President Bola Tinubu has formally exercised his constitutional power of prerogative of mercy, executing the relevant instruments of release to grant pardon and clemency to specific convicted individuals.
In a statement released on Wednesday by presidential aide Bayo Onanuga, it was confirmed that following consultations with the Council of State and after considering “public opinion on the matter,” the President ordered a further review of the list.
This review was done “in furtherance of the President’s discretionary powers under Section 175(1)(&(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).”
As a consequence of the detailed review, certain persons convicted of “serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug-related offences, human trafficking, fraud, unlawful possession of firearms/arms dealing, etc,” were deleted from the pardon list entirely.
The statement also confirmed that others who were previously approved for pardon had their sentences commuted. Significantly, one of the initial beneficiaries of a state pardon, Maryam Sanda, a death row inmate, has had “whose pardon has been reversed.”
Read Also: DSS Arrests Man Using Social Media To Canvass For Military Coup In Nigeria
The statement read, “this action became necessary in view of the seriousness and security implications of some of the offences, the need to be sensitive to the feelings of the victims of the crimes and society in general, the need to boost the morale of law enforcement agencies and adherence to bilateral obligations. The concept of justice as a three-way traffic for the Accused, the Victim, and the State/Society also guided the review.
“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.
“Furthermore, to ensure that future exercises meet public expectations and best practices, the President has 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.
“President Tinubu also directed the Attorney-General of the Federation to issue appropriate Guidelines for the Exercise of the Power of Prerogative of Mercy, which includes compulsory consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies.
“This will ensure that only persons who fully meet the stipulated legal and procedural requirements will henceforth benefit from the issuance of instruments of release.
“The President appreciated the constructive feedback and engagement from stakeholders and the general public on this matter.
“President Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration’s broader commitment to judicial reforms and improving the administration of justice in Nigeria.”
See full list below:
Join Informant Online WhatsApp Channel With Link Below: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaihFajBadmT29ufud2
