Former lawmaker and political analyst Zakaria Mohammed has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s recent review of the presidential clemency list, calling it a national and international embarrassment that undermines Nigeria’s governance credibility.
Speaking on Arise News, Mohammed said the reversal of previously approved clemency decisions showed poor coordination and weak institutional checks within the presidency. He argued that such inconsistencies damage public trust in the justice system and make Nigeria appear indecisive on the global stage.
“This is unprecedented — even under military regimes, I don’t think this has happened,” he remarked, describing the situation as a low point in Nigeria’s democratic history.
Mohammed noted that while it was right for the president to respond to public criticism, the controversy exposed a lack of diligence and foresight in vetting the original list. He warned that revising executive actions after public backlash could set a “dangerous precedent,” inviting future political pressure and diminishing the authority of the presidency.
