President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a presidential pardon for Nigeria’s nationalist icon, Herbert Macaulay, and 174 others, marking a symbolic act of mercy and historical recognition.
The announcement followed a presentation by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), during the Council of State meeting held on Thursday at the State House, Abuja. The decision was based on recommendations from the Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy.
Although the full list of beneficiaries is yet to be made public, it was confirmed that Macaulay and former Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister under the Babangida administration, Major General Mamman Vatsa (retd), were among the most prominent names.
According to a source present at the meeting, “Herbert Macaulay and Vatsa are among the major figures on that list.” Members of the Ogoni Nine and Ogoni Four are also reported to be beneficiaries.
Historical Context
Herbert Macaulay, often regarded as the “Father of Nigerian Nationalism,” was one of the earliest critics of colonial rule. Despite his patriotic activism, he was twice convicted by British colonial authorities in Lagos.
In 1913, while working as a private surveyor, Macaulay was tried and jailed for alleged mismanagement of funds from an estate he supervised a charge many historians still regard as politically motivated. In 1928, he was again imprisoned for sedition after his newspaper, Lagos Daily News, published controversial reports during the Eleko of Lagos agitation.
Major General Mamman Vatsa, a soldier, poet, and former FCT minister, was executed on March 5, 1986, after being convicted by a secret military tribunal for alleged involvement in a coup plot against then-military ruler, General Ibrahim Babangida — his longtime friend and colleague. The trial, held under tight secrecy, has been a subject of public debate and repeated calls for posthumous clemency.
Breakdown of Clemency
Out of the 175 pardoned individuals, 82 inmates received full presidential pardons, 65 had their sentences reduced, and seven death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment.
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, who briefed reporters after the Council of State meeting, said the President’s decision demonstrates his dedication to justice reform and humane governance.
“Eighty-two inmates were granted full pardon, 65 had their sentences reduced, and seven death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment. This decision underscores the President’s commitment to justice, fairness, and correctional reform,” he said.
Other Approvals
The Council also ratified key appointments, including Dr. Aminu Yusuf from Niger State as Chairman of the National Population Commission and Tonge Bularafa as Federal Commissioner representing Yobe State. Both appointments received unanimous endorsement from the Council.
The presidential act of clemency, which bridges Nigeria’s colonial past and its contemporary justice system, is viewed as a gesture of reconciliation — both with history and with the nation’s present push toward a more restorative system of governance
