Nigeria Atiku Slams Tinubu's "Shameful U-turn" on Pardon for Drug Convicts, Sanda

The Digest:

President Bola Tinubu's reversal of pardons for convicts like Maryam Sanda and drug offenders has drawn mixed reactions, with senior lawyers defending his constitutional power while former Vice President Atiku Abubakar criticized the government for acting before thinking. The Presidency revised the initial list, commuting Sanda's death sentence to 12 years and removing those convicted of severe crimes, a move it stated was guided by justice for victims and the state.

Key Points:

• President Tinubu has reversed pardons for Maryam Sanda and drug convicts.
• Sanda's sentence was commuted to 12 years on compassionate grounds.
• Senior lawyers affirmed the President's constitutional power to grant and review pardons.
• Atiku Abubakar criticized the move as a shameful "U-turn" after public outrage.
• The Presidency stated the review considered victims' feelings and security implications.
• The AGF has been tasked with developing new guidelines for future clemency.
• The government reiterated that "mercy must never undermine justice."

The reversal has sparked a debate on the nature of presidential power, framing the use of mercy as a process that must balance constitutional authority with public confidence and foresight.

Sources: Leadership