By Austin Ogwuda
TWO-TIME Governor of Delta State, Nigeria, Olorogun James Onanefe Ibori popularly known as ‘Ogidigboigbo’ will soon be relieved of the stigma of being called and referred to, as an ex-convict as the Federal Government under the leadership of his close friend/associate/fellow governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is already paving the way.
The Federal Government inaugurated a 12-Member Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy (PACPM) on Wednesday tasked with recommending individuals eligible for pardons from criminal convictions.
Close sources hinted The Townhall NG weekend that “with the closeness of Ibori to the seat of power there is no doubt that his name won’t top the list of those to be pardoned but please don’t quote me”, she said.
The SGF during the inauguration explained that Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution (as Amended) gives the President the authority to grant pardons.
His words:
“In the spirit of the renewed hope agenda of Mr. President, the prerogative of mercy is, therefore, a vital component of a just and compassionate society, providing a safeguard against injustice and promoting rehabilitation and human rights.
“The Committee, which has a four-year tenure, consists of members drawn from relevant ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), as well as representatives from religious bodies and four eminent Nigerians.
“The committee will be chaired by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi.
“Other members include the Permanent Secretary for Special Duties and Governmental Affairs, representatives from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Correctional Service, National Human Rights Commission, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
“Also included are Justice Augustine Utsaha, Prof. Alkasum Abba, Chief Akinlolu Olujinmi (SAN), Prof. Nike Sidikat Ijaiya, and the director for special duties and intergovernmental affairs, who will serve as the committee’s secretary.”
“Already, my office has been inundated with applications for presidential pardon and clemency.
“We are to look into these applications and advise on their merits as appropriate. We assure Nigerians that we will carry out our assignment objectively in the public interest and the interest of justice.
“We must also state that our assignment is in no way a review of the decisions of the courts but a discharge of a mandate imposed on Mr. President by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“At the conclusion of our assignment, the committee would be required to present its report and actionable recommendations for onward transmission to Mr. President for consideration and further directives”, the AGF stated.
He also pointed out that the Committee may be required to visit correctional facilities across the country “to critically appraise and identify potential cases of convicts” and ex-convicts towards recommending them for presidential pardon or clemency as appropriate.
Photo caption: Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), (9th from the left) with members of the Committee shortly after the inauguration.
