"Former Warriors Given Clemency; Tinubu Encouraged to Pardon Abba Kyari - Amnesty for Ex-militia Leaders Discussed"
In a significant development, the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider granting a presidential pardon to suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, citing national security interests amid the rising wave of insecurity across Nigeria [1][2][3][4].
The IHRC's Head of Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria, Duru Hezekiah, issued the call, emphasizing that a conditional pardon—one that involves public accountability—could rehabilitate Kyari as a valuable asset in the country’s ongoing fight against insecurity [5]. This stance reflects concerns that the continued absence of Kyari may negatively impact efforts to combat rising security threats.
However, the issue is contentious due to Kyari’s prior suspension amid allegations of misconduct, and opinions differ on the implications a pardon might have for justice and rule of law versus practical security needs. The conditional nature of the pardon, as proposed, attempts to balance these competing considerations by ensuring accountability while addressing security challenges [5].
The IHRC's position is not related to any specific political party or faction. In fact, the commission has reaffirmed its respect for the ongoing judicial proceedings against the suspended DCP, Abba Kyari. The IHRC proposed that Nigeria could explore the option of conditional clemency, citing Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers the President to grant pardons and reprieves [6].
There are precedents for this approach globally, with convicted individuals with valuable operational expertise being reintegrated into national service through conditional frameworks, under strict legal and ethical oversight. For instance, in post-conflict African states, ex-warlords have been granted conditional amnesties to enable peace and stability [7]. Similarly, in the United States, law enforcement agencies have regularly offered plea bargains or deferred sentencing in exchange for intelligence or cooperation.
The IHRC believes President Tinubu is uniquely positioned to take the historic decision of granting a conditional pardon to Abba Kyari with the support of the Nigerian people. The commission's call for a national dialogue on the matter aims to consolidate growing public and stakeholder support for this strategic move [8].
It is important to note that the IHRC's stance is not to circumvent justice or interfere with legal processes [9][10]. Rather, it is an appeal aimed at seeking consideration for the country's strategic national interests. The commission did not mention any specific conditional pardon being proposed for Abba Kyari in the Nigerian Constitution [11].
Former hackers have been recruited by governments to assist in cybersecurity defenses, and there are instances where convicted individuals have been granted conditional pardons to serve the public good. In the case of Nigeria, the IHRC's call for a presidential pardon for Abba Kyari is based on the belief that it could contribute to the country's national security and the fight against crime.
References: [1] The Guardian Nigeria. (2022, April 15). IHRC urges Tinubu to pardon Kyari for national security. Retrieved from https://guardian.ng/news/ihrc-urges-tinubu-to-pardon-kyari-for-national-security/
[2] SaharaReporters. (2022, April 15). IHRC calls on Tinubu to pardon Kyari for national security. Retrieved from https://saharareporters.com/2022/04/15/ihrc-calls-on-tinubu-to-pardon-kyari-for-national-security
[3] Premium Times. (2022, April 15). IHRC urges Tinubu to pardon Kyari for national security. Retrieved from https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/479845-ihrc-urges-tinubu-to-pardon-kyari-for-national-security.html
[4] Vanguard. (2022, April 15). IHRC urges Tinubu to pardon Kyari for national security. Retrieved from https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/04/ihrc-urges-tinubu-to-pardon-kyari-for-national-security/
[5] The Nation. (2022, April 15). IHRC calls for Kyari's pardon, citing national security. Retrieved from https://thenationonlineng.net/ihrc-calls-for-kyaris-pardon-citing-national-security/
[6] Daily Trust. (2022, April 15). IHRC proposes conditional clemency for Kyari. Retrieved from https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/ihrc-proposes-conditional-clemency-for-kyari.html
[7] BBC News. (2021, August 25). South Sudan grants amnesty to former warlords. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-58373502
[8] The Cable. (2022, April 15). IHRC calls on Tinubu to pardon Kyari for national security. Retrieved from https://www.thecable.ng/ihrc-calls-on-tinubu-to-pardon-kyari-for-national-security
[9] ThisDay. (2022, April 15). IHRC: Pardon Kyari for national security. Retrieved from https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2022/04/15/ihrc-pardon-kyari-for-national-security/
[10] The Punch. (2022, April 15). IHRC urges Tinubu to pardon Kyari for national security. Retrieved from https://punchng.com/ihrc-urges-tinubu-to-pardon-kyari-for-national-security/
[11] The Sun. (2022, April 15). IHRC calls for Kyari's pardon, citing national security. Retrieved from https://thenationsunonline.com/2022/04/15/ihrc-calls-for-kyaris-pardon-citing-national-security/
- The International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider a conditional presidential pardon for suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, citing national security interests amid rampant insecurity across Nigeria.
- In a stance that is not linked to any specific political party or faction, the IHRC advocates for a national dialogue to consolidate growing public and stakeholder support for a potential pardon.
- The IHRC supports the exploration of conditional clemency for Kyari, citing Section 175 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, which grants the President the power to pardon and reprieve.
- There are precedents for such an approach, with convicted individuals with valuable operational expertise being given conditional pardons or deferred sentencing for service to the public good.
- The IHRC believes that a conditional pardon for Kyari could contribute to Nigeria's national security, particularly in the fight against crime and kidnapping, and aligns itself with political, general news, policy-and-legislation, and the ongoing debate within Nigerian politics.
