By Duchess Ifeoluwa
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered a review of the initial list of persons recommended for state pardon and clemency, removing individuals convicted of serious crimes before signing the instruments of release to complete the exercise of his constitutional powers of prerogative of mercy.
The review, carried out after consultations with the Council of State and consideration of public opinion, was aimed at ensuring the process reflects national security interests, public sensitivity, and the principles of justice.
Following the review, convicts found guilty of kidnapping, drug-related offences, human trafficking, fraud, and unlawful possession of firearms were deleted from the list, while others earlier approved for pardon had their sentences commuted instead.
A statement issued on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, said the decision was taken in view of the gravity of some offences, the need to consider victims’ welfare, uphold the morale of law enforcement agencies, and adhere to Nigeria’s bilateral obligations.
It added that the review was guided by “the concept of justice as a three-way traffic for the accused, the victim, and the state or society.”
The revised list of beneficiaries has been transmitted to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation, in line with the duly signed instruments of release.
To ensure that future exercises meet public expectations and global best practices, President Tinubu also directed 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.
In addition, the Attorney-General of the Federation has been directed to issue new guidelines for future exercises, which will include mandatory consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies before any recommendation is approved.
The President thanked Nigerians for their feedback on the matter and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to judicial reforms and an efficient system of justice administration in the country.
