*grants pardon to six inmates
From Joseph Adahnu, Yola
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa state, has called on Nigerians to use the 65th Independence Anniversary to reflect and renew their commitment to building a stronger and more prosperous nation.
Fintiri made the appeal at Mahmud Ribadu Square, Yola, during the Independence Day celebration.
The Governor acknowledged Nigeria’s journey since 1960 been marked by challenges such as civil war, poverty, and insecurity, saying that the nation continues to endure because of the resilience of its people.
Stressing that true independence should go beyond survival to improving the lives of ordinary citizens.
Fintiri highlights his administration’s strides, and announced that 12,000 qualified candidates are currently undergoing recruitment into the state civil service, including 5,000 in ministries and agencies, 5,000 in post-primary education, and 2,000 in healthcare.
He disclosed further that, the state’s internally generated revenue has grown from N6.2 billion in 2019 to N16.2 billion in five years. The Governor therefore, urged Nigerians to uphold unity, discipline, and hard work, describing them as essential ingredients for transforming independence into meaningful development.
During the occasion, the Hon. Commissioner for Information and Strategy, James Iliya, said Independence Day is not just for celebration but also a time to reflect on the country’s progress. He noted that the state government has reduced huge debts inherited from previous administrations, boosted revenue, and is investing in education, agriculture, and youth empowerment.
Also, the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Adamawa State, Richard Dangari, in his remarks, described Independence Day as a reminder of the nation’s freedom from colonial rule and the sacrifices of its founding fathers. He urged citizens to embrace unity, patriotism, and civic responsibility, stressing that Nigeria’s diversity should remain a source of strength and progress.
As part of the celebration, Governor Fintiri, granted pardon to six inmates serving various prison sentences in some correctional facilities in the State. He, said, the inmates have demonstrated significant improvement in their behaviour and conduct.
Governor Fintiri’s words, “Therefore, in the exercise of my prerogative of mercy as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and in line with the recommendations of the Adamawa State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, I have granted pardon to six persons who have served various jail terms and have significantly demonstrated good conduct over the years”.
The Governor ordered the discharge directing relevant authorities to give immediate effect to the order. Those discharged include from Medium Security Custodial Centre Mubi, Wamari Godwin, Abraham Marksunil. While from Medium Security Custodial Centre Numan, David Paul, Satellite Custodial Facility Maiha, Ibrahim Adamu, Medium Security Custodial Centre Yola New, Usman Inuwa and Satellite Custodial Facility Ganye, Sani Yahaya.