The Federal Government on Wednesday inaugurated a 12-member Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy (PACPM), with the mandate to provide recommendations for granting pardons to individuals convicted of offences.
During the inauguration, Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), explained that Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) grants the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces the authority to grant pardons.
Akume said that this power allowed the President to pardon individuals convicted of offences created by an Act of the National Assembly.
He said that the committee, which had a four-year tenure, consisted of members drawn from relevant ministries, departments, and agencies, as well as representatives from religious bodies and four eminent Nigerians.
“The committee will be chaired by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi.
“Other members include the Permanent Secretary for Special Duties and Governmental Affairs, representatives from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Correctional Service, National Human Rights Commission, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), and the Christian Association of Nigeria.
“Also included are Justice Augustine Utsaha, Prof. Alkasum Abba, Chief Akinlolu Olujinmi (SAN), Prof. Nike Sidikat Ijaiya, and the Director for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, who will serve as the committee’s Secretary.”
Akume emphasised that the committee would play a critical role in addressing the decongestion of correctional facilities and ensuring that eligible and deserving prisoners and ex-convicts were recommended for presidential consideration.
“In the spirit of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President, the Prerogative of Mercy is a vital component of a just and compassionate society, providing a safeguard against injustice and promoting rehabilitation and human rights.”
Akume expressed confidence that the committee would fulfil its mandate diligently, working to justify the trust placed in them.
In response, Fagbemi thanked President Tinubu for approving the establishment of the committee and assured the SGF that its members would work hard to meet expectations and deadlines as set out by the Constitution.
“We will do our utmost to ensure that we carry out the work diligently and within the stipulated timeline,” he pledged.(NAN)
