Human Rights Activist ,Festus Keyamo has condemned the presidential pardon reportedly granted to convicted Ex-Governor of Bayelsa State, Diepreiye Alamieyeseigha and convicted Ex-Banker Shettima Bulama.
Keyamo said “The reports of State pardon granted today by President Goodluck Jonathan to convicted Ex-Governor of Bayelsa State, Diepreiye Alamieyeseigha and convicted Ex-Banker Shettima Bulama, purportedly on the advice of the Council of State typifies the height of insensitivity of this government to the feelings of Nigerians about the war against corruption.
“It is shocking, confusing and disheartening that at a time when the general mood of the country indicates that the war against corruption is insincere, slow and a sham, the President deems it fit to even rubbish the very little work that has been done by the anti-corruption agencies in securing the conviction of these individuals. It is also disturbing that at a time when Nigeria is still ranking very low in the Corruption Perception Index of Transparency International the President has further damaged the image of the country by this singular act.
“This pardon by the President teaches no bitter lesson to thieving and corrupt public officers. It encourages corruption at the highest and the lowest levels of public office and the decision itself is corruption par excellence.
“I condemn it; I condemn it and I condemn it,Keyamo said.