By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
President Bola Tinubu’s approval of a revised list of convicts granted clemency under the Instrument of Presidential Prerogative of Mercy, 2025 has been met with praises and knocks from Nigerians.
President Tinubu approved the review of the list, dated October 21, personally signed by the President, and announced by the Presidency on Wednesday, October 29.
According to the Presidency, the list was reviewed following widespread public criticism of the earlier list, which contained 175 convicts and ex-convicts, including those convicted of serious crimes such as drug trafficking, terrorism, and murder.
Following the review, individuals convicted of serious crimes, including kidnapping, drug-related offences, human trafficking, fraud, and unlawful possession or dealing in firearms, were removed from the list.
Some other inmates convicted for offences ranging from manslaughter, culpable homicide, drug trafficking, illegal possession of firearms, conspiracy, and unlawful mining, , including Maryam Sanda, who was sentenced to death by hanging on January 27, 2020, for the murder of her husband, Biliyaminu Bello, earlier slated for pardon were granted reduced sentences.
Since the news broke, Nigeria’s social media space has been awash with comments, some in praise of the president’s action and others in condemnation.
For some, the president’s review of the list underscored his commitment to rule of law and the government’s regard for citizens’ concerns.
@huzaynumar wrote, “President Tinubu’s reversal of the pardon for convicted criminals underscores his willingness to course-correct and prioritize the nation’s interests. The president’s ability to respond to the outcry of Nigerians is a commendable display of leadership that deserves recognition.”
@DavidLeoAlabi tweeted, “I’m really glad that people’s voices and the pressure from social media actually made a difference in getting this pardon reversed. This wedding picture of Maryam and Bilyaminu adds such a heartbreaking twist, it’s hard to believe how things turned out from what looks like a happy moment. I hope this means justice will finally be fair and balanced for everyone involved, especially the victim’s family who’ve been through so much.”
@ofeyou1 added, “Justice shouldn’t be a tool of emotion or popularity. If a crime was proven in court, pardons shouldn’t undo years of legal process. Actions have consequences.”
@richardomolion noted, “It’s a good one. It shows he’s a listening leader. Granting Maryam Sanda pardon is like encouraging domestic violence in our society in which we have been experiencing a high rate of it in recent times.
On the other hand, some netizens questioned the capacity of members of the Council of State and the Presidency, berating them for not carrying out due diligence before approving and issuing the earlier list.
One of such persons, @jemiyolano, wrote, “Officials who are supposed to do due diligence on the list before presidential approval should be punished for possible bribery and corruption. The Nigerian state must be hard on wrongdoings from her officials to serve as a deterrent!
@TheTestame45349 added, “Meaning a list was just handed to him, he signed and a pardon was granted. I wonder how many policies he had signed like this without vetting the true nature of such policies. What happened to those granted bail who were kidnappers and drug lords?”
@OlurunjuM93995 tweeted, “All the officers that were supposed to vet the list before handing it over to the President should be checked..The President has a lot on his desk and a sensitive list like this should have been properly scrutinized.”
