The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has broken its silence on the raging controversy over the state pardon granted former Bayelsa State governor, Chief Solomon Diepreiye Alamieyeisegha, saying it can neither condemn nor applaud Jonathan.

The NBA, via its President, Chief Okey Wali (SAN), said yesterday that although President Goodluck Jonathan acted within the powers vested in him by the Nigerian Constitution, the gesture has sent conflicting signals to the nation and the outside world about the fight against corruption.

He said that in the light of conflicting signals, NBA would neither condemn nor applaud Jonathan’s action.

Answering questions from newsmen at the NBA headquarters in Abuja, Wali said: “We know that the President has such powers under the constitution, so also the state governors under section 212 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFRN).
“Section 175 of the CFRN gives the president the authority in consultation with the council of state. So also section 212 to the state3 governors and unless you know what the council of state was thinking and what it had in mind, it will be wrong to condemn President Jonathan’s actions.”
Wali went on: “But there is no doubting the fact that it is a bad signal put against the fight against corruption but NBA cannot react the way other groups are reacting because we know the laws and the laws said the president can grant pardon under section 175 of the CFRN.

“Therefore, the NBA cannot give the president ultimatum to rescind his decision. Suppose we give an ultimatum and it elapsed, I cannot as a lawyer sue the president knowing very well that he has the constitutional power.”

“I think what NBA can advise is while the president has such powers, he should use it wisely not to the detriment of the generality of Nigerians because such pardons can be seeing to be selfish,” he added.

News Express recalls that Alamieyeisegha, who was impeached, tried and convicted for
embezzling state funds while serving as Bayelsa Governor, was pardoned alongside seven other ex-convicts, but it is his case that has riveted national attention. Incumbent President Jonathan, as his then deputy, succeeded him.

•Photo: NBA President, Chief Okey Wali.

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