Amnesty International has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s recent decision to grant presidential pardons, calling on the government to reverse the move.
Last Thursday, Tinubu approved clemency for Nigeria’s founding father, Herbert Macaulay, and former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory under the Babangida administration, Major General Mamman Vatsa (retd).
The decision has stirred controversy, as the list of beneficiaries reportedly includes convicts, ex-convicts, drug offenders, illegal miners, and foreign nationals.
In a statement on Monday, the human rights organisation said it was deeply troubled by Tinubu’s decision to pardon individuals convicted of serious human rights abuses. Amnesty International said the action appeared to favour offenders while denying justice and reparations to victims.
“The process carried out by Nigerian authorities seemed to prioritise the perpetrators rather than ensuring justice and effective remedies for the victims and their families,” the group stated.
The organisation warned that the decision could undermine the rule of law, obstruct truth and accountability, and entrench impunity for human rights crimes in Nigeria.
Amnesty International urged President Tinubu to reconsider the pardons granted to those convicted of human rights violations and to uphold the rights of victims and their families.