The Media Adviser to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Paul Ibe, has described the presidency’s decision to review President Bola Tinubu‘s presidential pardon as a desperate afterthought.

Naijaonpoint reports that the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice on Thursday clarified that no inmate approved for clemency under the latest exercise has been released from custody, saying that the process was subject to change.

In a statement personally signed by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), on Thursday, the AGF Office said the process remained at the final administrative stage, which includes a standard review to ensure that all names and recommendations fully comply with established legal and procedural requirements before any instrument of release is issued.

Fagbemi noted that the verification process was part of the standard protocol and reflected the government’s commitment to transparency and due diligence.

Reacting to the development, Ibe, in a post via 𝕏, asserted that the damage had already been done, stressing that, “No amount of bureaucratic grammar can erase the moral recklessness of extending mercy to those who have violated the nation’s laws and conscience.”

He added, “This so-called clarification is nothing but a desperate afterthought.
A government that hastily approved clemency for convicted criminals is now pretending to be conducting “a review.” The damage is already done.

“As the African proverb says, “You cannot wash your hands in the same water that dirtied them.

“Justice delayed may be administrative but justice desecrated is unforgivable.”