Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau has granted amnesty to four inmates of the Nigerian Correctional Services in the state in commemoration of Nigeria’s 63rd Independence Day.

Mr Mutfwang made the announcement in a state-wide broadcast to mark the day on Sunday in Jos.

He said the pardon was in line with provisions of the 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 having served 17 years is granted absolute pardon.

“Tali Zingtim who was sentenced to death by hanging for criminal conspiracy and armed robbery will serve 21 years.

“Ponzing Nanshep who was sentenced to life imprisonment for criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide will serve 21 years imprisonment.

“Dauda Joshua who was sentenced to death by hanging for culpable homicide will serve life imprisonment,” he said.

He urged Nigerians to support its leaders in their discharge of duties and have faith in the nation in spite of its challenges.

“This is a duty we must uphold. Together, we can build an inclusive society where every Nigerian, regardless of background, gender, ethnicity or religion, gain access to equal opportunities for growth and development.

“Equity, justice and fairness will continue to be our watchwords,” he said.

He restated his commitment to facilitating peace, security, and entrenching good governance for the good of Plateau.

Mr Mutfwang said that upon assumption into office, his administration commenced sanitising the public service system in compliance with due process of recruitment and other regulations.

“The process was grossly abused, significantly altering the wage bill of our dear state.

“We are glad that the outcome of the preliminary verification exercise yielded positive results, saving taxpayers monies that will now be channelled to developmental needs,” he said.

He said that his administration had cleared the backlog of four months backlog of unpaid salaries and pensions it inherited from the past administration.

He further reassured teachers in the state of his resolve to also address issues of their unpaid salaries.

According to the governor, as part of efforts to find lasting solutions to the security challenges of the state, he has sought the support of President Bola Tinubu and other heads of security agencies who have committed to achieving the feat.

He added that his administration had commenced recruitment of youths to serve as personnel to reinvigorate its homegrown security outfit ‘Operation Rainbow’.

He said that as part of efforts to minimising the impact of fuel subsidy removal, the state government was resuscitating its railway transportation within Jos and Bukuru axis.

He added that the state had also procured more than 200 trucks of fertiliser to be distributed across its 17 LGAs at subsidised rates to cushion the impact.

According to him, his administration would work with Plateau people in the diaspora to leverage on opportunities abroad to attract Foreign Direct Investment.

He thanked Plateau people for their support since his assumption of office and assured them that his administration was committed to the peace and prosperity of the state.

(NAN)