October 15, 2025
By Richard Ike, Abuja
A Constitutional lawyer, Realwan Okpanachi has condemned president Bola Tinubu’s recent presidential pardon to persons convicted for drug trafficking, corruption, murder, and other serious economic crimes as demoralising, dangerous and morally indefensible.
In a statement in Abuja on Thursday, Okpanachi said the president’s action undermines the integrity of the justice system.
According to him, it is discouraging to the numerous dedicated officers, prosecutors, and judges who worked diligently to secure those convictions in accordance with the rule of law.
He noted that while Section 175(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, empowers the president to grant pardons, reprieves, and commutations of sentences, but that such power was not intended to serve political or personal interests.
“ It is a constitutional responsibility to be exercised in good faith and in the overriding interest of the nation.
`The decision to extend pardon to convicted drug traffickers, corrupt individuals, and murderers sends a disturbing signal to society.
“ It diminishes the gravity of their crimes, weakens the moral authority of the State, and emboldens others who may believe that political connection or influence provides an escape route from justice,’’ Okpanachi said.
The lawyer added that it also erodes public confidence in the rule of law and the administration of criminal justice.
He said, admittedly, that the President possesses the constitutional right to exercise the prerogative of mercy.
“However, when that discretion is used in a manner that disregards the moral and social consequences of such action, it becomes lawful in form but unjust in substance, constitutional in power but wrong in principle.”
Okpanachi said that this exercise of power, though valid under the law, is insensitive, and contrary to the spirit of Section 15(5) of the Constitution.
He underscored that the Constitution mandated the State to abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power.
Accordingly, that Tinubu’s action undermines national discipline, weakens the fight against corruption and drug trafficking, and sends the wrong message to citizens and the international community.
He said the prerogative of mercy should be exercised sparingly, transparently, and only in cases that truly advance justice and the collective good of the nation.
“ Anything less diminishes public trust and endangers the moral foundation of our society,’’ the legal practitioner said.