Katsina Group Lauds Tinubu’s Pardon Of 175 Nigerians

A Katsina-based civil society organisation, the Nigeria First Project Initiative (NFPI), has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for granting pardon to 175 Nigerians.

The group described the gesture as a demonstration of compassion, inclusiveness and commitment to national unity.

Addressing a press conference yesterday, the group’s national coordinator, Comrade Hamza Umar Saulawa, said the decision reflects the president’s belief in second chances and his resolve to foster peace and reconciliation among citizens.
“By granting pardon to 175 Nigerians, President Tinubu has shown he holds no grudge against any citizen and is willing to give deserving individuals the opportunity to reintegrate and contribute positively to nation-building,” Saulawa stated.
He added that the move underscores the administration’s respect for the rule of law and its faith in justice tempered with mercy, urging beneficiaries to justify the president’s confidence by living responsibly and contributing meaningfully to society.

However, the group cautioned against ongoing campaigns for the release of the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, describing such agitations as “a dangerous step capable of destabilizing the country.”

Saulawa recalled that Kanu, arrested on charges of terrorism and treasonable felony, had previously jumped bail in 2017 and used social media and Radio Biafra to spread divisive and inciting messages that fueled violence in the Southeast.

“Any attempt to release Nnamdi Kanu now will only embolden separatist elements and endanger the peace and unity of our nation. We urge patriotic Nigerians to shun any politically motivated protest calling for his release,” he said.

The group also praised President Tinubu for his economic and governance reforms, particularly efforts to boost foreign reserves, stabilize the naira, and restructure the tax system, describing them as bold steps toward consolidating Nigeria’s sovereignty and economic independence.

On recent rumours of a possible coup, the Nigeria First Project Initiative dismissed the claims as “a ploy by retrogressive forces to destabilize Nigeria,” stressing that democracy remains firmly rooted in the country.

“Nigerian democracy is hale and hearty. We have enjoyed 26 years of uninterrupted civil rule, and no amount of blackmail or propaganda can derail this democratic progress,” the group affirmed.