certainly not where we ought to be! Just like our beautiful state, Nigeria is a blessed land with vast resources, opportunities, and talents, all yet to be fully explored,” he said.
He further urged the people to have faith in the nation and support their leaders.
Mutfwang added, “We must rally around and collaborate towards improving the fortunes of our beloved country.
“We must also acknowledge that democracy is a work in progress! As we celebrate Nigeria’s independence, we should also reflect on areas where we can further enhance our democratic institutions.
“We must strive to create a level playing field for all political parties, ensure equitable resource distribution across the state, promote gender equity, combat corruption, and advance the inalienable rights of every citizen, especially the most marginalised, women, children, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and persons with disabilities (PWDs). Leaders at all levels, civil society organisations, interest groups, and every citizen must be committed to these ideals.”
