EXPOSED! Why Jonathan Pardoned A Thief, Alamieyeisegha

Presidential pardons are used all over the world and have their basis in Matthew 6:12, which states "and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us". The principle is also found in the Qur’an which says “But if you pardon and exonerate and forgive, Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” [Qur’an, 64: 14].

Hence, Presidential pardons have the effect of treating a conviction as though it never happened. It removes the stigma and restores the convict to normal life. The pardon is a prerogative of a grantor...

In Nigeria, there have been many Presidential pardons of which the most well known include the Presidential pardons that President Shehu Shagari granted to General Yakubu Gowon for his role in the coup that led to the death of General Murtala Mohammed and Col. Chukuwemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu for his role in the Nigerian Civil War. Also, General Abdulsalami Abubakar granted a pardon to General Olusegun Obasanjo for his convictions for treason by the administration of his successor, General Sani Abacha.

More recently, President Olusegun Obasanjo granted a Presidential pardon to former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Salisu Buhari in respect of his conviction for forgery and perjury. President Obasanjo also granted pardons to 13 individuals who were convicted alongside himself during the 1995 coup trial.

Sources who have details of the goings on in Aso Rock told us that President Jonathan decided to pardon Alamieyiesegha to prove to Obasanjo, Babangida and other powerful ex-Generals that he is indeed in charge of Nigeria at the moment and can do what he pleases.

The president, according to a source, wants to remain in Aso Rock at all cost in 2015 and will do everything to win the barking of the Ijaw nation. And since Alamieyeisegha is still a powerful force in the Niger Delta, pardoning him is the best way to give him (Alams) free access to Aso Rock and other "critical areas" during the 2015 Presidential campaign.