Only deserving persons will be considered for presidential pardon, clemency ― Malami

The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami SAN, has declared that only deserving persons will be recommended to President Muhammadu Buhari, for presidential pardon and clemency by the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy (PACPM).

The minister, who doubles as the chairman of the committee, made the declaration on Thursday in his goodwill message at the commencement of the PACPM work with a visit to the Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja.

According to the minister, who was represented by a deputy director in the ministry, Mrs Ayoola-Daniels Leticia, the committee would be guided by referring to laid down criteria in making recommendations to the president.

A statement made available to Tribune Online by the Deputy Director, Press, Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Mrs Osagie Jacobs Julie, informed that Malami stated that the purpose of the visit was to identify and subsequently recommend inmates, convicts and ex-convicts deserving of a presidential pardon.

The statement informed that the committee considered about 60 cases bothering on money laundering, criminal misappropriation, false pretence, robbery cases, among others.

Other members of the PACPM on the visit were Usendiah Joseph E (rep. NCS); CP Shehu Gwazo (rep. NPF); Barrister U. Albert Uko (rep. CAN); Prof. Auwalu H. Yadudu (rep. JNI); Lady Debbie N. Obodoukwu; Mrs Lucy Ajayi; Joshua T. Abu; Dr B.A. Ogunbambi (rep. Eminent Nigerians); Mrs Yetunde Haastrup (rep. NHRC) and Mrs Jim-Jaja Angela Ibiwari, Director Special Duties in the Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, who serves as the Secretary of the Committee.

The PACPM was inaugurated on August 28, 2018, as provided for under Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It reconvened on September 28, 2021, after a period of inactivity.

It is expected to visit some selected correctional centres across the geopolitical zones of the country.

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