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Dr. Josef Onoh has urged President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the recent pardons granted to certain convicts, including Maryam Sanda and several drug offenders.
DAILY POST reminds us that last week, Tinubu approved the recommendations from the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, which granted clemency to 175 individuals—among them drug offenders, foreigners, and capital offenders like Maryam Sanda, who received a death sentence in 2020 for the murder of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, during a domestic altercation.
In response, Onoh characterized the decision as morally objectionable and a violation of justice, emphasizing that it could harm the administration’s international reputation and weaken the nation’s justice system.
He noted that pardoning individuals such as Nweke Francis Chibueze, who is serving a life sentence for cocaine trafficking, and Isaac Justina, convicted for cannabis possession, signifies a significant ethical and institutional breach that requires urgent correction.
“While this act is constitutionally allowed, it contradicts the moral principles of retributive justice and restorative fairness. It causes psychological harm to the victims’ families, perpetuates systemic injustices, and undermines the deterrent mechanisms vital for societal stability,” Onoh remarked.
According to him, granting clemency to Sanda, who inflicted irreversible harm on the Bello family through an act of violence, diminishes the value of human life and accountability.
The spokesman further expressed that offering clemency to convicted drug traffickers sends a perilous message to society.
“Forgiving drug dealers like Chibueze, whose trafficking perpetuates cycles of addiction, community destruction, and organized crime, normalizes exploitation of society’s most vulnerable members—especially the youth,” he stated.
Onoh cautioned that such decisions could tarnish Nigeria’s reputation globally and undermine the country’s credibility with international partners such as the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
Frequently Asked Questions
What recent pardons did President Tinubu approve?
President Tinubu approved pardons for 175 individuals, including drug offenders and capital offenders like Maryam Sanda, who was convicted for the murder of her husband.
What are Dr. Onoh's concerns regarding the pardons?
Dr. Onoh believes the pardons are morally wrong and undermine the justice system, potentially harming Nigeria's international reputation and sending negative signals about accountability.
