US lawmaker Riley Moore reacts as Gov. Fintiri grants christmas pardon to Sunday Jackson
US lawmaker, Rep. Riley M. Moore (R-W.Va.) on Tuesday welcomed the release of Sunday Jackson, a Nigerian Christian farmer pardoned after serving couple of months on death row for killing an attacker in self-defense.
Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri issued the pardon, freeing Jackson from prison.
Longstanding Advocacy Efforts
Moore has advocated for Jackson’s release over several months.
He raised the issue in congressional hearings, media interviews, and private discussions with senior Nigerian officials.
These efforts included meetings in Washington, D.C., and during a congressional delegation trip to Nigeria.
A Step Forward in Bilateral Ties
Jackson’s pardon marks a positive shift in U.S.-Nigeria relations.
It signals the Nigerian government’s willingness—under President Bola Tinubu—to cooperate with the United States on addressing the persecution of Christians.
Moore’s Full Statement
“Sunday Jackson is free! After more than a decade in prison serving a death sentence for defending himself, Sunday Jackson has been pardoned.
“Sunday is a Christian farmer who, like countless other Christians in Nigeria, was brutally attacked by an Islamic radical.
“Sunday fought back in self-defense, killing his attacker.
“I have been advocating for Sunday’s release both in public and in private meetings, including during my recent Congressional Delegation visit to Nigeria.
“There is much more to do, but I continue to see positive steps that my concerns and the concerns of President Trump are being taken seriously by the Nigerian government.
“I want to thank President Tinubu for his administration’s willingness to engage in continued constructive discussions with the U.S. Government on establishing a strategic security framework between our two countries to tackle the multifaceted security challenges facing Nigeria.
“The Nigerian government at the Federal and State level must ensure Sunday’s safety during and following his release.
“Our Lord came to set the captives free, and now Sunday will be able to celebrate Christmas with his family. Thanks be to God!”
