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By Oscar Okhifo
The Presidency has defended the controversial clemency granted to convicted husband killer, Maryam Sanda, insisting the decision was guided by compassion, constitutional responsibility and the consideration of her personal circumstances.
This was made known by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga
He said the case was reviewed based on the fact that the incident occurred “in the heat of passion, and that could happen to anybody.”
He explained that the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy recommended Sanda after establishing that she had shown “good behaviour and remorse” and had “taken advantage of rehabilitation programmes while in prison.”
Onanuga noted that the welfare of her two young children was also a major factor, adding: “The President has sympathy. The children of Maryam were also put into consideration.”
He acknowledged public backlash after the initial release list was published but said President Tinubu demonstrated leadership by responding to public sentiment.
“The President listens to people,” he said. “He is not afraid of reversing himself when necessary.”
Following the review, the presidency replaced Sanda’s full pardon with a commutation of her death sentence to 12 years imprisonment, a move officials described as a balance between justice and mercy.
“The government must consider the rights of the offender, the feelings of the victims’ families and the expectations of society.
“That is what justice truly represents.” Onanuga said.
Sanda will now continue serving her sentence while the broader conversation on clemency and accountability in Nigeria’s criminal justice system persists.