After public criticism, Tinubu deletes names of convicts of serious crimes from clemency list
President Bola Tinubu has ordered the removal of individuals convicted of serious offences from the list of those granted presidential pardon, following public criticism of the initial clemency proposal.
In a statement on Wednesday by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, Tinubu signed the instruments of clemency and pardon for selected convicts but directed a comprehensive review of the earlier approved list after consultations with the council of state and members of the public.
As a result, persons convicted of crimes such as kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud, and unlawful possession of firearms were deleted from the list, while some others earlier considered for full pardon had their sentences commuted.
Onanuga said the decision reflected the president’s sensitivity to national security concerns, victims’ rights, and the need to sustain public confidence in the justice system.
“The concept of justice as a three-way traffic for the accused, the victim, and the state/society also guided the review,” the statement reads.
The updated list of eligible beneficiaries has been transmitted to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation in line with the signed instruments of release.
To improve future exercises, Tinubu also directed the 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.
The president further instructed the attorney-general of the federation (AGF) to issue new guidelines for the exercise of presidential mercy powers, including mandatory consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies.
According to Onanuga, the measure is to ensure that only persons who meet the stipulated legal and procedural standards will henceforth benefit from the prerogative of mercy.
President Tinubu thanked stakeholders and members of the public for their feedback and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to judicial reforms and the fair administration of justice.
