The Federal Government has clarified that presidential pardon processes are still under review, even as recent actions have sparked heated debate. This announcement comes in the wake of a mass clemency exercise and ongoing public pressure regarding which individuals receive pardons, how justice and mercy are balanced, and how the constitutional prerogative of mercy is exercised. Below is a detailed look at what the government says, what has happened recently, what’s being debated, and what Nigerians should watch out for.
⚖️ What the Government Is Saying: Review, Not Yet Final
The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has emphasized that although many applications for clemency have been submitted, the process to grant presidential pardons remains under strict review. The Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy is actively examining submissions before recommendations are passed on for Presidential action.
The government maintains that this review process is not an attempt to revisit or overturn court judgments but to ensure that mercy is granted in deserving cases in accordance with constitutional powers (Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution as amended).
Stakeholders highlighted in recent government statements include rehabilitation, human rights, decongestion of correctional centres—and in all instances, the FG insists that pardons will adhere to criteria such as good behaviour, health, age, or cases of miscarriage of justice.
📰 What’s New: Recent Developments
On October 9, 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following approval from the National Council of State, granted clemency to 175 persons convicted of various offenses. Among them, 82 were granted full pardons; 65 had their sentences reduced; and seven death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment.
This exercise followed recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy and a formal Council meeting.
Despite this, questions have arisen over what constitutes a “deserving” candidate for pardon, and criticism has come from civil society, legal experts, and opposition figures who argue that some individuals pardoned were convicted of serious offenses and may not meet what many would view as ethical or moral criteria for clemency.
🔍 Key Debates & Controversies
1. Scope of Crimes Pardoned
Civil society organisations such as CISLAC have questioned the decision to pardon individuals convicted of serious offenses including drug trafficking, corruption, and even human rights violations. They argue that pardoning such individuals may damage Nigeria’s image and undermine accountability.
2. Transparency of the Process
Critics demand greater transparency: Who exactly are the beneficiaries? What are the criteria used? How much influence does political interest have? These questions are being asked loudly, especially given that some pardoned individuals were high-profile or convicted abroad.
3. Legal and Moral Implications
Legal scholars warn that pardoning those convicted of heinous crimes might erode trust in law enforcement and judicial institutions. Also, there is concern about how victims of these crimes feel—whether justice for them is being compromised.
4. Implementation and Follow-Through
Granting a pardon is one thing; ensuring it is followed by actual implementation—release papers, commuted sentences, reintegration, social benefits—is another. Reportedly, many inmates or ex-convicts still await proper documentation or benefits even after being pardoned.
🛑 Why the “Still Under Review” Message Matters
Managing Expectations: The FG’s statement helps clarify that not every clemency application will lead to immediate pardon, tempering public expectations and pushback.
Preventing Abuse: A robust review process is meant to ensure that pardon power does not become a tool for nepotism, political favour, or impunity.
Legal Compliance: It keeps the process aligned with constitutional provisions to avoid challenges in court.
Repairing Public Trust: With several controversial pardons, the government risks seeming arbitrary or partial; being seen to review thoroughly may help restore some trust.
📝 Conclusion
While the Federal Government insists presidential pardon remains “under review,” the recent clemency exercise affecting 175 people makes it clear that mercy is being granted. What remains under evaluation is who qualifies, how transparently these decisions are made, and how justice and moral accountability are balanced. Nigerians are watching closely—because pardons are not just legal tools but powerful symbols. When used appropriately, they reflect compassion; when misused or opaque, they risk eroding faith in institutions.
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