There were indications on Thursday that some names on the presidential pardon list approved by the Council of State, as presented by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), may be dropped.

The development comes amid growing public outcry over the inclusion of certain high-profile and violent offenders among those pardoned by President Bola Tinubu.

The presidential pardon, usually granted to mark national occasions, was also meant to decongest prisons and promote reconciliation.

The presidential statement noted that the decision followed recommendations by the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by the Attorney-General.

It added that the list of beneficiaries was divided into six categories: Those granted pardon, posthumous pardon (including the Ogoni Nine), victims of the Ogoni Nine honoured, presidential clemency (clemency beneficiaries), inmates recommended for reduced terms of imprisonment, and inmates on death row whose sentences were commuted to life imprisonment.

However, the latest episode has reignited debate over the transparency and integrity of Nigeria’s pardon process.

On Thursday, Fagbemi (SAN), however, clarified that the Presidential Prerogative of Mercy recently announced by the President was still under review and had not been finalised.

Controversy has continued to trail the inclusion of some names, with anti-graft and security agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, reportedly moving to halt the release of some individuals on the list.

Fagbemi, at the Council of State meeting convened on October 9, 2025, had listed illegal miners, white-collar convicts, drug offenders, foreigners, Maj Gen Mamman Vatsa, Prof Magaji Garba, Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni Eight, as well as capital offenders such as Maryam Sanda, among the 175 convicts and former convicts who received presidential pardon.

The full list was released in a statement from the Presidency on Saturday, October 11, 2025.

While some names of Politically-Exposed Persons on the list, like Herbert Macaulay, Farouk Lawan, among others, did not raise dust, the inclusion of certain individuals linked to violent crimes and security breaches sparked outrage.

One of the names was Maryam Sanda, who was convicted in 2017 for stabbing her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, to death.

While some members of Bello’s family rejected the pardon for Maryam, the father, Alhaji Bello Isa, alongside Maryam’s father,  Alhaji Garba Sanda, addressed a press conference to accept the presidential pardon.

The President also pardoned Major S. Alabi Akubo, who was sentenced to life imprisonment for illegal possession of prohibited firearms, among others and one Kelvin Prosper Oniarah, whose kidnapping terror spanned Delta, Edo, Rivers, Abia, Benue, and Oyo states, with detention camps in Warri and Kokori (Delta), Ugbokolo (Benue), Benin City (Edo), and Aba (Abia).

The names of those convicted for killing security agents, illicit drug couriers, and others tried for money laundering, among other offences, were queried on the list.

The uproar has reportedly prompted a review of the clemency process, with the Presidency considering dropping controversial names that generated public criticisms.

Security agencies kick

A presidential aide with knowledge of the matter, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment on the matter, said the EFCC, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, NDLEA and lead security agencies had raised strong objections to the list, insisting that some of the names were “smuggled in” and not part of those recommended by the presidential committee that screened applicants for clemency.

He said anti-graft agencies warned that releasing some of the convicts could undermine the ongoing fight against corruption and organised crime.

He said a top security source disclosed that some of the proposed beneficiaries “can never be released,” particularly those convicted of killing security operatives or engaging in kidnapping and other capital offences.

“The list was too wide, and some of the names did not pass the necessary security vetting.

“The EFCC, NDLEA, and other security agencies have insisted that the list must be pruned down. Not all the names came from the committee that reviewed the cases,” the presidential aide said.

Officials also familiar with the matter said the final list would likely exclude those whose release could pose security risks or undermine confidence in the justice system.

“The list will be trimmed to reflect only those who genuinely deserve the President’s mercy. Those whose inclusion created controversy will be expunged,” a senior official, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, told The PUNCH on Thursday.

Another official in one of the security agencies said, “Some low-level officers at the level of the committee smuggled in some names. Obviously, the President is unaware of some of the names on that list.

“They have now sent the list to NDLEA and other security agencies for review. Some of the names on the list did not meet the criteria. Some low-level officers bypassed the criteria.

“In fact, some of the cases are still fresh. The good thing is that they are still in custody; they have not been released.”

An official of one of the anti-graft agencies also spoke under the condition of anonymity.

He told The PUNCH, “I am aware the ICPC and the police are not comfortable with the list because the names of some convicts who are not supposed to be on that list are there.”

When reached for comments by The PUNCH, officials of the agencies were not ready to speak on the matter officially.

List for review

On Thursday, Fagbemi (SAN) stated that the Presidential Prerogative of Mercy recently announced by the President was still under review and had not been finalised.

In a statement in Abuja, the minister clarified that no inmate approved for clemency under the recent exercise had been released from custody.

According to Fagbemi, “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.”

He further explained that after the approval by the Council of State, the next step in the process was the issuance of the formal instrument implementing the President’s decision for each beneficiary.

“This stage affords an opportunity for a final review of the list for remedial purposes, if necessary, 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 AGF said.

Fagbemi appreciated the public’s vigilance and constructive feedback, describing it as a sign of Nigerians’ deep concern for justice and good governance.

“There is no delay in the process; 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, the public will be duly informed. The rule of law does not rush; it ensures fairness.”

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The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu and former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, were some of the dignitaries at Thursday’s valedictory in honour of former Speaker, Agunwa Anaekwe.

Anaekwe, who was the Speaker in the botched Third Republic, died in July 2025 at the age of 69.

He was Speaker on December 5, 1992, until November 17, 1993, when the late military dictator, Gen Sani Abacha, sacked the Ernest Shonekan-led Interim National Government.

As a sign of respect for the departed politician, the casket bearing his remains was brought to the main lobby of the National Assembly, where lawmakers from both chambers took turns to pay their last respect.

Leading the flood of tribute at a session attended by Anaekwe’s immediate family members, Abbas described the valedictory session as an opportunity for lawmakers to assess the nation’s leadership trajectory, identify gaps and take actions to right the wrongs of the past.

He said, “The valedictory session is not merely to offer ceremonial words. It offers us the opportunity both as an institution and as individuals to assess the substance of leadership, the weight of duty, and the legacy left behind. Rt Hon Anaekwe exemplified a standard of parliamentary conduct that combined discipline, fairness, and clarity of purpose.

“Elected during the Third Republic at a time when Nigeria stood at a complex intersection of political transition and democratic aspiration, he assumed the speakership in 1992 and guided this House with composure and clarity of purpose. He recognised that the strength of a legislature lies not in power for its own sake, but in the responsible exercise of authority.

“He approached the speakership not as a platform for personal elevation, but as a constitutional trust. Under his leadership, the House maintained coherence in the face of political uncertainty.

“He upheld the sanctity of this House and demonstrated that even in turbulent periods, legislative order can be preserved through restraint and conviction.”

Highlighting the esteem the 10th House held the ex-Speaker, Abbas stated that “By allowing his remains to lie in state within this institution he once led, the National Assembly affirms the enduring significance of his contribution. This honour is not symbolic alone. It confirms that our history acknowledges those who strengthened the legislature through integrity rather than ambition.

“Rt Hon Anaekwe did not merely occupy the office of Speaker. He accepted the challenge and the enormous responsibility entrusted to him. He discharged his duty with humility and a deep sense of service. He demonstrated that leadership can be disciplined, thoughtful, and principled.”

On his part, the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who spoke on behalf of the leadership of the 10th House, lauded Anaekwe for his democratic credentials and leadership acumen.

“At just 36, he bore the weight of a young democracy on his shoulders. He understood that politics is not an occupation but a call to serve the public good. His fidelity to democratic ideals earned him the respect of colleagues and country alike.

“While institutions endure, it is men of character who give them life, meaning, and legitimacy. We honour him best by ensuring that this House continues to act with discipline, unity, and devotion to national interest,” Kalu said.

Also speaking, a member of the National Burial Committee, Senator Osita Izunaso, recalled Anekwe’s role in defending democracy during one of Nigeria’s most difficult political periods.

“He fought and defended democracy when we had a near-dictatorship — the military at the executive level and the politicians at the National Assembly. When the military struck on November 17, 1993, he was determined to reconvene the House of Representatives. That determination led to the instant dissolution of the National Assembly.

“He fought for June 12 and defended that mandate. He stood for democracy even when it was risky to do so,” he added.

In his contribution, the lawmaker representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Victor Umeh, described the deceased as a man who had zero controversy throughout his sojourn in politics.

“He became Speaker at the age of 36, a gentleman in politics. He was never associated with controversy. He built bridges across regions and pursued nation-building with sincerity and moderation. Our people revere him as a man of peace and principle.

“He managed the party with humility and built a solid political foundation that produced future leaders. Even when political godfathers tried to derail democracy in our state, Agunwa stood firm for the people,” he said.

Representative of the Senate President, Senator Muhammed Monguno, commended Anaekwe for standing “Firmly against dictatorial tendencies,” stressing that his belief in democracy was without compromise.

“The late Honourable Agunwa Anakwe, as Speaker, not only preached the gospel of democracy but championed it by leading the House to reject an obnoxious and draconian decree that sought to cripple legislative independence,” he added.

The Borno lawmaker narrated how the late Anakwe sponsored a delegation to the 1993 Commonwealth Conference in Cyprus to challenge the legitimacy of Chief Ernest Shonekan’s interim government.

“We addressed a world press conference declaring that Chief Ernest Shonekan was an imposition on Nigerians and that the National Assembly held the legitimate mandate of the people,” Monguno stated.

Speaking on behalf of former Speakers, Yakubu Dogara described Anaekwe as “A dove with the heart of a lion,” noting that “He led the House in an era when political life was short, poor, nasty, and brutal. Yet, he managed to stand firm with wisdom, calmness, and courage.”

Dogara said the deceased would be remembered “Not for what he kept, but for what he gave: his service, values and examples.”

In his brief comment, Kwankwaso, who served as Deputy Speaker in the Third Republic, drew a bout of laughter from lawmakers present at the valedictory session when he said that “There is no doubt that Anaekwe would have today joined the New Nigeria Peoples Party to do the right thing for the nation.”

Meanwhile, the Deputy Speaker has been appointed to lead a strong delegation of the 10th House to the burial of Anaekwe in Adazi, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State on Friday.

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The PASGA Project is designed to provide a comprehensive workforce profile to guide future decisions on recruitment, training, deployment, and career progression within the civil service.

By identifying current and emerging skills gaps in critical areas such as ICT, project management, public finance, and data analysis, the project aims to strengthen training programmes and ensure targeted capacity development.

The initiative also seeks to enhance human resource management systems through digitalisation using the Human Resource Management Information System.

It is expected to promote efficiency, reduce financial leakages, eliminate redundancies, and enable strategic redeployment of resources across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

The project is being implemented by a Steering Committee chaired by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Didi Walson-Jack, and a Project Implementation Committee chaired by the Permanent Secretary, Common Services Office, Dr Danjuma Kalba.

Speaking at a sensitisation programme for the initiative on Thursday, Walson-Jack said the project marks a major milestone in the ongoing implementation of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021–2025, which is anchored on innovation, talent optimisation, and institutional excellence.

“Through PASGA, we are setting a new standard — one that is transparent, data-based, and performance-oriented. This reform will deliver accurate personnel records, identify existing skills gaps, and support targeted training and redeployment aligned with the evolving needs of government,” Walson-Jack said.

The Head of Service commended the Permanent Secretary, Common Services Office, and the Project Implementation Committee for their coordination and preparatory work, describing their efforts as exemplary of the teamwork and shared vision driving the ongoing transformation of the civil service.

She also urged the OHCSF Cluster Consultant, Knewrow Consulting, to approach the assignment with professionalism, integrity, and technical precision, assuring them of full management support throughout the implementation process.

Walson-Jack further called on all Permanent Secretaries, Directors, union leaders, and staff across MDAs to demonstrate ownership and full cooperation with the project, stressing that PASGA is not merely an audit, but a reform tool that will shape the future of Nigeria’s workforce.

“This exercise is a bold statement of our readiness to build a civil service that is data-driven, merit-based, and future-ready.

“Together, we can make the Nigerian civil service a model of efficiency, accountability, and innovation in public administration,” she said.

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