* Maryam Sanda, drug pushers, kidnappers affected
By Citizenship Newspaper
President Bola Tinubu has reduced the list of convicts recently granted a presidential pardon.
The presidency through it’s Spokesperson, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, in a statement, Wednesday, revealed that the number of the beneficiaries have been reduced from 175 to 141.
Consequent to the criticism that greeted approval of some persons pardoned by the Council of State, a lady, Maryam Sanda, who was convicted for killing her husband in cold blood was dropped.
According to Onanuga, “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.”
While 15 persons, including Saro Wiwa and other Ogoni agitators that were convicted and executed by the military junta, were pardoned, four others had their death sentences commuted to life imprisonment, while 15 convicts secured clemency in the final list that contained 34 beneficiaries.
“This action became necessary in view of the seriousness and security implications of some of the offences, the need to be sensitive to the feelings of the victims of the crimes and society in general, the need to boost the morale of law enforcement agencies and adherence to bilateral obligations. The concept of justice as a three-way traffic for the Accused, the Victim, and the State/Society also guided the review.
“The approved list of eligible beneficiaries has been transmitted to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation in line with the duly signed instruments of release.
“Furthermore, to ensure that future exercises meet public expectations and best practices, the President has directed the immediate 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.
“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.
“The President appreciated the constructive feedback and engagement from stakeholders and the general public on this matter.
“President Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration’s broader commitment to judicial reforms and improving the administration of justice in Nigeria,” the statement added.
