Several Adamawa indigenes, including ex-Senator Ishaku Abbo and the Gongola People’s Forum (GPF), have appealed to Governor Ahmadu Fintiri to exercise his prerogative of mercy and grant a pardon to Sunday Jackson, a local farmer sentenced to death by hanging by the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court’s recent ruling, which confirmed Jackson’s death sentence, has sparked widespread public condemnation from Nigerians who argue the judgment is unjust and lacks consideration of the circumstances surrounding the case.

Background of the Case

Sunday Jackson, a farmer from Don village in Demsa Local Government Area of Adamawa State, was convicted following a fatal altercation with two herders who allegedly invaded his farm.

According to Hon. Peter Luka Don, a community leader:

• Jackson was attacked by two herders who allowed their cattle to graze on his farmland.
• One of the herders stabbed Jackson in the leg, leading to a physical struggle.
• Jackson, in self-defense, overpowered one of the herders, disarmed him, and stabbed him with his own knife. The herder later died from excessive bleeding.

Luka lamented the ongoing violence and injustice faced by his community, stating that the authorities fail to prosecute herders responsible for attacks on local farmers.

“We were living in peace with the herders before now, but suddenly, they started raping our wives and daughters and killing our people when we protested,” Luka said.

Community Outrage and Family’s Plea

The ruling has left Jackson’s family and community in anguish.

• Moni, Jackson’s uncle, warned that enforcing the death sentence could spark unrest in the region.
• Blessing Jota, Jackson’s elder sister, emotionally pleaded for President Bola Tinubu to intervene, fearing her life would end if her brother is executed.
• Mrs. Abeyo Victor, another sister, expressed faith that divine intervention would save her brother’s life.

Senator Ishaku Abbo’s Intervention

Senator Ishaku Abbo has joined the calls for clemency, urging Governor Ahmadu Fintiri to pardon Jackson. He criticized the Supreme Court’s ruling, suggesting it reflects flaws in the Nigerian judicial system and could undermine peace in the region.

“The judgment is not in the interest of humanity and does not promote peace. The government must act swiftly to prevent future problems,” Abbo said.

Gongola People’s Forum’s Position

The Gongola People’s Forum (GPF) also condemned the death sentence, calling on Governor Fintiri to invoke Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution to pardon Jackson.

GPF Chairman, Engr. Markus Gundiri, emphasized that:

• Jackson acted in self-defense after being attacked without provocation.
• He has suffered in incarceration for 10 years while awaiting the outcome of the legal process.
• Jackson’s 10-year-old daughter has grown up without him, highlighting the personal toll of the prolonged legal battle.

“Jackson was unarmed and did not provoke the attack. He has already paid a heavy price with 10 years of his life in prison. Justice demands mercy,” Gundiri argued.

Legal Basis for Clemency

Under Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution, a state governor has the authority to:

• Pardon a convict.
• Commute a death sentence to a lesser punishment.
• Grant respite or remit part of a sentence.

The appeals from community leaders, politicians, and civil organizations underscore the growing pressure on Governor Fintiri to exercise his constitutional powers and prevent Sunday Jackson from facing execution.