Nigeria: Jonathan's Pardon Gambit

18 March 2013

The Council of State, based on a request by President Goodluck Jonathan, last week granted pardon to former Bayelsa State Governor, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha and some other persons who had been convicted for various offences. However, of all the beneficiaries of the state pardon, that of Alamieyeseigha attracted public opprobrium for the president. THISDAY's Political Desk discusses why the former governor's pardon stirred so many emotions among people and how it would affect public perception of the Jonathan administration

Unlike most former United States presidents who granted pardons throughout their terms, Mr. Bill Clinton, was strategic in terms of timing. As a tactician, he understood when to move forward or retreat. Clinton, on January 20, 2001- his last day in office- granted pardon to no fewer than 140 persons with varying offences.

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