Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s recent presidential pardon, describing it as reckless and damaging to Nigeria’s justice system.
In a statement released on Sunday, Atiku said the pardon, which reportedly included individuals convicted of crimes such as drug trafficking, kidnapping, murder, and corruption, undermines justice and “sends a dangerous signal to the public and international community.”
“The decision to extend clemency to individuals convicted of grave crimes not only diminishes the sanctity of justice but also emboldens lawlessness,” Atiku said.
He described the act as “both shocking and indefensible,” especially at a time when Nigeria is battling insecurity, drug abuse, and moral decay.
He expressed concern that nearly 30 percent of those pardoned were convicted of drug-related crimes.
The former vice president also questioned the moral standing of the administration, referencing past controversies involving President Tinubu’s alleged links to drug-related investigations in the United States.
“A presidential pardon is meant to symbolize restitution and moral reform,” Atiku said.
“Instead, what we have witnessed is a mockery of the criminal justice system and a demoralization of law enforcement.”
He urged the government to uphold justice rather than trivialize it, warning that “clemency must never be confused with complicity.”
“The moral authority of leadership is eroded when a government absolves offenders of the very crimes it claims to be fighting,” Atiku added.
