The Federal Government inaugurated the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy, PACPM, as part of efforts to enhance justice, rehabilitation, and human rights in Nigeria.
This move aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and reflects the administration’s commitment to reforming the country’s justice system.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, who inaugurated the committee, described it as a crucial step towards streamlining the President’s constitutional powers under Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution.
READ ALSO: Ondo governor dissolves cabinet, exempts two
Sen. Akume stated that: “This power enables the President to grant pardon to any person convicted of an offence created by an Act of the National Assembly.”
He noted that the committee would play a significant role in ensuring a smooth and efficient process for granting clemency.
“The Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy is an administrative body tasked with facilitating a seamless exercise of this power by the President,” he added.
The committee’s mandate includes addressing challenges such as overcrowding in correctional facilities and identifying cases of deserving prisoners or ex-convicts for pardon.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, who serves as the committee’s chairman, assured that the team would deliver on its responsibilities.
“The committee will assist Mr. President in discharging his constitutional responsibility of granting pardon and clemency to convicts or ex-convicts in deserving cases,” the Attorney-General said.
Other members of the committee are Justice Augustine B. Utsaha, Prof. Alkasum Abba, Chief Akinlolu Olujinmi, CON, SAN, Prof., Mrs, Nike Y. Sidikat Ijaiya.
Representatives from key institutions are, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Correctional Service, the National Human Rights Commission, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, and the Christian Association of Nigeria.
This development is expected to provide significant relief to Nigeria’s justice system while promoting rehabilitation and societal reintegration.
Crediblenewsng.com
