•Says he insulted Nigerians
The presidential pardon granted high-profile ex-convicts, especially former Governor of Bayelsa State, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, is a big dent on the anti-corruption war and a massive insult to Nigerians according tothe Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) South West region, Archbishop Magnus Atilade.
Atilade said the pardon is totally condemnable and reduces the standing of Nigeria among the comity of nations.
Alamieyeseigha, he said, is unworthy of pardon having been convicted for criminal and corruption charges.
According to him: “This is taking presidential power to a ridiculous level. What the president has done has turned us to a laughing stock in the international community.
“How can you pardon someone convicted of criminal and corruption charges? Are you saying he was right to have stolen?
“Honestly, this has lowered the president’s integrity and standing among men of goodwill in the world.”
He said the other pardoned ex-convicts were worthy, especially those accused of participation in phantom coups that “we all knew were untrue.”
Atilade welcomed the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying it will deepen democracy in Nigeria.
He said it was a good omen that most of the parties, which he described as fly-by-night organisations, have decided to collaborate for greater impact.
“With two parties, Nigerians can easily choose because we all knew most of our parties existed only in briefcases. We should support APC because we can know who which is which now.”
