The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to justice and human dignity following President Bola Tinubu’s recent approval of presidential pardons and clemency for 175 persons, including nationalist Herbert Macaulay and former FCT Minister Maj. Gen. Mamman Vatsa (retd).
The Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), who chairs the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, said the list—initially approved on October 9—was reviewed after public concern over the inclusion of some drug traffickers.
According to Fagbemi, the due process review ensured that only individuals who met the legal and procedural requirements benefitted. Some names were removed, while others received sentence reductions “to reflect fairness, justice, and compassion.”
He added that President Tinubu has ordered the relocation of the committee’s secretariat to the Federal Ministry of Justice and directed the issuance of new guidelines to ensure transparency in future pardon exercises, including mandatory consultation with prosecuting agencies.
Fagbemi assured Nigerians that the government remains committed to a justice system that balances punishment with reform, in line with international standards and national security.
