The Federal Government has inaugurated the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, marking the beginning of a process to grant presidential pardons to convicts serving various jail terms across the country.
The committee, chaired by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), comprises representatives from key government agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Correctional Service, and the National Human Rights Commission. Other notable members include Justice Augustine Utsaha, Prof. Alkasum Abba, Chief Akinlolu Olujinmi (CON, SAN), and Prof. (Mrs.) Nike Ijaiya.
Speaking at the inauguration, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, explained that Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution grants the President special powers of prerogative of mercy. This power enables the President to grant pardons to individuals convicted of offenses created by an Act of the National Assembly.
The committee has a four-year tenure and will be responsible for reviewing applications for presidential pardon and clemency. Fagbemi noted that the committee has already received an overwhelming number of requests and assured Nigerians that they would carry out their assignment objectively in the public interest and the interest of justice.
The committee’s assignment is not to undermine the decisions of the courts but to carry out the duty mandated by the Constitution. They may visit correctional facilities across the six geopolitical zones to identify potential cases for presidential pardon or clemency.
This development comes after the last presidential pardon was granted in 2022 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, with 159 convicts receiving clemency. The pardon sparked controversy, particularly with the inclusion of former governors Joshua Dariye and Jolly Nyame, who were convicted of embezzling billions of naira.
