Recently, President Bola Tinubu‘s exercise of the prerogative of mercy has sparked widespread debate. This decision was based on the findings of a specially appointed committee that thoroughly examined each case with great diligence. Among the cases, the most contentious involved a young woman convicted of killing her husband.
Understandably, murder is a grave and serious offense. However, the committee’s report highlighted that the woman has demonstrated profound remorse and undergone significant personal transformation. If genuine change has occurred, is it justifiable to continue confining her within prison walls, which are now referred to as Correctional Centres?
The fundamental aim of incarceration is rehabilitation-to help individuals recognize their mistakes and foster positive change. In this light, President Tinubu’s decision to grant her freedom aligns with the true purpose of justice.
What often goes unnoticed is that her real challenge is only beginning. How will she confront her children and explain the tragic events? This burden will likely haunt her for years. The memory of her late husband may persist vividly in her dreams, and if she is open to it, she might feel compelled to seek forgiveness from him continually.
Actions can stem from either impulsiveness or premeditation. In this case, the woman’s act was impulsive, which perhaps made it easier for her to grasp the gravity of her wrongdoing and develop sincere remorse. The authorities overseeing her case were convinced by the evident transformation she exhibited.
Modern understanding, increasingly embraced in parts of the United States, suggests that prison sentences should not be fixed by time alone. Instead, inmates should remain incarcerated until they genuinely reform, with ongoing psychological support and monitoring. Many offenders complete their sentences without remorse and quickly return to criminal behavior.
Ultimately, human laws must harmonize with the immutable Laws of Creation. These universal principles govern the balance of justice, delivering both reward and consequence. This perspective sheds new light on ancient scriptures such as “Vengeance is mine; I will repay” (Deuteronomy 32:35) and “An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth” (Deuteronomy 19:21), whose profound meanings have often been overlooked.
When granting clemency, it is crucial to remember that the unchanging Laws of the Creator continue to operate. Unless a person’s guilt is fully lifted through sincere repentance and transformation, these spiritual laws remain in effect. True freedom comes only when the bonds of wrongdoing lose their hold, withering away as genuine change takes root.