President Bola Tinubu has signed instruments of clemency and pardon, formally approving the release of selected inmates while tightening the rules for future exercises of presidential mercy.
According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga on Wednesday , the action follows wide consultations with the Council of State and a review of public opinion on the list of proposed beneficiaries.
Onanuga explained that the President ordered the deletion of names of persons convicted for serious offences such as kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud, and unlawful possession of firearms, citing national security concerns and the need to uphold justice.
Others earlier considered for full pardon had their sentences reduced instead.
President Tinubu said the review was guided by the principle that justice must serve the interests of the accused, the victim, and society at large.
To strengthen future exercises, the President also directed the immediate relocation of the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy from the Ministry of Special Duties to the Federal Ministry of Justice.
In addition, he ordered the Attorney-General of the Federation to issue new guidelines to ensure that only deserving individuals, vetted in consultation with prosecuting agencies, benefit from clemency in the future.
President Tinubu thanked stakeholders and members of the public for their feedback and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to judicial reforms and strengthening the rule of law in Nigeria.
(Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie)
