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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar asserts that President Bola Tinubu has misused the presidential power of mercy by granting pardons and clemency to 175 individuals.
In a statement shared through his verified X account on Sunday, Atiku expressed that this action undermines the integrity of justice and may promote lawlessness.
He noted that the prerogative of mercy is intended to balance justice with compassion, but it has been “trivialized” by the recent pardons.
DAILY POST recalls that Tinubu announced these pardons on Thursday, which included notable figures such as the late nationalist Herbert Macaulay, the late Major General Mamman Vatsa, and Maryam Sanda, who was sentenced to death for the murder of her husband.
Atiku criticized the inclusion of individuals convicted of serious crimes, emphasizing that the clemency list undermines public confidence in the criminal justice system and encourages criminal behavior.
He stated that clemency should not be permitted to become an accomplice to crime or to erode justice.
“Typically, the power of presidential pardon is a solemn prerogative, a moral and constitutional tool designed to temper justice with mercy and highlight the humanity of the state.
“When exercised correctly, it enhances justice and bolsters public trust in governance. Unfortunately, the recent pardons issued by the Tinubu administration have achieved the exact opposite,” he stated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Atiku Abubakar say about President Tinubu's pardons?
Atiku Abubakar criticized President Tinubu for misusing the power of mercy by granting pardons to 175 individuals, stating that it undermines justice and encourages lawlessness.
What are the concerns regarding the clemency list?
Atiku expressed concerns that the inclusion of individuals convicted of serious crimes in the clemency list weakens public trust in the criminal justice system and emboldens criminal behavior.
