FG refutes granting amnesty to Diya, Gwadabe, others

Okey Muogbo, Abuja - 26.06.2009

THE Federal Government has de nied granting amnesty to former Chief of General Staff during the General Sani Abacha regime, Oladepo Diya, Lawal Gwadabe and other former military officers convicted of coup’etat, during late Sani Abacha’s regime.

Addressing State House Correspondents on Thursday, after the meeting of the National Council of State (NCS), the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mr. Michael Aondoakaa, said no such decision was taken during the just concluded meeting of the council.

Aondoakaa, however, did not rule out the possibility of the matter being discussed at a future session of the NCS since, according to him, the matter could be presented to the council during its next meetig for possible consideration.

Said the justice minister, “I was surprised to see on the pages of newspapers today that the council will, today, give pardon to certain categories of military officers. That did not come before the council today; it was not part of the agenda.

“It can be considered on a later date after due consultation with military authorities, then it can be presented to the council.”