By Kazeem Ugbodaga

President Bola Tinubu has signed the official instruments granting pardon and clemency to selected individuals, formally exercising his constitutional powers of prerogative of mercy as enshrined in Section 175(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The President’s decision follows extensive consultations with the Council of State and a comprehensive review of public opinion regarding the initial list of proposed beneficiaries.

In the revised list, individuals convicted of serious offences such as kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud, and illegal possession of firearms were excluded, while some previously approved pardons were converted to commutations of sentence.

According to the Presidency, the revision was guided by national security considerations, the rights and feelings of victims, and the need to maintain public confidence in the justice system.

The move also aligns with Nigeria’s bilateral obligations and the broader principle that justice must serve the accused, the victims, and society at large.

The updated list of beneficiaries has been transmitted to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation in accordance with the duly signed instruments of release.

In a related development, President Tinubu has approved the 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.

The relocation aims to enhance efficiency, ensure transparency, and align the committee’s work with the country’s legal and judicial frameworks.

The President has also directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to issue new guidelines governing the exercise of the prerogative of mercy.

The guidelines will mandate consultations with relevant prosecuting agencies to ensure that only individuals who meet the full legal and procedural criteria benefit from future clemency actions.

President Tinubu expressed appreciation for the constructive feedback and engagement received from citizens and stakeholders, noting that such contributions strengthened the review process.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to advancing judicial reforms and improving the overall administration of justice in Nigeria, stressing that the rule of law remains the cornerstone of a just and equitable society.

Source; PM News