Tinubu Cannot Reverse Pardon Once Granted – Arise News Analyst, Tietie (Video)

A legal practitioner and Arise News analyst, Frank Tietie, has faulted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to remove Maryam Sanda and others from the presidential pardon list, saying the President lacks the constitutional authority to reverse a pardon once granted.

Speaking during an interview on Arise TV, Tietie explained that once a pardon is officially issued and signed, it takes full effect and cannot be withdrawn, as doing so would amount to exercising judicial powers — something the President is not permitted to do under the Constitution.

“Immediately the President grants pardon, he cannot take it back. The people are immediately freed,” Tietie said. “He cannot exercise judicial powers by saying you are no longer fit for pardon. It is not within his constitutional power.”

His comment follows the backlash surrounding President Tinubu’s recent move to revise the presidential clemency list, which initially included Maryam Sanda sentenced to death in 2020 for killing her husband, Bilyaminu Bello.

The President’s reversal came after widespread outrage from Nigerians, including political leaders such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who criticized the inclusion of individuals convicted of grave crimes like murder, kidnapping, and drug trafficking.

In a statement issued earlier by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency clarified that the list was reviewed after consultations with the Council of State and feedback from the public.

The statement added that persons convicted of “serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug-related offences, human trafficking, fraud, and unlawful possession or dealing in firearms.” were deleted from the clemency list.

“The Constitution gives the President power to grant pardon, but not to revoke it. Once clemency is exercised, it is done unless a court declares otherwise,” he noted.

Watch the video below;

As of the time of filing this report, the Presidency has not issued a response to Tietie’s assertion.
Send Us A Press Statement Advertise With Us Contact Us

 And For More Nigerian News Visit GWG.NG