Dino Melaye has criticised President Bola Tinubu over reports that 70 convicted drug traffickers were granted presidential pardon.
He said the move undermines Nigeria’s anti-drug campaign and damages the credibility of the NDLEA.
Former senator and spokesperson of the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Council, Dino Melaye, has strongly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over reports that 70 convicted drug traffickers were granted presidential pardon.
In a statement released on Sunday, Melaye expressed deep concern about the alleged decision, describing it as a serious blow to Nigeria’s anti-drug campaign and the credibility of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). He claimed that such a move is unprecedented and could damage Nigeria’s international reputation as a country committed to combating narcotics.
According to him, granting clemency to individuals convicted of serious drug offences sends a wrong signal to both citizens and global partners that have continued to support the NDLEA in its decades-long war against illicit drugs. Melaye said the reported action, if true, undermines years of work, sacrifice, and international cooperation aimed at tackling the threat of drug trafficking and substance abuse.
He alleged that no democratic government in the world had ever taken such a step, warning that it could weaken the morale of NDLEA operatives who risk their lives daily to rid the nation of illegal substances. He added that the reported pardons make the efforts of the agency “appear meaningless” and could embolden drug cartels to operate more freely.
Melaye urged President Tinubu to review the decision and strengthen the nation’s anti-drug policies rather than take actions that could compromise public safety and national integrity. He also advised the government to promote accountability and transparency in its justice system, especially when dealing with offences that endanger public health and national security.
The former lawmaker, known for his blunt political views, maintained that the fight against drug trafficking requires consistency and seriousness from all arms of government. He emphasized that any move that contradicts this commitment risks eroding the progress achieved so far by the NDLEA and its partners.
