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From Murderers To Politicians: Tinubu’s Pardon List Stirs National Shock And Anger.
According to Nivo News, widespread controversy has trailed the recent presidential pardon granted by President Bola Tinubu to 175 individuals, including some convicted of serious crimes. The list, released in the second week of October 2025, has ignited national debate over the balance between mercy, justice, and accountability.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
While the exercise falls under the President’s constitutional powers as enshrined in Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution, many Nigerians have expressed outrage over the identities of some beneficiaries. The list reportedly includes high-profile figures, illegal miners, white-collar offenders, and convicts of capital crimes.
Among those granted clemency are the late Major General Mamman Jiya Vatsa, executed for his alleged role in a 1986 coup plot, and environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa alongside the Ogoni Eight, who were controversially executed in 1995. Others include Maryam Sanda, who was sentenced to death in 2020 for killing her husband but received clemency after showing remorse and good conduct, as well as former lawmaker Farouk Lawan and fraud convict Nwogu Peters, who were pardoned for their reform efforts.
Seven death-row inmates, including Emmanuel Baba and Moses Ayodele Olurunfemi, had their sentences commuted to life imprisonment due to good behaviour, while convicts like Professor Magaji Garba and Major S.A. Akubo benefited from reduced sentences because of age, ill health, or educational accomplishments.
However, what should have been a moment of compassion quickly became a lightning rod for criticism. Nigerians have accused the government of selective justice, arguing that the pardon favours influential figures over ordinary citizens. Nollywood actress Kemi Afolabi cautioned Nigerians against tolerating abuse, while former Vice President Atiku Abubakar accused the president of “undermining the sanctity of justice” and promoting lawlessness. Labour Party’s Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour described the move as a “priority mismatch,” claiming it benefits serious offenders more than first-time minor convicts.
Legal experts have also weighed in. Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong labelled the pardon an “abuse of constitutional privilege,” while Femi Falana urged the government to withdraw and review the list, stressing that it seems to protect politically exposed persons and convicted drug traffickers under the guise of mercy.
The debate recalls Nigeria’s history of controversial pardons — from Yakubu Gowon’s 1975 amnesty for Obafemi Awolowo and political detainees, to Goodluck Jonathan’s 2013 pardon of his ally Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, and Muhammadu Buhari’s 2022 clemency for former governors Joshua Dariye and Jolly Nyame. Critics argue the practice has gradually shifted from promoting national healing to shielding the powerful.
Adding his voice, former IPAC chairman Peter Ameh condemned the recent pardon, calling it a “total disregard for Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.” He argued that granting mercy to hardened criminals sends the wrong message to young Nigerians and disrespects law-abiding citizens. Ameh warned that such actions could embolden criminality and erode public faith in justice.
He further urged citizens to actively hold leaders accountable beyond election periods, stressing that civic participation is essential for transparency and governance reform. Ameh emphasized that disengagement from government affairs only strengthens impunity, urging Nigerians to use lawful means such as peaceful protests to demand accountability.
As the outrage continues, the controversy surrounding President Tinubu’s pardon raises a critical question — can mercy coexist with accountability without compromising justice?
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has pledged to secure three million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Fubara made the commitment on Saturday during the flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) South-South campaign for Tinubu’s re-election in Port Harcourt.
The governor also revealed that the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were working together in Rivers State under what he described as a rainbow coalition to ensure victory for the president.
Speaking at the event, Fubara commended Tinubu for his intervention in the political crisis that threatened his administration, saying the president’s efforts helped restore peace in the state.
According to the governor, Tinubu demonstrated statesmanship through his intervention and commitment to resolving the disagreement.
He explained that the president’s interest in Rivers State, guidance and efforts to reconcile the opposing parties enabled his administration to remain focused on fulfilling its promises to residents.
Fubara also praised Tinubu for appointing individuals from the South-South region to key positions in his government, describing the appointments as evidence of the president’s recognition of the region and its people.
The governor subsequently urged Rivers residents to support Tinubu’s re-election bid, assuring the president that the state was committed to delivering the promised three million votes in January 2027.
Nollywood actress Eniola Badmus has declared her support for President Bola Tinubu, praising his administration for introducing reforms she believes are already having a positive impact on Nigerians.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The actress made this known during an interview with media personality Daddy Freeze, where she argued that some Nigerians deliberately refuse to acknowledge the president’s achievements, particularly when his administration is discussed.
Badmus highlighted the government’s tax reforms and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as examples of initiatives she believes have benefited citizens.
She also commended Tinubu’s efforts in the education sector, insisting that his administration deserves recognition for its achievements.
The actress further disclosed that she was actively campaigning for the president and would vote for him in the next election.
Expressing confidence in Tinubu’s chances, Badmus argued that social media popularity does not necessarily translate into electoral success, stressing that grassroots support remains crucial to winning elections.
According to her, Tinubu enjoys significant support among voters at the grassroots level.
She said: “Tinubu has done a lot for Nigeria. Some Nigerians don’t like the truth, especially when it concerns President Tinubu. He has introduced so many good reforms that Nigerians are now benefiting from, including the tax reforms and NELFUND. Tinubu has done well in the education sector and should be applauded for that.
“That’s why I’m campaigning and voting for him, and he will win. Some people think elections are won on social media. Being popular on social media does not guarantee that you will win an election. The grassroots are the key, and Tinubu has them.”
Former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has announced his support for President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term in office.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Okowa made his position known on Saturday while speaking at the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign rally in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The former governor, who served as the running mate to former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in the 2023 election, explained that his political stance had changed after assessing the direction of the country under Tinubu’s administration.
He acknowledged that he supported a different presidential ticket during the last election but said developments under the current government had convinced him to back Tinubu for another four years.
According to Okowa, the President has demonstrated genuine commitment to Nigeria through his policies, despite the difficult decisions and challenges associated with his administration.
Speaking at the rally, the former governor said:
“I was in another ticket in 2023 but I have now seen the light. I have seen what Tinubu is doing. I have seen where Nigeria is going. I cannot stay in darkness when there is light.
“According to him, Tinubu has shown that he means well for Nigeria. He admitted that while the President has taken hard decisions, those decisions are beginning to yield results.
“I am not here to deceive anybody. I have been in opposition before. I know what it is to be in opposition. But when you see the truth, you must follow the truth.”
Okowa’s declaration marks a shift from his political alignment during the 2023 presidential election, when he contested alongside Atiku under the PDP.
His endorsement also comes as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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