President Bola Tinubu has directed the removal of individuals convicted for serious offences including kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud, and unlawful possession of firearms from the list of beneficiaries under the Federal Government’s prerogative of mercy.
This was contained in a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), on Wednesday.
The statement reads partly: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has executed the relevant instruments of release to complete the process of formally exercising his constitutional power of prerogative of mercy to grant pardon and clemency to specific individuals who were earlier convicted for various offences.
“Following consultations with the Council of State and public opinion on the matter, the President directed a further review of the initially approved list for consideration in furtherance of the President’s discretionary powers under Section 175(1) & (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
“Consequently, 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. Others who had been hitherto pardoned in the old list had their sentences commuted.
“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.”
READ ALSO: Tinubu Writes Senate, Seeks Confirmation Of Service Chiefs
The President’s review was guided by the seriousness of certain offences, security considerations, the need to be sensitive to victims, and the principle of justice as a three-way traffic involving the accused, the victim, and society.
The approved list of eligible beneficiaries has been transmitted to the Nigerian Correctional Service for immediate implementation.
The relocation of the Prerogative of Mercy Secretariat from the Federal Ministry of Special Duties to the Justice Ministry is aimed at enhancing transparency, public confidence, and adherence to due process in future exercises.
President Tinubu also thanked stakeholders and the general public for their constructive feedback and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to judicial reforms and the overall improvement of Nigeria’s justice system.
We do everything possible to supply quality news and information to all our valuable readers day in, day out and we are committed to keep doing this.
Your kind donation will help our continuous research efforts.
-Advertisement-
-Want to get the news as it breaks?-
