By Dr. Nafisat Makinde
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the instruments of clemency and pardons, exercising his constitutional powers of prerogative of mercy to grant pardon and relief to selected individuals earlier convicted for various offences.
In a statement disclosed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), the President’s approval followed extensive consultations with the Council of State and wide-ranging public opinion. He also directed a further review of the initial list to ensure that only qualified persons benefited, in line with Sections 175(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Following the review, individuals convicted of serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud, and unlawful possession of firearms were deleted from the list, while others had their sentences commuted. President Tinubu said the decision was guided by “the need to uphold justice as a three-way traffic involving the accused, the victims, and the society.”
“The seriousness and security implications of certain offences, as well as the need to be sensitive to the feelings of victims and to boost the morale of law enforcement agencies, informed the careful review of the clemency process,” the statement added.
The approved list of eligible beneficiaries has been transmitted to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation in line with the duly signed instruments of release.
To strengthen future clemency exercises, President Tinubu ordered the immediate 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 directed the Attorney-General of the Federation to issue new guidelines for the exercise of presidential mercy, including mandatory consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies.
President Tinubu appreciated the constructive feedback from stakeholders and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to judicial reform and upholding the rule of law in Nigeria.
