From Rhoda Namsak (Jos)

As part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independent Anniversary, Plateau state governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has granted pardon to 130 inmates across custodial facilities in the state.

The governor also commuted four death sentences to life imprisonment.

The governor who announced the exercise of his prerogative of mercy during his goodwill message to the people of the state on Thursday as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, said the decision followed due consultation with the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.

According to a statement from the Plateau state government house, “In exercising the powers conferred upon him by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, Governor Mutfwang after due consultation with the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, has granted absolute pardon to 130 inmates, while four inmates serving death sentence had their sentences reduced to life imprisonment.’

The governor explained that the Independence anniversary provided an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the nation’s journey and honour the sacrifices of past leaders.

He said it was also a time to “acknowledge the challenges confronting the nation, celebrate its achievements and renew their collective faith in the promise of a stronger, united and prosperous Nigeria.”

Mutfwang urged Nigerians to honour the legacy of the nation’s founding fathers by preserving the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country.

According to him, “the responsibility of nation-building has passed from one generation to another and every citizen has a role to play in building a peaceful, stable and prosperous 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 also acknowledged the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in sustaining the unity and stability of the country and advancing the Nigerian project.

The governor, who acknowledged the efforts of president Bola Tinubu in addressing Nigeria’s challenges, urged the people of the state to “keep faith in the Nigerian project despite the challenges confronting the nation”.

By Tony Chuddy 

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has hailed the reforms introduced by the President Bola Tinubu led administration, saying it has reshaped the country since the last three years 

The ruling party in a statement issued by it’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka to mark the nation’s 66 independent anniversary, said Nigeria’s democratic evolution has been one forged by the courage of our founding fathers, and nourished by the selfless sacrifices of heroes of our democracy.

“Today, the APC pays glowing tribute to the martyrs, patriots, and pro-democracy icons whose sweat and blood laid the unshakeable foundation of our enduring democracy. In particular, we celebrate the contributions and sacrifices of late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, GCFR in his dogged June 12, 1993 and stoic defence of the presidential mandate freely given by the Nigerian electorate.

​”In honour of the legacy of MKO Abiola and our democratic forebears, the APC-led administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has been unyielding in its commitment to expanding democratic freedoms and delivering economic prosperity to Nigerians. Over the past three years, the Tinubu administration has taken bold and unprecedented policy action to reset the structural foundations of our national economy. While these economic reforms, including the fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange harmonisation, triggered transient economic pains. The sacrificial pain endured by Nigerians now ushers a Nigeria on the cusp of democratic consolidation and economic prosperity never before seen in history.” 

​The party  emphasised that the realigned monetary and fiscal policies have stabilized the Naira, reduced inflation, boosted the country’s foreign reserves, and driven enhanced revenues across federal and sub-national governments. Through strategic revamping of surveillance capabilities, Nigeria has vastly improved its crude oil output. It’s increased support for domestic refining, has yielded major milestones in refining domestic premium motor spirit (PMS) and establishing the country’s position as a major exporter of refined petroleum products.

It added that the Tinubu-administration has been resolute in tackling major national questions — instituted financial autonomy for Local Governments geared to deliver resources directly to the grassroots; extending youth empowerment and social investment initiatives, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the Consumer Credit Scheme (CREDICORP), cash transfer to over 15 million indigent citizens and more, opening doors of opportunity for young people, low income households, entrepreneurs, and innovators across the country.

​

“Our great Party acknowledges the perseverance, understanding, and patriotism of the Nigerian people throughout this period of national economic reengineering. True independence goes beyond the hoisting of a flag, but by building a strong, united and self-reliant nation, securing its borders, and securing the future of unborn generations. This remains the abiding commitment of our great Party and administration.

“​As we celebrate this important milestone, the APC enjoins all citizens, sub-national leaders, political stakeholders, traditional rulers and leaders of faith to join hands in building the Nigeria of our collective dream. The dawn of a prosperous Nigeria is nigh,” APC stated

By Tony Chuddy 

Former governor of Anambra state, and presidential candidate of the opposition Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has alleged that more than 140 millions Nigerians are currently living in abject poverty 

Oni in his Nigeria’s 66th independent anniversary statement issued on Thursday, said persistent leadership failures have pushed over majority  of the Nigerian population into severe hardship and abject poverty.

The NDC presidential candidate stated further that while October 1 should naturally serve as a moment of thanksgiving, unity, and gratitude for the country’s vast human and agricultural potential, the occasion must not be reduced to mere ceremonial festivities, describing the anniversary as a crucial moment for deep, honest national reflection.

“Independence anniversaries must never be reduced to mere celebration. They are moments for honest national reflection. We must look back, examine where we stand today, and ask ourselves whether we are moving in the direction our founding fathers envisioned,” Obi stated.

He added that out-of-school children have surged past 18 million, alongside an estimated 35 million unemployed or underemployed youths, adding that bad governance induced frustration has led several youths into drug abuse

He regretted that the abuse of drug among Nigerian youth has reached 14%, more than double the global benchmark of 6%, adding that high infant and maternal mortality rates persist, while national life expectancy stands at 54 years—significantly trailing the global average of 74 years.

Obi noted that escalating terrorism, banditry, and mass abductions continue to jeopardize lives, citing a recent incident where 37 young Nigerians lost their lives.

Recalling his recent two-day joint visit to Sokoto State alongside Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, Obi detailed the harrowing conditions they witnessed at the Ramin Kura Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp near Sokoto metropolis.

“What we saw in Ramin Kura is not an isolated story; it is a reflection of the suffering experienced across many parts of Nigeria. While ordinary Nigerians struggle with these realities, this present government often behaves as though these problems belong to another country. Political leaders have failed our country and, most importantly, we have failed our children.

“The Nigeria we desire will not be built by prayers alone, nor by promises alone.

“It will be built by leadership that understands that public office is a sacred trust, by citizens who demand accountability, and by all of us who refuse to accept failure as our destiny.” Obi noted