Nigeria Atiku, El-Rufai Lead Criticism of Tinubu's Controversial Presidential Pardon

The Digest:

President Bola Tinubu's decision to grant presidential pardon to 175 convicts, including drug traffickers and murderers who served barely two years, has ignited fierce condemnation from political leaders, civil society, and the public, raising alarms about Nigeria's moral standing and anti-crime efforts.

Key Points:

• The pardon included convicts serving time for drug trafficking, murder, and armed robbery
• Former VP Atiku Abubakar called the move "reckless" and an emboldening of criminality
• The ADC party stated it "undermines anti-drug efforts and encourages crime."
• 29.2% of those pardoned were convicted for drug-related offenses
• Former Kaduna Governor El-Rufai suggested it resembled a "cartel alumni reunion"
• Even a presidential aide publicly called for revoking the pardon
• Critics warn that it damages Nigeria's international reputation and demoralizes law enforcement

When mercy extends to those who showed none, justice loses its voice, revealing how the power to forgive, if misplaced, can undermine the very foundations of law and moral order it seeks to uphold.

Sources: Daily Post Nigeria