Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has urged the Federal Government to withdraw and review the recent list of individuals granted presidential pardon by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Falana said the review was necessary to uphold justice, fairness, and national morality.
He noted that while the President is empowered under Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution to exercise the prerogative of mercy, the inclusion of certain categories of offenders raises serious ethical and security concerns.
“Following the recommendation of the Prerogative of Mercy Committee chaired by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the President recently approved the pardon of 175 persons convicted for various offences.
“However, the list reportedly includes politically exposed persons, drug offenders, armed robbers, terrorists, and individuals convicted of homicide and fraud, which undermines the moral foundation of the exercise,” Falana stated.
He advised that the Prerogative of Mercy Committee should guide state governors to consider only convicts of state offences under Section 212 of the Constitution, in line with the principles of justice and good governance.
Falana maintained that while clemency remains a constitutional tool for correctional reform, it must not be used to shield the influential or weaken public confidence in the justice system.
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