Tinubu Reviews Clemency List, Deletes Names Of Kidnappers, Drug Traffickers, Others
By Sunday Etuka
President Bola Tinubu, has directed a further review of the initially approved list for consideration to be granted pardon and clemency, under Section 175(1)(&(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The directive for the review, according to him, follows consultations with the Council of State and public opinion on the matter.
Consequently, he said 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 list.
Adding that others who had been hitherto pardoned in the old list had their sentences commuted.
The action, he explained, 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.
In a statement on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President noted that the concept of justice as a three-way traffic for the Accused, the Victim, and the State/Society also guided the review.
He disclosed that 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 the 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,” the statement said.
