The recent presidential pardon granted Professor Ambrose Ali and others has been greeted with mixed reactions from their families.
The former governor of the old Bendel State and Professor of Morbid Anatomy was granted pardon alongside foremost nationalist, Anthony Enahoro, Lt Col Moses Effiong, Major EJ Olanrewaju and Ajayi Olusola Babalola.
The action was described by Nigeria’s Interior Minister as meaning that the offences were never committed.
Notwithstanding, reactions have come from elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, Edo State government and Ambrose Ali’s first son, Andrew.
They commended the action of President Muhammadu Buhari but said the mentioned notable Nigerians did not deserve the conviction they were slammed with by the Nigerian government.
Andrew Ali said his father’s only offence was bringing value to Bendel State by giving his all. In his words,
“We have never believed that he was guilty of anything, other than giving his all to improve the lot of the people of the former Bendel State and, indeed Nigeria. This is demonstrated by the enduring legacies that he left.
“We thank his Excellency, President Buhari, as well as his Excellency Governor Obaseki, and all those who have supported the process inside and outside government, for their negotiation of this fact.
“Although we are yet to receive any direct official communication on this matter, we are pleased to hear that our father, uncle, brother, and grandfather has received a presidential pardon.”
The Enahoro family, speaking through Chief Eugene Enahoro thanked the president for his gesture. They said it was a sign that some wrongs needed to be righted.