15:T774,

The National Association of Ngas Students (NANGS) on Thursday demanded for a national pardon for the late J. D. Gomwalk, former Military Governor of the defunct Benue-Plateau.

Ms Ann Suwa, NANGS President, who made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Pankshin, Plateau, urged the Federal Government to consider state pardon for the late military governor.

Gomwalk was a governor of Benue-Plateau between 1967-1975 and was allegedly involved in the Dimka coup of February 1976 which led to the death of then Head of State, Gen. Murtala Mohammed.

“When you look at his legacies, you will see a great man worthy of honour, praises and emulation. And to come to know that for all these years, the government has not granted him national pardon, it’s very unfair and saddening,” Ms Suwa said.'

She said it was in recognition of this that “each year we hold a memorial lecture in honour of him (Gomwalk) and to press for his pardon.”

The president expressed the hope that President Goodluck Jonathan would consider the association’s plea and grant the late soldier the desired pardon before leaving office on May 29.

According to her, the memorial lecture will be supported with rallies, Gala Night and presentation of two papers by Dr David Gowon of University of Abuja and Mr Katdapba Gobum, former Plateau Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Chairman.

Suwa said the theme of the lecture was “emulating the spirit of selfless leader, writing your name in golden pen.”

She said the focus of the theme was “the need to grant late J. D. Gomwalk national pardon.”

She said the programme began with rallies in Jos and Pankshin on Wednesday and Thursday while the gala night would go with music and dancing competitions. (NAN)

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