In a major development that has sparked mixed reactions across Nigeria, the Federal Government has announced its intention to grant presidential pardons to convicts serving prison terms in various correctional facilities throughout the country. This bold move is set to offer hope for high-profile individuals, including Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), as well as politicians such as Senator Bassey Albert Akpan and other notable figures currently incarcerated.
On Wednesday, the Federal Government inaugurated the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, a body tasked with advising President Muhammadu Buhari on the exercise of his constitutional power to grant pardons. The committee is chaired by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and it includes key representatives from crucial sectors such as the Nigerian Police Force, the Nigerian Correctional Service, the National Human Rights Commission, and prominent religious organizations like the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
Other prominent members of the committee include legal experts like Justice Augustine Utsaha, Professor Alkasum Abba, Chief Akinlolu Olujinmi (CON, SAN), and Professor Nike Ijaiya, among others. This diverse team is tasked with evaluating the numerous clemency applications received by the government and ensuring that the process is carried out fairly and justly.
At the inauguration, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, emphasized the constitutional backing for this initiative. He pointed out that Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) grants the President the power to grant clemency to individuals convicted of offences under federal law. According to Akume, the committee’s role is to ensure that the President exercises this power with fairness and in the public interest.
“The prerogative of mercy is a constitutional power vested in the President,” Akume said during the ceremony. “This power enables the President to grant pardon to anyone convicted of offences created by an Act of the National Assembly. The committee will advise the President on how best to exercise this power.”
With a tenure of four years, the committee is expected to evaluate clemency applications objectively and with the public’s best interests in mind. AGF Fagbemi confirmed that his office had already received an overwhelming number of requests for presidential pardon, and assured Nigerians that each application would be carefully considered.
“We have received numerous applications for clemency, and we are committed to evaluating these requests based on their merits. Our task is to carry out this process with fairness, in line with the public interest and the pursuit of justice,” Fagbemi stated.
The committee’s work is not limited to reviewing applications, however. It will also involve visits to correctional facilities across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to assess the cases of eligible convicts and ex-convicts. The committee will use its findings to make actionable recommendations to President Buhari, who will ultimately decide on the grants of pardons or clemency.
It is worth noting that this is not the first time such a process has been undertaken in Nigeria. The last presidential pardon occurred in 2022 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, when 159 individuals were granted clemency. Among those who benefited were former governors Joshua Dariye and Jolly Nyame, who had been convicted for embezzling public funds during their tenure in office.
The current pardon initiative has the potential to significantly impact the lives of many Nigerians, especially those who have been incarcerated for what some consider politically motivated charges. One of the most high-profile individuals who could benefit from this move is Nnamdi Kanu, whose continued detention has sparked nationwide and international protests. As the leader of IPOB, Kanu has been a central figure in calls for secession, and his release has been a long-standing demand from various political and social groups in the Southeast and beyond.
Similarly, Senator Bassey Albert Akpan, who has been embroiled in legal battles and is currently serving time, may find himself among those considered for clemency under this new initiative. The inclusion of such individuals in the pardon process is likely to influence the wider political landscape, particularly in terms of national reconciliation and the restoration of trust in the justice system.
The Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy will also aim to ensure that its recommendations are made based on an objective evaluation of cases, and it will not interfere with the decisions of the courts. This approach ensures that the power of pardon is used with due consideration and in accordance with the law.
As the committee embarks on its mandate, Nigerians are closely watching, hoping that the process will bring justice and fairness to those who deserve a second chance. The forthcoming recommendations to President Buhari could be a pivotal moment for the nation, offering the possibility of closure for many families and a renewed sense of hope for those wrongfully incarcerated.
In conclusion, the Federal Government’s move to grant presidential pardons presents an opportunity for healing and reform, particularly for those like Nnamdi Kanu, Bassey Albert, and other political figures whose cases have stirred national debate. With the committee now in place, Nigeria’s journey towards justice and reconciliation could take a significant step forward.
