The Federal Government has made a quick U-turn from its earlier declaration of a presidential pardon to over 170 Nigerians who had either served out or are still serving jail terms.

President Bola Tinubu had granted presidential pardon and clemency to 175 persons, including the late Nigerian nationalist, Herbert Macaulay, environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa, late Major General Mamman Vatsa, and Maryam Sanda, who was sentenced to death for killing her husband.

The list similarly contained over 50 persons who were serving various jail terms following their conviction for drug-related cases.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, last week, the decision followed recommendations by the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).

The list, which was made public last Saturday, is divided into six parts, including those who were granted posthumous pardon (including the Ogoni Nine), victims of the Ogoni Nine honoured, presidential clemency (clemency beneficiaries), list of inmates recommended for reduced term of imprisonment, and list of inmates on death row reduced to life imprisonment.

The decision has, however, attracted a lot of backlash for the President, as several Nigerians have questioned the rationale behind the presidential pardon granted to convicted drug peddlers, as well as those on death row over homicide.

But in a swift U-turn, the Federal Government, through the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has declared that the exercise will be reviewed, stating that no inmate approved for clemency under the recent exercise of the President’s power of prerogative of mercy has been released from custody.

The Minister, in a statement he personally signed on Thursday, said, “the process remains at the final administrative stage, which includes a standard review to ensure that all names and recommendations fully comply with established legal and procedural requirements before any instrument of release is issued.

“It is important to note that the last stage of the exercise, after approval by the Council of State, is the issuance of the instrument for the implementation of the decision concerning each beneficiary. This stage affords an opportunity for a final look at the list for remedial purposes, if any, before the instrument is forwarded to the Controller-General of Corrections for necessary action.

“This verification process is part of the standard protocol and reflects the Government’s commitment to transparency and due diligence.

“The Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice appreciates the public’s vigilance and constructive feedback, which continue to strengthen institutional integrity.

“Public engagement is always welcome, as it demonstrates that Nigerians care deeply about justice and good governance,” Fagbemi stated.

The statement emphasized that there would be no delay in the process, adding that “it is simply following the law to the letter to ensure that only those duly qualified benefit from the President’s mercy. As soon as all legal and procedural checks are concluded,” it continued.

It further added that the public will be duly informed when the review is concluded, and the final list approved, adding that “the rule of law does not rush; it ensures fairness.”