A leading anti-corruption organization has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately take back the official pardon given to people jailed for corruption. The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) warned that this decision is illegal and goes against the president’s own promises to fight graft.
In a strong statement, the group argued that letting corrupt individuals go free makes a mockery of Nigeria’s constitution and its laws. SERAP stated that the pardon undermines the courts and denies justice to the nation, which is the true victim of corruption.
The organization also pointed out that this move violates global treaties against corruption that Nigeria has signed. These treaties require countries to punish corrupt acts with serious and effective penalties, which the pardon completely ignores.
SERAP acknowledged that the president has the power to grant mercy, but insisted this power must be used fairly and for the public good, not to protect the powerful. They lamented that ordinary citizens in jail for small crimes are rarely shown such kindness.
Giving the administration an ultimatum, SERAP said it will take legal action if the pardon is not withdrawn. The group concluded that letting influential people escape justice only encourages more corruption and deepens a culture of impunity in the country.
