State Pardon Scandal: ‘They’re Either Compromised Or Incompetent’, Inibehe Effiong Slams Tinubu’s Advisers

Lagos-based human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, has commended President Bola Tinubu for reviewing the controversial presidential pardon list but raised questions on the president’s advisers, accusing them of either being compromised or grossly incompetent.

Speaking on Channels Television’s breakfast show, ‘The Morning Brief’, on Thursday, Effiong described the initial state pardon list, which included individuals convicted of serious crimes such as murder, kidnapping, drug trafficking, and fraud as “an embarrassment” to both the government and the country.

“To some extent, to his (Tinubu’s) credit, it was good that that list has been reviewed. The initial list was an embarrassment; it was a dent, not only on this country, but on the character of the government itself,” Effiong said.

The lawyer faulted the decision-making process that allowed the initial list to be made public, insisting that the inclusion of certain names raised doubts about the integrity of those advising the president.

“So I am making a case that while it is commendable that the president had tinkered a bit with the list, we must now ask a legitimate question about the manner in which the decisions are being taken by this government,” he said.

“What this speaks to is that either this was done intentionally to send a message to Nigerians that as far as the issue of pardon is concerned, these are the categories of avoidances that the president has interest in, or those who have responsibility to advise the president may have either been compromised or grossly incompetent.”

President Tinubu had earlier ordered a review of the controversial list following public outrage over the inclusion of individuals convicted of serious crimes.

LEADERSHIP reports that in statement on Wednesday, Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, explained that the review was necessary “in view of the seriousness and security implications of some of the offences,” adding that it was also meant to show sensitivity to victims and uphold justice “as a three-way traffic for the Accused, the Victim, and the State/Society.”

Effiong, however, said the incident exposed deeper flaws within the presidency, calling for greater accountability and due diligence in future decisions.