United States Congressman, Riley M. Moore, has reacted to the release of Sunday Jackson, describing the development as a positive step in Nigeria–US relations following months of advocacy for clemency.

In a statement issued in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, Moore praised the decision of Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri to pardon Jackson, who had been sentenced to death, noting that he had consistently raised the case during congressional hearings, media engagements, and meetings with senior Nigerian officials in both Washington, D.C., and Nigeria.

Moore said Jackson’s release reflects growing cooperation between the Nigerian government and the United States, adding that it demonstrates a willingness by President Bola Tinubu’s administration to work with the US on addressing the persecution of Christians.

The congressman, who has been vocal about the case for several months, welcomed the pardon as a significant outcome of sustained engagement with Nigerian authorities.

He said, “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!” (Tribune)