*** Moves Prerogative of Mercy Secretariat to Justice Ministry

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the official instruments of clemency and pardon for selected individuals, completing the formal process of exercising his constitutional power of prerogative of mercy.

The decision followed consultations with the Council of State and a review of public opinion, according to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

Under the review, individuals convicted of serious offences such as kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud, and unlawful possession of firearms were removed from the list of beneficiaries. Others who had previously been pardoned had their sentences commuted.

Onanuga said the review was guided by considerations of national security, the feelings of victims, the morale of law enforcement agencies, and Nigeria’s international obligations. He added that the concept of justice as a “three-way traffic” — involving the accused, the victim, and the state — informed the President’s decision.

The approved list of eligible beneficiaries has been forwarded to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation.

In a related directive, President Tinubu ordered the immediate relocation of the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy from the Ministry of Special Duties to the Federal Ministry of Justice.

The President also instructed the Attorney-General of the Federation to issue new guidelines for exercising the power of mercy, mandating consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies to ensure that only qualified individuals benefit from future clemency exercises.

Tinubu expressed appreciation for the feedback received from stakeholders and the public, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to judicial reform and the improvement of Nigeria’s justice system.

The Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele (MOB), has once again demonstrated his characteristic leadership and commitment to party development by donating a brand-new 2025 model Coaster Bus to the All Progressives Congress (APC) Ekiti State Executive Committee.

The presentation, described as a remarkable gesture of support and solidarity, underscores Senator Bamidele’s unwavering dedication to strengthening the party’s administrative capacity, enhancing mobility, and promoting unity among members across the state.

According to sources within the party, the new bus will serve as a vital logistical asset for the state secretariat, enabling smoother coordination of activities and improved communication between local government chapters and the state executive.

Party leaders and members have commended Senator Bamidele for his consistent contributions to the progress of the APC in Ekiti State and beyond. They described him as a dependable and visionary leader whose service-driven approach continues to inspire confidence and cohesion within the party structure.

Senator Bamidele, who also serves as the Chairman of the Southern Senators’ Forum, has over the years maintained a reputation for responsive leadership, philanthropy, and political maturity. His latest donation aligns with his broader vision of building a stronger and more effective APC that reflects the principles of good governance and grassroots participation.

In his usual manner, the Senate Leader emphasized that leadership must be about service, sacrifice, and empowerment, noting that his gesture was aimed at supporting the smooth functioning of the party machinery in the state.

“Our strength as a party lies in unity and effective coordination,” Senator Bamidele was quoted as saying. “This gesture is my modest contribution toward ensuring that our great party in Ekiti remains vibrant, mobile, and united in purpose.”

With this latest intervention, Senator Bamidele has once again reaffirmed his position as a pillar of support and a symbol of progressive leadership within the APC, both in Ekiti State and at the national level.

……Sparking Fresh Outcry Over Civil Liberties in Nigeria

Human rights activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, was re-arrested on Friday by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, just moments after being granted bail by a Magistrate Court in Kuje, Abuja — an action that has reignited national debate over the state of civil liberties and judicial independence in Nigeria.

Sowore, along with 13 others, including Prince Emmanuel Kanu, the brother of detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, had earlier secured bail on charges related to the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest. Despite reportedly meeting all court-imposed conditions, eyewitnesses said police officers intercepted Sowore as he exited the courtroom, forcefully taking him into custody and transferring him to the Kuje Correctional Centre.

Sources close to the case allege that the activist’s re-arrest was carried out without a fresh remand order, raising concerns of contempt for due process.

Police sources, however, claim that Sowore now faces a new charge allegedly tied to “inciting comments” made against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Details of the purported offense remain unclear as of press time, and no official statement has been issued by the Force Headquarters.

Legal experts and civil rights groups have condemned the arrest, describing it as a violation of judicial authority and an affront to freedom of expression guaranteed under Nigeria’s Constitution.

“This is not just about one individual,” said a prominent human rights advocate. “It is about the rule of law, freedom of speech, and the courage to speak truth to power. Each unlawful arrest chips away at the foundation of democracy.”

Sowore, a former presidential candidate and long-time critic of successive governments, has faced repeated arrests and intimidation for his activism and journalism. In 2019, he was detained for months by the Department of State Services (DSS) over his role in organizing the #RevolutionNow protests.

Despite mounting pressures, Sowore has remained resolute in his calls for accountability, transparency, and social justice in Nigeria. His latest detention, analysts say, once again tests the government’s commitment to upholding democratic values and the rule of law.

As of Friday evening, Sowore remained in custody, with his legal team reportedly filing an urgent motion demanding his immediate release and respect for the court’s bail order.