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Biden grants clemency to nearly 1,500 people, most ever in a day
Outgoing President Joe Biden said Thursday he had commuted the sentences of nearly 1,500 people and pardoned 39 others, in what the White House called the largest single-day act of clemency in US history.
The move comes just over a week after the 82-year-old Biden pardoned his troubled son Hunter, something he had previously promised not to do, prompting anger from both sides of the political divide.
“America was built on the promise of possibility and second chances,” Biden said in a statement announcing the action. “As President, I have the great privilege of extending mercy to people who have demonstrated remorse and rehabilitation.”
Democrat Biden — who hands over power to Republican Donald Trump on January 20 — is following in the footsteps of many lame-duck presidents who have issued a flurry of acts of clemency in their final days in the Oval Office.
All of the 1,499 people — “the most ever in a single day” — whose sentences were commuted were placed on home confinement during the Covid-19 pandemic, the White House said.
Biden said they had all “successfully reintegrated into their families and communities and have shown that they deserve a second chance.”
The 39 pardons were all for what the White House called a “non-violent offense” or a “non-violent drug offense.”
Those getting relief from the president on Thursday included a “decorated military veteran and pilot who spends much of his time helping his fellow church members.”
A nurse “who has led emergency response for several natural disasters” and an addiction counsellor “who volunteers his time” were also singled out for relief.
“I will take more steps in the weeks ahead,” Biden said.
– ‘Retribution’ –
But Biden has already sparked outrage among both Republican rivals and Democratic allies alike with the pardon of his son Hunter, 54, on December 1.
Hunter Biden pleaded guilty in a tax evasion trial in September and was facing up to 17 years in prison, and had separately been convicted of federal gun charges, for which he was facing 25 years in prison.
When pardoning him, Biden said that Hunter had been “singled out” because of his surname and that “raw politics” had infected the process of justice — a nod to his Republican foes.
Biden has meanwhile reportedly been debating whether to issue blanket pardons for some allies and former officials amid fears they could be targeted for what Trump has previously called “retribution.”
“I’m not going to get into the President’s thinking,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told a briefing when asked about the possibility of such preemptive pardons.
“He’s going to have conversations with his team, he’s going to review clemency petitions, he’s going to review options on the table, and so that’s where I’m going to leave it.”
The spokeswoman also refused to comment on calls for clemency for people on the US federal death row.
Biden’s controversial pardon of his son followed in the footsteps of his predecessors, who also gave reprieves on their way out the door to family and well-connected allies.
Bill Clinton, for example, granted a pardon on his last day in office to his half-brother Roger, who had served time in prison on drug charges.
Trump pardoned his son-in-law’s wealthy father, Charles Kushner — whom he has now nominated as US ambassador to France.
Trump meanwhile has vowed to pardon at least some if not all of the rioters jailed for storming the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, to protest his defeat by Biden in the 2020 election.
In an interview with Time magazine marking the second time he has received its “Person of the Year” award, Trump said he would start “in the first hour that I get into office.”
“A vast majority of them should not be in jail, and they’ve suffered gravely,” he said, while adding that he would look at each case individually.
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has stepped in to call for immediate action in the case of Segun Olowookere, an indigene who was sentenced to death for stealing a fowl.
Recall Segun’s mother, Folashade Olowookere, emotionally shared the story of her son, who is currently imprisoned, during an interview on Nollywood actress Biola Adebayo’s YouTube podcast. The video gained significant attention, including from Governor Adeleke.
Naijablitznews reports this was contained in a statement from the Governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke directed a swift investigation and ordered that steps be taken for a potential pardon in Segun’s case. The Governor further instructed the Attorney General to ensure Segun is considered for the prerogative of mercy before the year ends.
The statement read, “I have reviewed the case and acknowledge the importance of the separation of powers in our democracy. In this instance, I have instructed the Commissioner for Justice to begin the process of granting mercy to this young man.
“Osun is a state of justice and fairness. We must uphold the protection of lives and ensure equity.
“I want to assure the public that this matter is receiving my personal attention, and we are acting with urgency as a responsible government.”
The Delta State House of Assembly, on Tuesday, recalled two of its members that were suspended in November over alleged gross misconduct.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the recall was announced during plenary in Asaba by the Speaker, Mr Dennis Guwor.
Recall that the Assembly had on November 6 suspended Mr Dafe Chukudi (PDP-Ukwuani) for 14 legislative days over alleged gross misconduct, while Mr Oboro Preyor (PDP-Bomadi) was also suspended for 14 legislative days for the same offense on November 12.
“Dear colleagues, following the allegation of gross misconduct against our suspended members and subsequently, a committee on investigation headed by the Deputy Speaker, Mr Arthur Akpowowo, was set up.
“The committee has commenced investigation. However, the 14 days that they were suspended has elapsed. And by the confidence you all reposed in me as the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, and now that the 14 days of their suspension has elapsed, there is need to recall Mr Dafe Chukudi and Mr Oboro Preyor to resume their duties as members going forward.
“The suspended members are hereby recalled pending on the outcome of their investigative committee.”
Meanwhile, the Deputy Speaker, Mr Arthur Akpowowo, expressed joy over the recall of the lawmakers, saying, “I am very happy that we have lifted their suspension.
“The Speaker has recalled them so that they can celebrate the Christmas with joy and even enter the New Year with some relief of happiness. For me, this is a party gift for me even though I’m not affected.”
By Gloria Ikibah
Ahead of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill to a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives at 12 noon today, there is tight security at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.
As early as 6.00 a.m., operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS) and other security agencies, including the Police, Civil Defence, Federal Road Safety Corps, and Sergeant-at-Arms, were stationed at the gates and within the premises to ensure order and safety during the event.
Naijablitznews.com reports that staff of the National Assembly were directed to stay home, except those required for the event, who were instructed to report before 8.00 a.m., according to a memo issued by the Director of Human Resources and Staff Development.
Senators and House members were seen arriving at the Green Chamber, where the joint session is scheduled to take place. On Tuesday, during a closed-door plenary, the House of Representatives followed the tradition of moving a motion to allow non-members into the chamber for the session.
Naijablitznews.com recalled that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved an estimated expenditure of N47.96 trillion for the 2025 fiscal year during its meeting on Monday.
Meanwhile, business activities within the National Assembly complex, including banking and food services, have been suspended following directives from the Assembly’s management. Only those on an approved list, including staff, media personnel, and members of the press corps, are allowed access after identification at the gate.
The joint session will be presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas.
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