The United States has condemned the pardon granted some ex-convicts by President Goodluck Jonathan and the National Council of States.

In a tweet by the U.S. Mission in Nigeria, the U.S. said, "We see this as a setback in the fight against corruption."

It said further that "the #USG is deeply disappointed over the recent pardons of corrupt officials by GON (Government of Nigeria)."

President Jonathan and the Council granted ex- Bayelsa Governor, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha and ex-boss of the defunct Bank of the North, Shettima Bulama pardon in a move condemned by civil society and other interest groups.

Both men had been convicted for corruption by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.