Human rights lawyer ,Inibehe Effiong has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s decision to pardon some of the 175 convicted persons, arguing that it will promote criminality and weaken Nigeria’s justice system.
During an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Monday, Effiong said the President’s action raises moral and legal concerns about the message it conveys to Nigerians and security agencies.
He explained that Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution grants the President broad powers to exercise the prerogative of mercy, enabling him to forgive or pardon convicted individuals. However, he questioned the reasoning behind extending clemency to people he believes do not deserve it.
“It is quite puzzling that the President and his advisory committee have chosen to pardon certain individuals whose crimes do not merit forgiveness,” Effiong stated.
While he accepted that some pardons—such as those given posthumously to the late General Mamman Vatsa and members of the Ogoni Nine—could be justified, he strongly criticised the inclusion of individuals convicted of drug offences and murder.
Referring to Maryam Sanda, who was convicted in 2020 for killing her husband, Effiong asked, “How do we explain forgiving someone who brutally murdered her spouse in the name of compassion? What happens to the family of the victim?”
He warned that the decision could send a dangerous message to society. “If the President intends to play the saviour of hardened criminals, he might as well open the gates of Kirikiri Prison,” he said.
Effiong also dismissed claims that those pardoned had become reformed, insisting that Nigeria’s correctional facilities rarely rehabilitate inmates. He stressed that although the President has constitutional authority to grant pardons, such power must be used responsibly.
“Yes, the Constitution empowers him to do so under Section 175, but that authority should be exercised with restraint. Right now, it appears that victims have been forgotten, while criminals are being rewarded,” Effiong added.
Last Thursday, President Tinubu granted clemency to 175 convicts, including the late Major General Mamman Vatsa, Professor Magaji Garba, Maryam Sanda, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and the other members of the Ogoni Eight.
A statement from the Presidency explained that the decision followed recommendations from the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).
The pardons also covered individuals convicted of grave offences such as homicide, drug trafficking, illegal mining, and fraud.