• Dr Muda Yusuf, CPPE Director/CEO

The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) is urging the Federal Government to review the list of individuals granted presidential pardons by President Bola Tinubu.

While the prerogative of mercy is a constitutional tool, its application to serious economic and financial offences needs careful discretion and transparency.

Dr Muda Yusuf, CPPE Director/CEO, expressed concerns about pardoning individuals convicted of corruption, financial crimes, murder, drug trafficking, and illegal mining.

He noted that such leniency has significant economic and social repercussions, including:

– Illegal Mining: Undermines legitimate businesses and fuels insecurity.

– Corruption and Financial Crimes: Distort markets and weaken institutions.

– Drug Trafficking: Damages Nigeria’s global reputation and escalates insecurity.These actions erode deterrence, weaken law enforcement, and can convey a sense of tolerance for misconduct, undermining respect for the law.

Damage to Investor Confidence

Pardoning individuals convicted of economic crimes raises concerns about policy inconsistency and investment insecurity, deterring both domestic and foreign investors.

Reputational Risks

Excessive clemency may harm governance credibility and negatively impact Nigeria’s investment climate, affecting sovereign risk ratings and capital inflows.

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