FG inaugurates 12-member advisory committee on presidential pardon

The federal government has inaugurated a 12-member presidential advisory committee on the prerogative of mercy (PACPM) tasked with recommending individuals eligible for pardons from criminal convictions.

Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday, George Akume, secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), said section 175 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) gives the president the authority to grant pardons.

“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,” Akume said during the committee’s inauguration.

He added that 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,” he said.

“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.”

Lateef Fagbemi, the minister of justice and attorney-general of the federation (AGF), said 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.

“Already, my office has been inundated with applications for presidential pardon and clemency,” the AGF said.

“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.”