By Justice Sidi Bage,Tokunbo2

Copyright thesun

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

In a remarkable demonstration of the constitutional power of prerogative of mercy and national recognition, President Bola Tinubu has approved a significant array of presidential clemency and honoured a wide spectrum of Nigerians and friends of Nigeria in the 2024/2025 national honours awards.

Governor of Kaduna Uba Sani, speaking to State House correspondents on proceedings at the recent National Council of State meeting, revealed that the Council unanimously approved President Tinubu’s recommendation for clemency for a total of 175 persons. “Of the total recommended for presidential clemency were about 82 pardons, 65 persons recommended for reduced sentences, and seven whose sentences were commuted from death to life imprisonment,” he stated.

On the identities of beneficiaries, Sani confirmed, “The Ogoni Nine, though deceased, were among those granted a presidential pardon under this prerogative of mercy,” emphasising the symbolic and restorative nature of the gesture.

Reinforcing the spirit behind these acts, the Permanent Secretary of the Cabinet Affairs Office of the Office of the Secretary of the Federation, Emanso Umobong, detailed the outcome of the national honours selection.

She recalled that the nationally reconstituted committee, chaired by Justice Sidi Bage Mohammed, undertook an extensive screening of over 5,000 applications, eventually recommending 824 successful applicants for national honours and 135 for special awards, totalling 959 recipients.

Umobong explained, “In the spirit of inclusive national recognition, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu conferred honours on several deserving Nigerians and friends of Nigeria, including Bill Gates for his contributions to public health and humanitarian efforts in Nigeria.”

The honours also celebrated the contributions of living and fallen icons of Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle, marking the 26 years of unbroken democracy. Included was Uncle Sam Amuka Pemu, a legendary journalist and publisher, and posthumous recognition was given to the Ogoni Nine and Ogoni Four for their environmental activism and sacrifice. Special honours were also bestowed upon the Nigerian Super Falcons and D Tigress in recognition of their international sporting achievements, as well as Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the immediate past chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, “honoured for his service to Nigeria’s democratic process.”

Highlighting the significance of these actions, Umobong said, “The award of titles and decorations is a yearly tradition where the President honours nationals and non-nationals who have distinguished themselves in service to the nation and humanity.”

The full list of successful candidates for the national honours and those granted prerogative of mercy is set to be published soon, offering the Nigerian public official acknowledgment of these acts of mercy and celebration of national excellence.

The Council also approved the appointment of Aminu Yusuf from Niger State as the new Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC).

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State disclosed this to State House correspondents after the Council of State meeting held on Thursday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

According to him, the Council’s decision followed recommendations by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who presided over the meeting.

“Today, 9th October 2025, the Council of State meeting was held earlier, and one of the major decisions taken was the appointment of the Chairman of the National Population Commission,” Governor Sani said. “The person appointed based on the recommendation by Mr. President, who chaired the Council of State, is Dr. Aminu Yusuf from Niger State.”

He added that the Council also approved the appointment of Alhaji Tonga Betara Bularafa as the Federal Commissioner representing Yobe State at the Commission.

Both appointments, he said, received unanimous approval from the members of the Council.

“In attendance were former Presidents and Heads of State, Generals Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar, as well as governors and other members of the Council,” the Kaduna governor stated.

The Council further endorsed the appointment of Joash Amupitan, a Professor of Law and expert in the Law of Evidence, as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following the President’s recommendation and in line with constitutional provisions requiring consultation with the Council of State.

Briefing State House correspondents after the meetings, Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma said the appointment of Professor Amupitan as INEC Chairman was unanimously approved by the Council.

According to him, “Mr. President, in keeping with statutory provisions, presented the name of Professor Joshua Amupitan, a highly respected scholar of impeccable integrity who has never participated in partisan politics, and his appointment was unanimously endorsed by the Council.”