Nigerian govt launches presidential mercy committee to reform justice system

The Federal Government has inaugurated a 15-member Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy. This committee, charged with the delicate task of recommending pardons and clemency for deserving convicts, embodies the government’s renewed commitment to rehabilitation, human rights, and hope for a better future.

Announcing the development on Wednesday in Abuja, the Director of Information and Public Relations for the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), Segun Imohiosen, highlighted its alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, emphasized the constitutional foundation of this initiative. Citing Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Akume noted that the President holds the extraordinary power to grant pardons and clemency.

“The prerogative of mercy is not just about forgiveness; it’s about offering a second chance, reintegration, and fostering trust in our justice system,” Akume stated.

This newly inaugurated committee is not merely symbolic. It serves as a bridge between justice and humanity, tasked with ensuring the President’s power of mercy is exercised fairly and efficiently.

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Chaired by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the committee brings together a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Correctional Service, the National Human Rights Commission, and faith-based organizations such as the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA).

Legal and academic experts, including Justice Augustine B. Utsaha, Prof. Alkasum Abba, and Chief Akinlolu Olujinmi, further bolster the committee’s credentials. The Permanent Secretary for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs will serve as the Secretary, ensuring administrative efficiency.

The committee’s four-year mandate will focus on the pressing need to decongest correctional facilities while ensuring justice is not compromised. “Eligible and deserving prisoners and ex-convicts will be recommended for presidential consideration, balancing mercy with accountability,” Akume said.

Speaking on behalf of the committee, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice assured President Tinubu of their commitment to the task. “This is not just about granting pardons. It is about restoring lives, rebuilding families, and giving individuals a path back into society,” he said.

The committee’s work is expected to have far-reaching effects, particularly in addressing overcrowding in correctional facilities. By focusing on reintegration, the government aims to tackle not just the symptoms but the root causes of crime and recidivism.

For many Nigerians, the launch of this committee is more than just a bureaucratic announcement—it’s a beacon of hope. It signals a justice system that is evolving, one that acknowledges the potential for rehabilitation and redemption even in those who have strayed.

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