Alamieyeseigha presidential pardon: “The critics are just being mischievous” – Reuben Abati

Reuben Abati

by Isi Esene

The Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati has come out strongly to defend the presidential pardon granted to the former governor of Bayelsa state, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha and other ex-convicts.

The presidential aide who appeared in a Channels Television morning programme on Saturday justified the presidential pardon saying it followed due process and the criticism trailing the decision is baseless and meant to cause mischief.

“The pardon does not amount to an erosion of the fight against corruption. Even the US cannot deny the fact that any form of pardon comes with political drama” he said.

The United States had yesterday expressed its disappointment at the decision to pardon the former governor who was convicted on charges of money laundering and still reportedly wanted in some countries.

According to the US Embassy spokeswoman, Deb MacLean: “We see this as a setback in the fight against corruption.” 

The statement added that the U.S has no further immediate comment.

When asked about the connection between the pardon and intrigues towards the 2015 elections, Abati denied any such relation.

He said, “Those who link the pardon to the 2015 election are only being mischievous. How will the pardon of Alamieyeseigha influence the elections in 2015? How?” he asked rhetorically.

The Federal Government had on Tuesday announced state pardon for Alamieyeseigha and six others after a National Council of State meeting in Abuja.

The others were late Maj. Gen. Shehu Musa Yar’Adua; former Chief of General Staff, Lt. Gen. Oladipo Diya; former Minister of Works, late Maj. Gen. Abdulkareem Adisa; ex-Major Bello Magaji and Alhaji Mohammed Lima Biyu.

Comments (8)

  1. This reuben abati guy should have stone tied to his neck n thrown off d 3MB…he is a big moron n he should remember dat his children n great grand children will partake in the suffering he is helping his oga at d top dish out to Nigerians

  2. Bro Reuben please at the next Council of State meeting please the case for State Pardon Posthumously for Lawrence Anini and Co should be tabled. They should also be recommended for national honours GCFR or GCON probably for service of Terror to the people of Edo State and its Environs. You could as well chip in for the sake of numbers Cliff Orji; James Ibori and them lot for state Pardon.
    Further more the council can approve compensation for earns lost due to untimely death in the line of duty payable to their families including pensions.
    We will be forever grateful if our humble request is granted.

  3. is this not the same Abati who sometimes was commenting on the rots in the Nigerian system of governance,haba power intoxicates really.See what the man is saying now .Somebody said Aso Rock had been demonized and the place is a place where a hitherto angelic person could become an instant demon.Kindly pardon Abati because he doesnt know what he is saying.

  4. Reuben Abati I thougth u'r responsible & have pity on us ordinary nigerians. Well I just 3 word 4 u God is watching.

  5. Reuben Abati I thougth u'r responsible & have pity on us ordinary nigerians. Well I just 3 word 4 u God is watching.

  6. Is this the same Abati that was chairman of guardian’s editorial or am i dreaming,oga at the top syndrome

  7. Is this the same Abati that was chairman of guardian’s editorial or am i dreaming

  8. This reuben abati guy should have stone tied to n thrown off d 3MB…he is a big moron n he should remember dat his children n great grand children will partake in the suffering he is helping his oga at d top dish out to Nigerians

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