Four inmates on death row in Plateau State will escape execution after Governor Caleb Mutfwang commuted their sentences to life imprisonment as part of a wider exercise of the prerogative of mercy marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

Mutfwang also granted absolute pardon to 130 other inmates serving various prison terms, bringing the total number of beneficiaries of the governor’s clemency to 134.

The governor exercised the powers conferred on him by the Constitution after consultation with the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, according to a statement signed by his Director of Press Affairs, Bere Gyang.

The decision formed part of Mutfwang’s Independence Day message to the people of Plateau State, giving the anniversary a significant justice and rehabilitation dimension.

While the four inmates on death row will now serve life sentences, the 130 others granted absolute pardon are to regain their freedom under the terms of the governor’s decision.

Mutfwang said the exercise reflected the constitutional responsibility of the state government to apply the prerogative of mercy where appropriate, following due consultation with the relevant advisory body.

The governor, however, used the occasion to call for renewed reflection on Nigeria’s 66 years of nationhood, urging citizens to acknowledge both the sacrifices that shaped the country and the challenges that continue to confront it.

He urged Nigerians to preserve the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country, stressing that nation-building remained a responsibility passed from one generation to another.

Mutfwang said the strength of Nigeria lay in the collective determination of its citizens to overcome their differences and build a society where people could pursue their aspirations with a sense of belonging.

He also acknowledged the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in sustaining the unity and stability of the country, particularly in the areas of national cohesion, peace and economic development.

The governor called on citizens to remain committed to the Nigerian project despite prevailing difficulties, while commending Plateau residents for what he described as their resilience, patience, patriotism and contributions to the development of the state.

For Plateau, he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating a society where residents can pursue their aspirations in an atmosphere of peace, security, justice and inclusive development.

The clemency exercise therefore places justice and rehabilitation alongside the broader Independence Day themes of unity, patriotism and national renewal.

As Nigeria marks 66 years of independence, the governor urged citizens to honour the sacrifices of the nation’s founding generation by contributing to the building of a peaceful, stable and prosperous country.