Amnesty International Criticises Presidential Pardons, Urges Tinubu to Reconsider

Amnesty International has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s recent decision to grant presidential pardons, urging the Federal Government to reconsider the clemency extended to individuals convicted of serious offences, including human rights violations.

The pardons, confirmed last week, included symbolic clemency for nationalist Herbert Macaulay and former military officer Major General Mamman Vatsa (retd). 

However, the inclusion of individuals previously convicted of offences such as human rights abuses, drug-related crimes, and illegal mining has triggered public controversy.

In a statement released on Monday, Amnesty International said it was "deeply troubled" by the decision, arguing that it appeared to place the interests of offenders above the rights of victims.

According to the organisation, the exercise "prioritised perpetrators rather than ensuring justice and effective remedies for the victims and their families."

It warned that such actions could erode trust in the justice system, obstruct efforts to uncover the truth and weaken the rule of law in the country.

The Organisation urged President Tinubu to review the clemency list, particularly in cases involving human rights violations, and to reaffirm his commitment to accountability and reparations for those harmed.

The statement read:

"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."