Adamawa Governor Fintiri Grants Pardon To Farmer Sunday Jackson On Death Row

Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has approved a pardon for Sunday Jackson, the farmer who was sentenced to death after killing a Fulani herder during an alleged attack on his farmland. The decision was announced on Tuesday in a statement signed by the governor’s chief press secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou. “Adamawa State Governor, Rt. Hon Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri CON, has granted pardon to Sunday Jackson who was sentenced to death,” the statement said. “The pardon is in commemoration of Christmas and New Year celebrations.” The statement explained that Jackson, who is being held at the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre, was not the only beneficiary. “Jackson who is in Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre has been pardoned alongside Joseph Eugene from the Medium Security Custodial Centre Yola new and Maxwell Ibrahim serving at the Medium Security Custodial Center in Kaduna.” Jackson’s pardon follows months of intense international attention, particularly from the United States. In November, the case gained renewed prominence after the U.S. designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over allegations of killings of Christians. At the time, President Donald Trump issued strong warnings over continued attacks on Christians in Nigeria. U.S. Congressman Riley Moore also publicly demanded Jackson’s release, criticising his conviction for culpable homicide and death sentence by hanging for killing an armed herdsman who allegedly attacked him on his farm. Speaking on Fox News, Moore said, “But there’s a lot of things they can do, and one of the first steps is releasing Sunday Jackson, and another one is working with us to disarm these militants in the middle-belt of the country—the Fulani Islamic radicals that are there.”

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Adamawa Governor Fintiri Distances Himself From Wike-Led PDP Expulsions

Adamawa Governor Ahmadu Fintiri has clarified that he does not support the expulsion of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and his allies from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), warning that the move could deepen divisions within the party. In a statement, Fintiri said he “categorically dissociates” himself from the decision to expel Wike, adding that such actions are not in the best interest of the party and could push the PDP further into crisis. The expulsions were carried out during the PDP convention in Ibadan on Saturday, targeting Wike, former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, former national secretary Samuel Anyanwu, and eight others. The motion for the expulsions was initiated by former PDP National Vice Chairman (South) Olabode George and seconded by Bauchi State PDP Chairman Samaila Burga, with the measure reportedly receiving widespread support from convention delegates. The party justified the decision by citing alleged breaches of its constitution, including holding parallel congresses, canvassing for other political parties, and sponsoring litigations against the PDP. Fintiri, however, criticized the move, emphasizing that it risks undermining party cohesion. He urged all stakeholders to prioritize reconciliation and unity, stating, “I stand for the peace and stability of the PDP, and I will not support anything that could lead to its disintegration. Peace and reconciliation are the only ways forward for our great party.” Other notable figures expelled at the convention include Mao Ohabunwa, chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Wike-led faction; former national organising secretary Umar Bature; Adeyemi Ajibade; Mohammed Abdulrahman; Austin Nwachukwu; Abraham Amah; George Turner; and Dan Orbih.

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