The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting justice and upholding human dignity following the recent presidential pardon granted by President Bola Tinubu.
On October 9, President Tinubu approved clemency for 175 individuals, including Nigeria’s founding father Herbert Macaulay and former FCT Minister Major General Mamman Vatsa (retd), as well as several others convicted of various offences.
The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), who chairs the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, made the clarification in a statement on Wednesday.
Fagbemi explained that following public concerns over the initial list — which included about 50 convicted drug traffickers — the President ordered a due process review to ensure fairness and compliance with legal standards.
“This exercise has been completed and approved by the President to ensure that only persons who met stipulated legal and procedural requirements would benefit from the prerogative of mercy,” Fagbemi stated.
He added that some names earlier recommended were delisted, while others had their sentences reduced in line with principles of fairness and justice.
Fagbemi stressed that the review reflects the President’s resolve to balance justice with compassion, ensuring that punishment remains reformative rather than purely punitive.
“This underscores the administration’s commitment to justice reform and humane correctional practices consistent with international standards,” he added.
To enhance transparency in future exercises, President Tinubu has directed the relocation of the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy from the Federal Ministry of Special Duties to the Federal Ministry of Justice.
He also instructed the Attorney-General to issue new Guidelines for the Exercise of the Power of Prerogative of Mercy, mandating consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies before recommendations are made.
Fagbemi concluded by commending Nigerians for their patience and constructive engagement, assuring that the government remains steadfast in promoting justice, national security, and human dignity.
