United States Congressman Riley Moore has welcomed the release of Christian farmer Sunday Jackson, who was previously sentenced to death by the Adamawa State High Court.
Jackson was sentenced after killing a radical herder in self-defence during an attack on his home.
According to reports, Congressman Moore had been a vocal advocate for Jackson’s release for several months, even bringing up the case during congressional hearings on Nigeria’s security situation.
Last Sunday, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State announced that Jackson, along with others, had received a state pardon in celebration of Christmas and New Year.
Reacting to the pardon, Moore stated, “…Sunday Jackson has been pardoned,” while noting that the Nigerian government still has more work to do.
Moore added that he has observed positive steps by the Nigerian government since his visit to the country, saying, “My concerns, and the concerns of President Trump, are being taken seriously by the Nigerian government.”
He also praised the administration of President Bola Tinubu for its willingness to engage with the U.S. government on ways to improve Nigeria’s security situation.
The lawmaker further warned that every measure must be taken to ensure the safety of the pardoned Christian farmer, urging all levels of government to guarantee his protection.