The federal authorities has inaugurated the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy (PACPM) to bolster Nigeria’s justice, rehabilitation, and human rights.
The transfer aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises institutional reforms and social reintegration.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, formally inaugurated the 15-member committee in Abuja on Tuesday.
In line with a press release by the director of media in his workplace, Segun Imohisoen, talking on the occasion, Sen. Akume highlighted the committee’s constitutional significance, referencing Part 175 of the 1999 Structure of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which grants the President the authority to pardon people convicted of offences beneath Acts of the Nationwide Meeting.
“This energy permits the President to advertise justice and rehabilitation by granting pardons to deserving people,” Akume mentioned.
He described the PACPM as an important administrative physique that may guarantee this presidential prerogative’s easy and environment friendly train.
The committee contains representatives from key establishments, together with the Legal professional-Normal of the Federation and Minister of Justice, who will function chairman of the Nigeria Police Power and the Nigerian Correctional Service.
The Nationwide Human Rights Fee, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, and the Christian Affiliation of Nigeria are others.
The physique additionally consists of authorized and educational specialists corresponding to Chief Akinlolu Olujinmi, CON, SAN, and Prof. Nike Y. Sidikat Ijaiya.
Over the following 4 years, the committee will critically advocate pardons and clemency for prisoners and ex-convicts who meet the factors.
Their work is anticipated to assist ongoing efforts to decongest correctional amenities and foster the reintegration of rehabilitated people into society.
The Legal professional-Normal of the Federation, who chairs the committee, assured the President of the committee’s dedication to delivering on its mandate.
“We are going to help the President in discharging his constitutional accountability of granting pardons to deserving circumstances whereas advancing justice and social concord,” he mentioned.
