Bola Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to pardon convicted murderers, kidnappers and drug traffickers has sparked outrage across the country, Daily Sun reports.
The development is generating heated conversations from well-known Nigerians who say the move undermines justice and rewards crime.
Here are some of the most talked-about reactions:
- Atiku Abubakar: “This is a reckless exercise that emboldens criminality”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar condemned the decision in strong terms, describing it as a “reckless exercise that emboldens criminality.”
“A government that absolves offenders of the very crimes it claims to be fighting erodes its moral authority and weakens public confidence in the justice system,” Atiku said.
He maintained that the move makes a mockery of the nation’s fight against corruption and insecurity.
- Omoyele Sowore: “Tinubu frees murderers but keeps innocent people in jail”
Activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore expressed disgust at the pardon, especially the inclusion of Maryam Sanda, convicted for killing her husband.
“Tinubu frees Maryam Sanda, yet Nnamdi Kanu who has never been convicted remains detained. This is hypocrisy,” Sowore wrote on X.
He argued that the President’s action exposes double standards in Nigeria’s justice system.
- Osi Suave: “A shameful list filled with robbers and killers”
Popular media personality Osi Suave described the pardon as “shameful”, saying it is filled with “robbers and killers.” - “It’s unbelievable that those who destroyed lives are being freed while honest Nigerians suffer,” he wrote on social media.
His comment gained thousands of reactions online, with many Nigerians agreeing that the pardon sends the wrong signal.
- Senator Victor Umeh: “Where is the justice?”
Senator Victor Umeh questioned the fairness of the presidential pardon, stressing that justice must be consistent.
“When agitators are detained for years without trial while convicted killers walk free, what message are we sending?” he asked.
He urged the President to reconsider such actions that “portray mercy as mockery.”
- Nefertiti (Public Commentator): “A leader who frees hardened criminals has no interest in Nigerians”
Influential social media commentator @Nefertiti also reacted with outrage.
“A leader who frees hardened criminals and drug dealers does not have the interest of Nigerians at heart,” she wrote on X.
Her post quickly went viral, amplifying the public mood of disbelief and anger.
Across social media, reactions remain overwhelmingly negative. Many Nigerians fear that such pardons will embolden more criminals and weaken faith in the country’s justice system.
As one user put it: “If convicted murderers can walk free, what hope do victims have?”
