Extend presidential pardon to petty thieves, Falana urges FG
Rights activist Femi Falana, SAN, on Friday in Ikeja urged the Federal Government to extend Thursday’s presidential pardon granted some top Nigerians, to people serving terms for petty offences.
Falana made the call at the 1st anniversary of late Afenifere’s spokesman, Yinka Odumakin’s Lecture and Book Presentation.
He said doing so for convicts without selectivity, and irrespective of class, would give a reflection of fairness and equality for all before the law.
Among them were former governors of Plateau and Taraba States, Joshua Dariye and Jolly Nyame respectively, who were both jailed for allegedly stealing N1.16 billion and N1.6 billion respectively.
Mr Falana also advised that there should no discrimination on the basis of belonging to the ruling class.
“All petty thieves in our prisons should be released. Under Section 17 of the 1999 Constitution, there shall be equality and equal rights for all citizens.
Exposed!! Popular Abuja doctor revealed how men can naturally and permanently cure poor erection, quick ejaculation, small and shameful manhood without side effects. Even if you are hypertensive or diabetic . Stop the use of hard drugs for sex!! It kills!
“I can assure you that if the government did not release others, I am going to call on lawyers whose clients are left in custody to come to court and challenge the discriminatory treatment on their clients.
“Just two weeks ago, a Nigerian was jailed for stealing N1,000 in Abuja; the accused pleaded with the judge that he had no food but the judge jailed him for six months.
“When we are talking of justice and fair play, if you want to pardon some set of people, then you must also extend presidential pardon to petty thieves in the prisons.
Speaking on the passing of late Odumakin after a year, Falana described his loss as a monumental tragedy.
“Yinka remained a symbol of justice and we are gathered to celebrate his legacy. He was a man of honour, hope and consistency; a man who gave hope to the masses,’’ he added.
In his remarks, Ibikunle Amosun said the deceased was a friend who built bridges across ethnic and religious groups.
Similarly, Tunde Bakare, the General Overseer of Citadel Global Community Church and a presidential hopeful, said late Odumakin was a fearless person who did not labour in vain, adding that his memory would linger forever.
Also, Akinwunmi Adesina, president, African Development Bank, said Mr Odumakin was a respected rights activist and a democrat.
Leader of Oodua People’s Congress, OPC, Gani Adams, thanked Mr Odumakin’s widow for erecting a legacy for the deceased.
In her remarks, the widow, Joe Okei-Odumakin, said her husband devoted to true federalism.
She described her deceased husband as an encyclopaedia of positive activism.
NAN reports that late Odumakin, died in April 2, 2021, after battling with respiratory problems, occasioned by COVID-19 complications.
