By: Sunday Ameh
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the official instruments of release granting presidential pardon and clemency to selected individuals who were earlier convicted for various offences across the country.
According to a statement released on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President acted after due consultations with the Council of State and a review of public opinion on the matter.
Tinubu, exercising his constitutional powers under Section 175(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), directed a review of the initially approved list to ensure fairness and public confidence in the process.
The statement explained that certain convicts involved in serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud, and unlawful possession of firearms were removed from the list due to the gravity of their offences and the security implications of their release. Others had their sentences commuted instead of being pardoned outright.
Onanuga said the President’s decision was guided by “the need to be sensitive to the feelings of victims, society, and the morale of law enforcement agencies,” while also adhering to bilateral obligations and the principle of justice as a “three-way traffic” between the accused, the victim, and the state.
The approved list of beneficiaries has since been transmitted to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation.
In a related directive, President Tinubu ordered the relocation of the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy from the Federal Ministry of Special Duties to the Federal Ministry of Justice.
He also instructed the Attorney-General of the Federation to issue new guidelines for future clemency exercises, mandating compulsory consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies to ensure only qualified individuals benefit from such presidential pardons.
President Tinubu, while appreciating public feedback on the issue, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to judicial reforms and improving the overall administration of justice in Nigeria.
Leave a Reply