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By Lukman Olabiyi
A lawyer, Ige Asimudara, has described the recent presidential pardons granted to certain convicted criminals as a blow to the nation’s justice system and the morale of law enforcement agencies.
Speaking in reaction to the clemency granted by the presidency, Asimudara stated that Nigerians are right to be outraged, asserting that the decision undermines years of legal work and contradicts the government’s public stance on crime, particularly drug-related and violent offences.
“This is an exercise of power that not only kills national morale but also contradicts the government’s expressed policies. You pardoned a murderer sentenced to death and left her accomplices to serve life sentences? That sends the wrong message,”Asimudara said.
While acknowledging that the President holds the constitutional prerogative to grant mercy, the lawyer warned that such decisions carry broader psychological and social consequences. He questioned the basis of the clemency, suggesting it was influenced by factors unrelated to justice or national interest.
“These pardons appear arbitrary and unfair. It raises concerns about what really influenced them,” he added.
Asimudara also criticized the waste of national resources, noting that considerable effort, time, and public funds were invested in prosecuting the cases in question, efforts now seemingly undermined by executive clemency.
Reacting to public comparisons between the pardoned convicts and suspended police officer Abba Kyari, Asimudara dismissed calls for Kyari’s release, describing them as unserious.
“Those asking for Abba Kyari to be freed are not serious. He must face the consequences of his reckless and sinister actions,” he stated firmly.
Asimudara urged citizens to be more intentional in their voting choices, calling on Nigerians to elect leaders who prioritize justice, fairness, and the national interest.
“Next time, Nigerians must vote for leaders who feel the people’s pain, who promote justice and fairness not those who cater to the interests of a few,” he said.
