Osun APC criticizes Adeleke’s decision to grant amnesty to 53 prisoners

The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticized the recent amnesty granted to 53 prisoners by the Adeleke-led government.

At a press conference in Osogbo, the party’s spokesperson, Chief Kola Olabisi, described the amnesty as suspicious, alleging it could reintroduce criminals into society who might revert to their previous activities.

The APC condemned the prerogative of mercy exercised by Governor Adeleke, particularly in the case of a police officer, Amien George, who is still standing trial, alongside 52 other convicts. The party labeled the decision as “self-serving and ulterior,” claiming it could promote criminality and undermine security in the state.

In response, the governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, clarified that the amnesty process was carried out through the State Advisory Council on the prerogative of mercy. He explained that the council thoroughly reviewed each case over several days before recommending the 53 pardons.

Rasheed stated, “The governor does not just wake up to grant pardons. The State Advisory Council was properly constituted and did its job meticulously. If the APC has issues with any of the pardoned individuals, they can approach the Ministry of Justice with evidence of an error. The governor acted within the context of the law based on the council’s recommendations.”