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President Bola Tinubu has granted a posthumous pardon to former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the late Maj. Gen. Mamman Vatsa.
Vatsa was executed for treason during the former military President, Ibrahim Babangida’s regime on March 5, 1986.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement after the State National Council meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Vatsa, a soldier-poet, was among 17 people granted pardon by the president, following approval from the council.
The President also granted a posthumous pardon to Herbert Macaulay, a pioneering nationalist and one of the founders of the National Council of Nigeria and Cameroon (NCNC).
Macaulay, the first President of the NCNC, played an important role in Nigeria’s independence movement.
He was controversially convicted by British authorities in 1913.
Even though Macaulay died in 1946, colonial era punishments are still recorded today.
Tinubu also granted pardon to four former convicts, including former member of Parliament Farouk Lawan, Mrs. Anastasia Daniel Nwaobia, Hussaini Umar, and Ayinla Alanamu.
Lawan was found guilty of fuel subsidy fraud.
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Their pardon was granted to support their reintegration, following a demonstration of remorse and good behavior.
Nweke Francis Chibueze, who was serving a life sentence for cocaine trafficking, was also pardoned.
Dr. Nwogu Peters, who was jailed for 17 years for fraud and has served 12 years, was also pardoned.
The late Ogoni Sembilan; Ken Saro-Wiwa, Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine were officially pardoned.
Tinubu further honored the Ogoni Four – Chief Albert Badey, Chief Edward Kobani, Chief Samuel Orage, and Theophilus Orage with posthumous national awards.
In exercising his constitutional powers, Tinubu granted pardon to 82 prisoners and reduced the sentences of 65 others.
Seven death row convicts received reduced sentences to life imprisonment.
This decision was based on the recommendation of the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Compassion (PACPM).
PACPM consists of 12 members, chaired by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).
Other committee members are Chairman Akinlolu Olujinmi, Prof. Alkasum Abba, Prof. Nike Sidikat Ijaiya, Judge Augustine Utsaha, and Dr. Onwusoro Maduka (Secretary).
Members of this institution include representatives of the Police, Nigerian Correctional Service, NHRC, NSCIA, CAN, and the Ministry of Special Duties.
The committee submitted its final report to the State Council on Thursday, in accordance with constitutional procedures.
Onanuga said: ”A total of 175 prisoners were interviewed, and 62 applications were received on behalf of the 119 prisoners considered by the committee, bringing the total to 294.”
“One hundred and sixty prisoners interviewed were men, while 15 were women.
“Eighty-two prisoners were recommended for clemency; two for pardon; 65 for reduced sentences; and seven had their death sentences commuted.
”Fifteen ex-convicts were recommended for Presidential Pardon, 11 of whom have since died (including Ogoni 9). Four Ogoni were also recommended for posthumous national honors.”
”Overall, the total recommended beneficiaries are one hundred and seventy five (175) people.”
The committee applies strict criteria, including age (60+), terminal illness, youth (under 16 years), and good behavior during detention.
He added: “Those who have been in detention centers, learn sustainable vocational skills capable of keeping them away from crime; those who are judged to be remorseful; those who are recommended by Correctional Officers for exemplary behavior and Nigerian prisoners deported from other countries.”
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, inaugurated PACPM on January 15 to promote justice, rehabilitation and human rights in Nigeria.
