NACOMYO faults presidential pardon to criminals, urges dialogue with ASUU

 

The National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO) has urged the Federal Government to review the recent pardon list and withdraw the clemency extended to the hardened criminals.

NACOMYO made the call in a statement by its National President, Alhaji Sani Suleiman Maigoro and National Secretary General, Alhaji Mas’ud Akintola.

The body also called on the Federal Ministry of Education to resume dialogue with Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) over its warning strike to avert further deterioration in the education sector.

It said that it had observed with grave concern the recent national developments that called into question Nigeria’s moral direction, governance priorities, and commitment to justice and the rule of law.

NACOMYO noted with dismay the Federal Government’s perceived neglect of the education sector, and recent decision to grant presidential pardon to convicted criminals, including drug traffickers, kidnappers, among them the notorious abductor of Chief Mike Ozekhome and convicted murderers such as Maryam Sanda

According to the Muslim body, the two-week warning strike declared by ASUU over the government’s persistent neglect of the education sector and unfulfilled agreements poses a great threat to nation’s education sector.

NACOMYO believed that both ASUU strike and presidential pardon to hardened criminal, struck at the very heart of Nigeria’s moral, social, and developmental integrity.

”The decision to release individuals convicted of heinous crimes under the guise of presidential clemency is deeply troubling and morally indefensible.

”While Islam encourages mercy and forgiveness, it does not condone the perversion of justice or the undermining of deterrence against capital offences.

”The Qur’an is explicit: “O you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even though it be against yourselves or your kin.” (Qur’an 4:135)”

The group said by extending pardon to convicted drug lords, kidnappers and murderers, while thousands languish in prisons for misdemeanors, the government sent a dangerous signal that high crimes carry little consequence.

”It stated that such misplaced mercy eroded public trust in the leadership of the country, discourages law enforcement officers, and emboldens criminal networks.

”Mercy without justice, NACOMYO warns, leads to moral chaos.

”We therefore call on the Federal Government to review and withdraw clemency for all violent and drug-related offenders to restore public confidence in the justice system.”

NACOMYO further noted that the continued deterioration of Nigeria’s education sector, underscored by ASUU’s ongoing strike.

”This latest disruption reflects a pattern of neglect, poor prioritisation, and policy inconsistency thus undermining national progress.

”Every closure of Nigerian universities pushes students into despair and erodes the future of a generation. Islam accords the highest importance to knowledge and learning.

”The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.” (Ibn Majah, Hadith 224).

“Indeed, the first revelation in the Quran, “Iqra” (Read!) symbolizes the primacy Islam places on education and we assert here that the rise or fall of a people depends on how they value education.”

NACOMYO, therefore, condemned the chronic underfunding of Nigerian universities in particular and education in general and urges the Federal Government to fulfil its agreements with ASUU, improve teachers’ welfare, and make education a true national priority.

”A nation that shuts its classrooms opens the gates of poverty, ignorance, and insecurity.

”Islam views leadership as a sacred trust (Amanah) and an accountability before Allah, not a privilege for self-interest.

”The Qur’an says: “Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people, to judge with justice.” (Qur’an 4:58).”

It stated that good governance required fairness, transparency, and the protection of public interest.

”Power without justice is akin to corruption and oppression. NACOMYO urges all leaders to re-examine their moral compass and governance priorities in light of divine injunction.

”We urge the Presidency to review the recent pardon list and withdraw the clemency extended to these hardened criminals.

”We urge the Federal Ministry of Education and ASUU to resume dialogue in good faith and ensure a stable, well-funded academic environment

”We also urge the National Assembly to exercise its oversight powers and review presidential pardons and ensure the funding of education.”

Nigeria stands at the moral crossroads.
A nation cannot claim to be fighting insecurity while freeing those who perpetrate it, nor can it aspire to greatness while neglecting it’s institutions of learning.

NACOMYO reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to truth, justice, and nation-building guided by Islamic principles. We call on leaders, policymakers, and citizens alike to realign Nigeria’s course with morality, knowledge, and responsibility.

“Only through justice, education, and sincere leadership can Nigeria achieve her divinely ordained greatness.”