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(4) Pensions in respect of service in the public service of the Federation shall not be taxed. 174. Public prosecutions (1) The Attorney-General of the Federation shall have power - (a) to institute and undertake criminal proceedings against any person before any court of law in Nigeria, other than a court- martial, in respect of any offence created by or under any Act of the National Assembly; (b) to take over and continue any such criminal proceedings that may have been instituted by any other authority or person; and (c) to discontinue at any stage before judgment is delivered any such criminal proceedings instituted or undertaken by him or any other authority or person. (2) The powers conferred upon the Attorney-General of the Federation under subsection (1) of this section may be exercised by him in person or through officers of his department. (3) In exercising his powers under this section, the Attorney-General of the Federation shall have regard to the public interest, the interest of justice and the need to prevent abuse of legal process. 175. Prerogative of mercy (1) The President may - (a) grant any person concerned with or convicted of any offence created by an Act of the National Assembly a pardon, either free or subject to lawful conditions; (b) grant to any person a respite, either for an indefinite or for a specified period, of the execution of any punishment imposed on that person for such an offence; (c) substitute a less severe form of punishment for any punishment imposed on that person for such an offence; or 118 The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Updated with the First, Second , Third and Fourth Alterations