Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong has praised the review of President Bola Tinubu’s presidential pardon list but criticized the government for releasing the original version without proper scrutiny.
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Thursday, Effiong described the initial list—which included individuals convicted of kidnapping, drug trafficking, and fraud—as “an embarrassment” to the nation and a “dent on the government’s image.”
He acknowledged that Tinubu deserved credit for ordering a review but questioned how the controversial names appeared in the first place. “Either the inclusion was deliberate, or those advising the President were grossly incompetent,” he said.
The Presidential aide, Bayo Onanuga, earlier explained that the review was necessary due to the security implications of some offences and the need to uphold justice for victims, the state, and society.
Effiong, however, urged greater transparency in government decision-making, warning that such lapses could erode public trust.
