In a surprising turn of events, the campaign for clemency for Sunday Jackson, an Adamawa farmer sentenced to death by hanging, has gained significant support from an unexpected source. The family of Jackson’s deceased attacker, Buba Bawuro, has publicly endorsed a pardon for the convicted man, signaling a potential shift in the tense and emotional case. This development comes just two weeks after the Supreme Court of Nigeria upheld Jackson’s death sentence for the 2021 murder of Buba Bawuro.
The plea for clemency was officially made in a letter from Buba’s father, Ardo Bawuro, who expressed his forgiveness and compassion for Jackson. This letter was signed during a meeting facilitated by the traditional ruler of the Bachama Kingdom, His Royal Majesty (HRM) Hama Bachama, at his royal palace in Numan, Adamawa State. The meeting was attended by key international advocates, including human rights lawyer Emmanuel Ogebe and Dr. William Devlin, a U.S.-based humanitarian.
Buba Bawuro’s father, Ardo, made an emotional plea for clemency, acknowledging that his son would never return, no matter the verdict. In his letter to Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, Ardo wrote: “My son can never wake up again. Based on this fact, I am pleading for clemency on Sunday Jackson to be pardoned and set free.”
The letter, signed by Ardo Bawuro in the presence of international advocates, marks a critical moment in Jackson’s case, which has drawn widespread attention both in Nigeria and abroad. Jackson, a farmer in Adamawa State, was convicted in February 2021 for killing Buba Bawuro during a dispute. The case sparked controversy and was seen by many as part of a broader issue of rural violence and land disputes in northern Nigeria.
Sunday Jackson’s case has captured the attention of human rights advocates, who argue that his conviction and the subsequent death sentence are a miscarriage of justice. Jackson’s defenders claim that he acted in self-defense during a violent altercation with Buba Bawuro. Following the conviction, the Justice for Jackson Joint Freedom Task Force (JJJFT), co-convened by Emmanuel Ogebe, has been tirelessly campaigning for Jackson’s release, seeking a fair review of the case.
Despite the Supreme Court’s confirmation of Jackson’s death sentence, the case remains a topic of intense debate, with many Nigerians questioning the fairness of the trial and the severity of the punishment. The campaign for clemency has been fueled by the support of both local and international advocates, who have argued that Jackson’s death sentence is excessive given the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The recent endorsement from the family of the deceased has added a new dimension to the case, offering a glimmer of hope for Jackson’s supporters. During a meeting at the royal palace in Numan, Ardo Bawuro, along with humanitarian advocates Ogebe and Dr. Devlin, discussed the case with His Royal Majesty Hama Bachama and other community leaders.
Emmanuel Ogebe, one of Jackson’s key supporters and co-convener of the JJJFT, shared his excitement about the progress made during the meeting. “It was an eye-opening interaction for us and gives great hope for peace in the land,” he said. The meeting provided an opportunity for the families involved to engage in dialogue and discuss the future of the case.
While details of the discussions are expected to be released by the royal palace, Ogebe expressed optimism about the potential for a peaceful resolution. “We’re very excited at this outcome!” he said, referring to the positive response from the Bawuro family and the traditional leaders.
The intervention of His Royal Majesty Hama Bachama, a respected traditional leader in Adamawa, has been instrumental in bringing the families together for this crucial dialogue. As a symbol of authority and unity in the region, the traditional leader’s involvement in the mediation process has helped foster an environment of reconciliation.
Traditional leaders in Nigeria often play a significant role in resolving disputes, particularly in rural communities where formal legal systems may be less accessible or trusted. HRM Hama Bachama’s mediation underscores the importance of local leadership in navigating complex issues related to justice and reconciliation. The royal palace in Numan has become a focal point for healing, offering a platform for both sides to express their grievances and seek resolution.
The involvement of international advocates like Emmanuel Ogebe and Dr. William Devlin has brought global attention to the case. Ogebe, a Nigerian-born human rights lawyer based in the U.S., has long been an advocate for justice reform in Nigeria, and he has been particularly vocal in Jackson’s case. Dr. Devlin, an American humanitarian, has also lent his expertise in human rights to the cause, pushing for clemency for Jackson.
Their advocacy has helped to raise awareness of the case both in Nigeria and abroad, with many human rights organizations calling for a review of the trial and a reconsideration of the death sentence. The backing from the international community adds pressure on the Nigerian authorities to reconsider the case and ensure that justice is served in a fair and transparent manner.
As the campaign for clemency continues, all eyes are on Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri and the Adamawa State government to see how they will respond to the Bawuro family’s appeal. Governor Fintiri has previously expressed a commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice for all citizens, but the case of Sunday Jackson presents a unique challenge.
For now, the future of Sunday Jackson remains uncertain, with his fate hanging in the balance. However, the intervention of the Bawuro family and the support from international advocates offer hope that a peaceful resolution may be possible. The case serves as a reminder of the complexities of justice, forgiveness, and the role of traditional leadership in healing fractured communities.
