The Senior Special Assistant for Public Affairs to President Goodluck Jonathan, Doyin Okupe has queried the criticism that greeted the state pardon granted a former governor of Bayelsa State, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha and other ex-convicts by the National Council of States.
Mr Okupe, who was a guest on Channels Television’s breakfast programme, Sunrise Daily, said Nigerians must learn to respect the decisions taking by those in positions of authority whether it is favourable or not.
“It is like a parent, it is not every decision a parent takes that is palatable or acceptable to the children,” he said.
The National Council of States, headed by President Jonathan on Tuesday granted state pardon to Mr Alamieyeseigha and other ex-convicts including Oladipo Diya, Major Bello Magaji, Mohammed Lima Biu, Major General Abdulkareem Adisa (Post Humous), Major Segun Fadipe and former head of the Bank of the North, Shettima Bulama.
Mr Okupe said he has no apologies for the decision which was taking by an institution created by the Nigerian constitution.
“What is wrong in giving a remorseful sinner pardon?” Mr Okupe asked.
