“Insensitive, Corrupt And Unpatriotic,” Keyamo Blasts President Jonathan Pardon of Alamieyeseigha And Shettima

 
Well-known lawyer Festus Keyamo has condemned today’s state pardon by President Goodluck Jonathan of convicted Ex-Governor of Bayelsa State, Diepreiye Alamieyeseigha and convicted Ex-Banker Shettima Bulama.

In a press statement, Keyamo described the pardon, purportedly on the advice of the Council of State, as typifying the height of insensitivity of the Jonathan government to the feelings of Nigerians about the war against corruption.
“It is shocking, confusing and disheartening that at a time when the general mood of the country indicates that the war against corruption is insincere, slow and a sham, the President deems it fit to even rubbish the very little work that has been done by the anti-corruption agencies in securing the conviction of these individuals,” he said.  “It is also disturbing that at a time when Nigeria is still ranking very low in the Corruption Perception Index of Transparency International the President has further damaged the image of the country by this singular act.”
He said the pardon teaches no bitter lesson to thieving and corrupt public officers, but encourages corruption at the highest and the lowest levels of public office and the decision itself is corruption per excellence.”
“I condemn it; I condemn it and I condemn it,” the angry lawyer said.