Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, the governor of Plateau State, has granted clemency to four prison convicts serving varied jail terms in the state.
The governor announced this in a nationwide broadcast to the people of the state on Sunday, as part of celebrations commemorating the nation’s 63rd anniversary of independence.
“On this remarkable day, it is my pleasure to exercise my Prerogative of Mercy as enshrined in the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s constitution,” Mutfwang remarked. After reviewing the Council on the Prerogative of Mercy’s recommendations, I hereby approve as follows: Danladi Musa, who was condemned to life in prison for culpable homicide and has served 17 years, has been awarded an unconditional pardon.
“Tali Zingtim, who was sentenced to death by hanging for criminal conspiracy and armed robbery, will be imprisoned for 21 years.” Ponzing Nanshep, who was sentenced to life in jail for criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide, will be imprisoned for 21 years. Dauda Joshua, who was sentenced to death by hanging for culpable homicide, will be imprisoned for life.”
The governor restated his commitment to completing the social contract he signed with the people when he took the oath of office, emphasising that his enthusiasm and dedication to enhancing peace, security, and establishing effective administration for the benefit of citizens remained unchanged.
“Regardless of the challenges we face, we must stick together and look beyond the horizon in order to build a prosperous state and nation.” We are most emphatically not where we should be! Nigeria, like our beautiful state, is a blessed land with tremendous resources, possibilities, and abilities, all of which have yet to be completely utilised,” he remarked.
The governor asked the people to believe in their country and their leaders.
“We must band together and work together to improve the fortunes of our beloved country,” he concluded.
“We must also recognise that democracy is still a work in progress!” As we commemorate Nigeria’s independence, we should also consider how we might strengthen our democratic institutions. We must work to level the playing field for all political parties, ensure equitable resource distribution across the state, promote gender equity, combat corruption, and advance the inalienable rights of all citizens, particularly the most marginalised, women, children, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and people with disabilities (PWDs). Leaders at all levels, as well as Civil Society Organisations, Interest Groups, and every citizen, must be devoted to these ideals.”
