During an appearance on Arise Television from 5:59, human rights lawyer Maxwell Opara condemned the federal government’s decision to grant clemency to individuals convicted of violent crimes, describing it as a dangerous precedent that undermines the justice system.
His remarks came amid rising criticism of the presidential pardon list, which many Nigerians have argued reflects poor judgment and political bias.
Opara said, “You can’t kill soldiers, commit terrorism, and get pardoned in three months — that’s mockery of justice.”
The lawyer explained that acts of terrorism and the killing of military personnel strike at the core of national security, and any attempt to trivialize those offenses through premature pardons weakens the country’s collective resolve against violence. He said such decisions dishonor the sacrifices of soldiers who put their lives on the line to defend the nation.
Opara emphasized that the purpose of a presidential pardon should never be to absolve individuals guilty of heinous crimes. He argued that when government actions appear to prioritize political considerations over justice, they erode the moral authority of the state and embolden future offenders.
He also criticized the process that led to the approval of the pardon, questioning whether the Prerogative of Mercy Committee conducted adequate reviews before submitting recommendations to the president.
According to him, the speed with which the pardon was granted raised doubts about transparency and proper consultation.
The human rights lawyer noted that the justice system loses credibility when convicted terrorists are released back into society under unclear circumstances. He said such actions could undermine the morale of security agencies and frustrate ongoing counterterrorism operations across the country.
Opara drew attention to similar cases in the past where controversial pardons had sparked public outcry. He warned that continuing on this path would only deepen public mistrust and make ordinary Nigerians question whether the law truly applies equally to everyone.
He maintained that true justice requires consistency — that those who commit grave offenses must face full legal consequences, regardless of political influence or affiliations. He said anything short of that principle diminishes the sacrifices of victims and weakens the rule of law.
Opara further urged the federal government to establish a clear framework guiding the criteria for executive clemency, stressing that decisions of such magnitude must be based on merit, remorse, and time-tested rehabilitation, not on expediency or emotion.
Maxwell Opara said that justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done. He warned that granting pardons to individuals involved in violent crimes undermines the credibility of the legal system and disrespects those who have suffered as a result of their actions. View, More,
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