Olu Allen
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent decision to grant presidential pardon to several convicts has ignited a national debate. While some commend it as an act of compassion, others condemn it as a moral misstep that trivializes justice.
Both perspectives are understandable, which is precisely what makes the move so contentious.
Legally, the president is well within his constitutional rights to extend clemency.
The power of pardon is an established tool of mercy, meant to temper the rigidity of justice with humanity.
Throughout history, it has served to correct excesses, reward repentance, or promote reconciliation. In that sense, the act itself is neither new nor unlawful.
However, Nigeria’s context complicates matters. We are a nation still grappling with the scars of terrorism in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, and violent crimes nationwide, all of which have claimed countless innocent lives.
The frequent “repentant terrorist” narrative has already created a perception that the state is kinder to offenders than to victims.
When clemency is granted without transparency or clear justification, it naturally invites suspicion and anger.
This is why many citizens feel uneasy, not necessarily because mercy was shown, but because they cannot see the merit behind it. Who are these individuals?
What crimes did they commit? What process of review, if any, led to their pardon? These are fair questions, and they deserve clear answers.
Critics are right to demand accountability. However, there is a danger in the opposition’s tendency to weaponize every national issue for partisan gain.
While the outrage is understandable, it often devolves into political theatre, obscuring the substantive policy debate we ought to be having.
In truth, much of this controversy was preventable.
It stems from a failure of communication and due diligence.
The committee responsible for screening and recommending names must exercise the highest level of scrutiny.
Going forward, the presidency should commit to publishing a transparent summary of the review process, one that explains the rationale for each clemency grant and outlines safeguards against abuse.
Mercy is noble. But in governance, mercy without clarity breeds mistrust.
The president’s gesture may have been well-intentioned, but the system must ensure that such acts strengthen, rather than weaken, public faith in justice.
Allen resides in Kano. He writes on public affairs and promotes good governance.
