Northern CAN applauds Gov. Fintiri’s clemency for farmer sentenced to death

The Northern Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has commended Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for granting a state pardon to Sunday Jackson, a Christian farmer previously sentenced to death for a violent farm altercation.

The pardon, issued on Tuesday, prompted widespread celebration among residents in Adamawa’s capital, Yola. In a Christmas message, Northern CAN’s leadership, Chairman Rev. Joseph Hayab and Secretary-General Bishop Mohammed Naga, characterized the original conviction as a “miscarriage of justice.” They stated the governor’s intervention “restored public confidence in fairness and the rule of law.”

The association argued the clemency affirms that “self-defence in the face of mortal danger should not be criminalised while terrorists and their advocates walk freely.” While praising Governor Fintiri, Northern CAN urged all Nigerian leaders to use the Christmas season as a catalyst for national renewal, justice, and lasting security. It warned the country cannot endure continued suffering from terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping.

The group called on the Federal Government to launch a “thorough and transparent investigation” into the sponsors and financiers of terror, asserting that “lasting peace will remain elusive unless those behind violent crimes are exposed and brought to justice.”

Northern CAN described Christmas as an opportunity for national reflection on peace, justice, compassion, and the sanctity of human life. It commended organisations and individuals providing festive palliatives to the vulnerable, calling such acts a reflection of “enduring values of love and shared responsibility.”

On security, the association praised the sacrifices of the Armed Forces and security agencies, urging continued resolve. It welcomed the recent official designation of kidnappers and bandits as terrorists, seeing it as a strengthening of the security framework.

The statement concluded with a call for leaders to uphold justice, equity, and the rule of law, and for citizens to remain law-abiding and committed to unity. “As the nation celebrates Christmas,” it urged, “let us support our leaders, pray for the healing of our land and work collectively for a safer, more just and more united Nigeria.”

About The Author

Dele Fashomi

Dele Fashomi, seasoned journalist and communication teacher, is a holder of Master of Arts degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1992/93.

Earlier, he had bagged a Bachelor degree from the same university in 1984, after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1990, for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

He had done many courses in communication, including the EU-BBC Editing Course in 2002.

Mr. Fashomi combines effectively the practice, research and teaching of communication. And to date, he has published two academic works in communication: Issues in Communication Technology and Policy (2010) and Economic and Social Issues in Advertising and PR (2013).

He had his first break in the Nigerian media in Concord Newspapers in 1990 and today, he has over two and half decades experience earned in several newspapers.

He has been part of many start-ups, such as The Republic (1987), The Comet (1999), The Anchor 2001 – 2002; Sun Newspapers (2003); Westerner newsmagazine (2005 – 2010) as Editor; National Life (2011) as Sunday Editor, and Newswatch Newspapers (2012- 2016) as Daily Editor.

Dele Fashomi is now the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newstide247.com newspaper online, which he started in July 2015. He is also into biography writing, with many books in his trail, some of which he wrote alone and one he co- authored with his mentor, Mr Dare Babarinsa, entitled:  Olabiyi Durojaiye – DARE TO BE DiFFERENT. He also guided and collaborated with Pa Olatunji Odusanya in writing his autobiography – AGAINST ALL ODDS. There are many other books in the works under his pen.

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