Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed another lawsuit against President Muhammadu Buhari.
SERAP is praying that the Federal High Court in Lagos would reverse the pardon granted to Joshua Dariye and Jolly Nyame former governors of Plateau and Taraba States respectively.
You would recall that the ex-governors were only recently pardoned by Buhari.
They were serving jail terms for stealing N1.16 billion and N1.6 billion respectively from their states between 1999 and 2007.
SERAP in the suit with number FHC/L/CS/825/2022, SERAP prays that the court would determine whether the exercise of the power of prerogative of mercy is compatible with the public interest and the corruption fight.
SERAP is asking the court for an order setting aside the pardon for the sake of the integrity of Nigeria, stating that it believes many politicians will continue to escape justice for crimes committed.
The suit reads in part that “The presidential pardon power must be exercised in good faith, and in line with the provisions of Chapter 4 of the Nigerian Constitution on fundamental rights”
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami was also joined as a defendant in the suit.
No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.
