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Amnesty International has raised alarm over the recent pardon granted by President Bola Tinubu, asking the government to reconsider its action.
Last Thursday, Tinubu granted a presidential pardon to one of Nigeria’s founding fathers, Herbert Macaulay, and former FCT minister in the Babangida regime, Major General Mamman Vatsa (retd).
The action has since generated controversy, as some convicts, ex-convicts, drug offenders, illegal miners, and foreigners are among recipients of the presidential pardon.
In a statement on Monday, the global watchdog expressed deep concern over Tinubu’s decision to grant clemency and pardons to individuals convicted of serious human rights violations.
The group said the move prioritised offenders over their victims, blocking justice and reparations for those who suffered from their actions.
“The way and manner Nigerian authorities carried out the exercise seemed to prioritise the perpetrators instead of access to justice and effective remedies for the victims and their families,” the group said.
The organisation warned that the decision could weaken the rule of law, obstruct truth and accountability, and further entrench impunity for human rights crimes in Nigeria.
Read the full statement below.
Amnesty International is deeply concerned by the clemency and pardons granted by the government of President Bola Tinubu to some persons convicted of human rights crimes, as the pardons for these crimes prevent reparations for victims.
The way and manner Nigerian authorities carried out the exercise seemed to prioritise the perpetrators instead of access to justice and effective remedies for the victims and their families.
The actions of the government have the potential of undermining the rule of law, preventing the emergence of the truth, the determination of guilt or innocence by a court and reparations for victims, as well as entrenching impunity for human rights crimes.
President Bola Tinubu should reconsider his government’s pardons for those convicted of human rights crimes, and uphold and ensure the rights of the victims and their families.
