The Controversial State Pardon Grant: Are Nigerian Really Convinced that the Federal Govt. is Fighting Corruption???

The senior Special Assistance for Public Affairs to President Goodluck Jonathan, Doyin Okupe on Wednesday confirmed media reports that the Council of States has granted state pardon to the Former Bayelsa State Governor,  Diepreye Alamieyeseigha and former  managing director  of the Bank of the North Nigeria Plc, Alhaji Shettima Mohammed Bulama. Both of them were convicted for fraud after an arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC)… Hmmm serious!

Others that were also granted state pardon include Gen Diya, Maj Gen. Tajudeen Olanrewaju, Maj Segun Fadipe, Maj. Bello Magaji and Mohammed Lima Biu. Then Major-General Shehu Musa Yar’adua (elder brother to late President Yar’adua ) and Major-Genral Abdukareem Adisa; both who are now post-humous beneficiary of the pardon.

Nigerians understand the reasons for pardon of these Military men or dissident as they were alleged to have planned to overthrow the regime of late Gen. Sani Abacha. The allege coup was uncovered by Force loyal to Gen. Abacha and the former Chief of general staff was subsequently jailed.

But what Nigerians don’t understand is as she is trying very hard to fight against corruption, suddenly two former corrupt political office holders unexpectedly get state pardon. Then we ask what is need for the EFCC? . What will this tell of other present office holders who are corrupt?... that after all some have been granted state pardon after all!.  Finally how do the Federal Government expect Nigerians to believe that they are trying very hard to fight corruption?

Hmmm… President, we think you should put these into consideration before making such decisions because the trust you are trying to regain from Nigerians become shaky once again in this kind of decision!

God bless Nigeria!!