By Admin
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume has inaugurated the Presidential advisory Committee on prerogative of mercy.
The Nation’s Constitution confers special powers of prerogative of mercy on the President enabling him or her to grant pardon to any person convicted of an offence.
Senator Akume who inaugurated the 12 man Presidential advisory Committee on prerogative of mercy in his office in Abuja said the Committee would support the dispensation of justice through the decongestion of correctional facilities, in ensuring that eligible and deserving prisoners and ex-convicts are recommended for the consideration of the President.
“The Committee will play a critical role in supporting the dispensation of justice in relation to the decongestion of correctional facilities, particularly in ensuring that eligible and deserving prisoners and ex-convicts are recommended for the consideration of the President” he added.
“In the spirit of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President, the Prerogative of Mercy is therefore, a vital component of a just and compassionate society, providing a safeguard against injustice and promoting rehabilitation and human rights.”
On his part, the Attorney general of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fabgemi said applications for the presidential pardon would be weighed on merit.
He explained that the assignment was in no way a review of the decisions of the courts but a discharge of a mandate imposed on Mr. President.
The reconstituted committee has a four year life span and is being headed by the Attorney general of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fabgemi.
