Nigeria ought to have overcome its challenges, says Kano governor

Muftwang pardons prisoners on death row

Governor Abba Yusuf has paid tribute to the founding father of the nation’s democracy for their selfless struggle and sacrifice to secure the Nigeria’s Independence from the circle of colonial masters.

Reviewing the nation’s journey of 63rd years, amid model stability and inherent challenges, Governor Yusuf said the country ought to have gone beyond its present condition.

He made the observation, yesterday, after reviewing a combined march past by men of the Nigerian Police Force and sister security agencies to mark the country’s Independence at Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano.

The governor contended that at 63 years, Nigeria recorded some progress as a corporate entity, but insisted that to ought to have done much better.

He said: “It is only rational to recognise that arising from some policy choices of our past leaders, our development and growth ought to have gone beyond where we are today. Our cohesion and unity ought to have been stronger than what it is today. Our security and stability ought to have been better than what it is today.”

IN Plateau State, Governor Caleb Mutfwang has exercised his prerogative of mercy as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution and pardoned one Danladi Musa, who was sentenced to life for culpable homicide and having served 17 years.  

Mutfwang also said Tali Zingtim, who was sentenced to death by hanging for criminal conspiracy and armed robbery, will serve 21 years term, while Ponzing Nanshep, who was also sentenced to life for criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide, will serve 21 years. He added that one Dauda Joshua, who was sentenced to death by hanging for culpable homicide, will serve only life imprisonment.

The governor gave the cheering news, yesterday, in a state broadcast to mark the 63rd Independence in Jos. He used the medium to express heartfelt sympathy to the victims of the recent flood disaster in Jos North, adding that government would explore a lasting solution to the environmental disaster, having directed the Plateau State Emergency Management (SEMA) to mobilise and coordinate relief efforts that will provide succour to the victims.