Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has slammed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent presidential pardon, calling it a reckless move that encourages lawlessness and damages the nation’s justice system.
Atiku expressed his disapproval through his social media channels, noting that the pardon has resulted in outrage across Nigeria. He emphasized that while presidential pardons are meant to balance mercy with justice, the latest clemency granted by the Tinubu administration has done the opposite.
The decision included individuals convicted for serious crimes such as drug trafficking, kidnapping, murder, and corruption.
Atiku pointed out that nearly 30% of those pardoned were drug offenders, at a time when Nigeria’s youth face increasing threats from narcotics. He described the pardon as damaging Nigeria’s international reputation and a betrayal of the nation’s fight against insecurity and moral decline.
He criticized the administration’s tolerance of criminals and called the pardon a mockery of the justice system, an insult to victims, and a demoralizing message for law enforcement officers.
Atiku concluded by urging for leadership that respects justice rather than trivializes it. The issue remains a contentious point in Nigerian politics as the nation debates the balance between mercy and accountability.
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