Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga has defended President Bola Tinubu’s decision to amend the controversial pardon list, saying the move reflects strength and accountability rather than weakness.

On Wednesday, President Tinubu ordered that individuals convicted for serious offences such as kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud, and illegal possession of firearms be removed from the federal government’s pardon and clemency list.

Earlier, on October 11, Tinubu had approved pardons and other forms of clemency for 175 persons after the council of state endorsed the move. Among those initially pardoned was Maryam Sanda, who had been sentenced to death for killing her husband, Bilyamin Bello.

However, amid public uproar over her inclusion, Tinubu reversed the decision and reduced Sanda’s sentence to 12 years’ imprisonment instead of granting her full pardon.

Speaking on Prime Time, an Arise TV programme, Onanuga said Nigerians should understand that the president is capable of making mistakes but also willing to correct them in the interest of the public.

He explained that Tinubu pays close attention to public opinion and media reports and is not afraid to reconsider decisions when necessary.

“What Nigerians ought to have seen now is that this president is not one that is afraid to reverse himself if he feels like he’s made some error,” he said. “He’s a human being. He can make mistakes. He listens to the public. This is a president who wakes up in the morning to read all Nigerian newspapers and to watch the TV and knows what’s going on.”

Onanuga stressed that the president’s readiness to reassess decisions shows decisiveness, not indecision.

“It’s a matter of strength for you to do something, appraise it and make some adjustments,” he added.

Addressing the backlash surrounding Sanda’s case, Onanuga acknowledged that most of the public criticism stemmed from her inclusion, but pointed out that even after the review, some drug-related offenders still benefited from clemency.

“Most of the criticisms were coming from the case of Maryam Sanda, whom the court found guilty and sentenced to death for killing her husband,” he said. “As to whether the president freed drug convicts, even the second list contains some drug offenders who were also given clemency.”

President Bola Tinubu has charged the newly appointed service chiefs to urgently stamp out security threats across the country, insisting that Nigerians are no longer willing to tolerate excuses.

Tinubu gave the directive on Thursday at the State House council chambers in Abuja during the official decoration ceremony for the new military chiefs.

Those decorated were Olufemi Oluyede as chief of defence staff; Waidi Shaibu as chief of army staff; Idi Abass as chief of naval staff; Kevin Aneke as chief of air staff; and Emmanuel Undiendeye as chief of defence intelligence.

The ceremony followed the approval of the nominees by the national assembly after Tinubu sought expedited confirmation to ensure the new military leadership could immediately assume office.

Addressing the service chiefs, the president said the nation expects decisive and measurable action against insecurity, particularly in the north-central and north-west regions where new armed groups have recently emerged.

He told the military brass that his administration would provide them with the support they need, but stressed that the era of excuses is over.

“There cannot be sufficient development if this fundamental aspect of human need is unmet. Our people and our nation must remain secure to enjoy the benefits of governance,” Tinubu said.

“We must smash the new snakes right in the head. We need to clean them up, clear them out, and make our nation safe again.

“Nigerians expect visible results, not excuses. We are in a hurry to celebrate peace.

“Let’s stay ahead of those who seek to threaten our peace, freedom and stability. We cannot allow the crisis that began in 2009 to persist any longer. It is time to defeat the enemies.”

Speaking on behalf of the service chiefs, Oluyede assured citizens that the armed forces remain committed to restoring peace and creating an environment where socio-economic activities can thrive.

“I want to thank all Nigerians for the support they give to the armed forces,” he said.

“I expect that they give us more so that we can make Nigeria safer.

“I want to assure Mr. President and all Nigerians today that we’ll do our utmost best to ensure that we rid Nigeria of all forms of criminality and make Nigeria safer to ensure socio-economic endeavours can thrive.

“We pledge our loyalty to Mr President, and we assure you that we will continue to support the flourishing democracy and support all your government aspirations to make Nigeria better. That’s our pledge for you today, long live Nigeria.”

The Nigerian Army has carried out a major reshuffle involving its top leadership, redeploying 56 major-generals and 11 brigadier-generals across various formations and units.

This is according to a report by TheCable.

The reassignments were approved in a posting memo dated October 30, 2025, signed by E.L. Okoro, military secretary (army), and obtained by TheCable. According to the document, the senior officers are to assume their new duties on November 3, 2025.

Only four major-generals — P.A.O. Okoye, Y. Yahaya, I. Otu and S. Nuhu — will remain in their current commands, but with updated appointments.

“It is the responsibility of all formations/unit commanders whose officers are affected by this posting to implement accordingly,” the memo stated.

“Officers must take over on the effective dates indicated herein, while the receiving formation/unit must furnish AHQ Dept of MS with the date the officer was taken on strength.

“Formations/unit commanders are to take immediate administrative action on any officer who fails to report on the effective date of posting and inform this department accordingly. Commanders who fail to release posted officers to report on the date stipulated will be appropriately sanctioned.

“Commanders will also be held responsible for lapses in the implementation of the directive contained herein.”

The latest changes come just days after President Bola Tinubu approved a reorganisation of the nation’s service chiefs. Major-General Waidi Shaibu recently assumed office as chief of defence staff (CDS), replacing Lieutenant-General Olufemi Oluyede, who was elevated to head the armed forces.

Air Vice-Marshal Sunday Aneke was appointed chief of air staff, while Rear Admiral Idi Abbas became chief of naval staff.

The redeployment follows weeks of heightened security attention in the military hierarchy amid reports of a failed coup plot, which authorities have consistently denied.

FULL LIST OF OFFICERS AFFECTED

T.T Sidick
B.A Alabi
O.T Olatoye
O.G Onubogu
J.H Abdussalam
S.T Shafaru
A.G Ibrahim
P.P Malla
W.B Idris
S.S Jiya
T.E Gagariga
A.A Aboaba
I.G Lassa
J.O Adeyemo
A.G.L. Haruna
G.M Mukim
E.O Agbebaku
M.T Abdullahi
A.M Garba
S.T Audu
U.B Abubakar
A. Garba
P.O Hodibia
P.A.O Okoye
A.E Edet
W.B Etuk
M.A Etsu-Ndagi
A.A Adereti
Y. Yahaya
V.U Okoro
H.I Mabeokwu
K.O Osemwegie
R.I Odi
S. Nicodemus
O.M Bello
U.T Opuene
M.L.D Saraso
A.A Ekubi
I.B Maina
A.A Idris
M.T Usman
I.M Abdullahi
A.O.D Okoro
O.D Williams
H. Yanel
E.S Mustapha
J.O Attah
A.A.W Hassan
M. Adamu
O.A Awolo
O.A Fadairo
I. Otu
S.D Makolo
J.R Lar
N.D Shagaya
V.D Beryo
M.D Danja
S. Nuhu
K.E Chigbu
A.G Mahmuda
J.D Bulus
S.M Uba
I.P Bindul
A.M Inuwa
Y.D Ahmed
R.E Hedima
K.N Nwoko
S.Y Yakasai
O.M Oyekola
K. Rabiu
A.O Owolabi