Plateau State Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has granted absolute pardon to 130 inmates and commuted the death sentences of four others to life imprisonment as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

Mutfwang announced the decision on Thursday while felicitating with Plateau citizens and Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora on the October 1 anniversary.

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The governor, in a goodwill message signed by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr Gyang Bere, described the anniversary as an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey since independence, honour the sacrifices of past leaders, acknowledge its challenges, celebrate its achievements and renew faith in a stronger, united and prosperous Nigeria.

He urged Nigerians to preserve the country’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity, stressing the responsibility of nation-building across generations.

Mutfwang also said Nigeria’s strength depends on citizens rising above their differences and working towards a country where everyone has a sense of belonging and an opportunity to fulfil their aspirations.

He acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s efforts towards sustaining national unity and stability and advancing the Nigerian project, particularly in the areas of national cohesion, peace and economic development.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a Plateau State where citizens can pursue their aspirations in an atmosphere of peace, security, justice and inclusive development.

He also commended the people of Plateau for their resilience, patience, patriotism and contributions to the development of the state and the nation.

According to the statement, Mutfwang exercised the powers conferred on him by the Constitution, as amended, after consulting the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.

The four inmates whose death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment are Zuhumnan Musa, Jeremiah Aese, Pam Lang and Thoma Danboyi.

Others granted absolute pardon include Kamshine Gomerep, Maju Sajen, Jan Thomas, Gody Victor, Imran Maikasuwa, Biplang Emmanuel, Peace Sunday, Salisu Usman, Geoffrey John and Shwarpo Luka, among others.

Mutfwang wished Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora a peaceful and meaningful 66th Independence Anniversary and urged citizens to continue contributing to the development of the country.

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has called on Nigerians to embrace accountability and maintain zero tolerance for corruption as the country marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.

Olukoyede made the call in Abuja on Thursday, October 1, 2026, in his Independence Day message to Nigerians.

He applauded ongoing efforts to strengthen and reform the country, describing them as “building blocks of the greater nation we desire.”

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The EFCC Chairman urged Nigerians to complement the government’s reform-focused initiatives by rejecting corruption in all its forms.

“At 66, Nigeria has come a long way. Independence has offered us liberty and self-determination. We are also making considerable progress in nation building. All these efforts are significant. They are the building blocks of the greater nation we desire. Let’s therefore couple all our reform-focused initiatives with zero tolerance for corruption,” he said.

Olukoyede stressed that corrupt practices could undermine the country’s development efforts and called for purposeful rejection of compromises.

“We cannot be building and allow corrupt practices to vitiate our efforts. Progress only comes with purposeful rejection of compromises. Nigeria will surely get better!” he said.

He expressed optimism that Nigeria would continue to improve, while emphasizing the need for citizens to reject corrupt practices in all their forms.

Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has said a “new, albeit far better, Nigeria is achievable,” urging Nigerians to remain committed to building a country worthy of the sacrifices of its founding fathers and the trust of future generations.

Sani stated this in his Independence Day message on Thursday as Nigeria marked its 66th anniversary.

The governor described Nigeria as “the world’s most populous black nation, a source of African pride and a beacon of possibility,” saying its cultural richness, human ingenuity and resilience had sustained the country through difficult periods.

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He expressed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, saying the government’s responsibility was to ensure prosperity reaches households and create opportunities for children.

On security, Sani said, “A farmer must be able to cultivate his land, a trader open her shop and a child attend school without fear.”

He urged Nigerians to embrace their diversity, saying, “Our diversity is our strength,” while calling on citizens to reject prejudice and attempts to turn differences into division.

The governor also stressed accountability in public service.

“We shall ultimately account for our stewardship before Almighty God,” he said, urging public officials to act with wisdom, integrity and compassion.

He added: “The authority entrusted to us obliges us to serve faithfully, protect public resources and leave our communities better than we found them.”

Sani also said democracy must deliver tangible benefits to citizens, including “security, opportunity and wellbeing.”

He wished Nigerians a happy 66th Independence Anniversary and prayed for peace, prosperity and stronger national unity.