By Admin 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Warri
DELTA: The Federal Government of Nigeria has inaugurated a 12-member Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy (PACPM), raising hopes and speculation about potential beneficiaries, including former Delta State Governor, Chief James Onanefe Ibori.
The committee, chaired by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, is tasked with reviewing clemency applications and advising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on granting pardons.
Chief James Ibori, who served as Delta State Governor from 1999 to 2007, was convicted in a UK court in 2012 on charges of money laundering and sentenced to 13 years imprisonment. He was released in 2016 but still carries a criminal record in Nigeria.
Political analysts suggest that Ibori may seek a presidential pardon to clear his name, given his longstanding relationship with President Tinubu. “Ibori and Tinubu have shared a close bond since their time as governors between 1999 and 2007,” a political observer noted.
In June 2023, President Tinubu hosted Ibori at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, further fueling speculation. “Their friendship is a testament to political unity transcending party lines,” another source added.
During the inauguration, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, emphasized the constitutional foundation of the committee’s duties. “Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution empowers the President to grant pardons to individuals convicted of offences under an Act of the National Assembly,” Akume stated.
Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi assured Nigerians of transparency, stating, “We will objectively assess each application based on merit. This is not a review of court decisions but a constitutional mandate for clemency.”
The committee is expected to visit correctional facilities across the six geopolitical zones before making recommendations.
The news has stirred reactions, especially given the committee’s potential to grant clemency to politically exposed persons. Nigerians recall the 2022 presidential pardon granted by former President Muhammadu Buhari to figures like ex-governors Joshua Dariye and Jolly Nyame, which generated significant public outcry.
While the outcome remains uncertain, Chief Ibori’s supporters are optimistic. “This could be a chance for Ibori to redeem his image and contribute more to the nation,” a loyalist commented.
As Nigerians await further developments, the PACPM’s decisions will undoubtedly shape public discourse in the coming months.