Congressman Moore Responds to the Release of Sunday Jackson, Notes Longstanding Calls for Clemency

Washington, D.C.- Congressman Riley M. Moore today praised the release of Sunday Jackson, a Nigerian farmer who was sentenced to death after killing a Fulani Islamic radical in self-defense following an attack on his home, following a pardon issued by Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.

For months, Congressman Riley M. Moore has publicly called for Jackson's release, raising the case for his release during Congressional hearings, in media interviews, and in private meetings with senior Nigerian officials including meetings in Washington D.C. and during his Congressional Delegation visitto Nigeria.

Sunday Jackson's release is a positive development in the relationship between the Nigerian government and the United States which demonstrates a willingness by President Bola Tinubu and his government to work in coordination and cooperation with the United States to address the persecution of Christians.

Congressman Riley M. Moore released the following 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 of 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!"

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