Northern CAN lauds Fintiri over pardon for death row inmate, Sunday Jackson

 

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has hailed Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, for granting a state pardon to Sunday Jackson, a farmer who was sentenced to death over a fatal encounter widely believed to be an act of self-defence.

Jackson was among three inmates pardoned by the governor, while the sentences of five others were fully remitted as part of activities to mark the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

The case had attracted national outrage after the Supreme Court, in March, upheld earlier judgments of the Adamawa High Court which sentenced Jackson to death for killing a man alleged to have attacked him on his farm.

Reports indicated that Jackson was cultivating his farmland when a suspected herder, allegedly armed with a knife, attempted to assault him, leading to a struggle that resulted in the attacker’s death. Despite claims of self-defence, the court ruled that Jackson had the opportunity to flee and sentenced him to death in 2021.

Reacting to the pardon, Northern CAN described the governor’s action as bold, humane and reflective of responsive leadership.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. Yakubu Pam, said the decision brought “immense relief, hope and reassurance” to many Nigerians who had followed the case with anxiety.

According to him, the pardon reaffirmed public confidence that justice could still be guided by wisdom and compassion within Nigeria’s legal and political systems.

Pam noted that the conviction raised serious concerns about proportional justice, especially for vulnerable citizens such as farmers and rural dwellers who face daily security threats while earning a living.

“The case of Sunday Jackson drew widespread national attention because evidence and public narratives consistently suggested that he acted in self-defence in the face of imminent danger,” he said.

“The death sentence became a source of fear and pain, particularly among farmers who face insecurity while striving to feed their families and the nation.”

He added that faith-based organisations, civil society groups and concerned Nigerians had persistently called for a review of the case on moral, legal and humanitarian grounds.

Pam said Governor Fintiri’s intervention demonstrated sensitivity to public concerns, respect for the sanctity of human life and a courageous use of constitutional powers to correct outcomes capable of eroding public trust in the justice system.

“This action has helped calm public tension and restored confidence that government can listen and respond to legitimate concerns,” he said.

Northern CAN expressed profound appreciation to the governor, urging other leaders to emulate his example by upholding justice, peace and the dignity of human life.

The association also prayed for wisdom and strength for Governor Fintiri as he continues to lead the state.