Fagbemi Appointed Chair Of Presidential Panel On Prerogative Of Mercy
The Federal Government has inaugurated the Presidential Committee on Prerogative of Mercy (PACPM), with the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, appointed as its chairperson.
The committee’s establishment, announced on Wednesday, aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, performed the inauguration, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to justice, rehabilitation, and human rights.
In a statement by Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations in the Office of the SGF, Akume highlighted the constitutional foundation for the committee.
“Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) empowers the President to grant pardon to individuals convicted of offences under federal law,” Akume explained. He further noted that the committee is tasked with ensuring the smooth execution of this power by providing recommendations for presidential pardons and clemencies.
The 15-member committee includes:
Representatives from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Correctional Service, and National Human Rights Commission.
Delegates from the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
Prominent legal and academic figures such as Justice Augustine B. Utsaha, Prof. Alkasum Abba, Chief Akinlolu Olujinmi (SAN), and Prof. Nike Y. Sidikat Ijaiya.
The Permanent Secretary of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs will also serve, with the Director of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs as the Secretary.
With a four-year tenure, PACPM will focus on decongesting correctional facilities by recommending eligible prisoners and ex-convicts for presidential consideration. The committee is also tasked with reintegrating pardoned individuals into society.
Fagbemi assured the President of the committee’s dedication, stating, “We are committed to assisting the President in fulfilling his constitutional duty of granting clemency to deserving cases. Our goal is to uphold justice while promoting rehabilitation and societal reintegration.”
This development is a critical step in addressing issues within Nigeria’s correctional system and enhancing the administration of justice.
