Headline: President Tinubu Grants Posthumous Presidential Pardon to Herbert Macaulay and 174 Others





In a historic and symbolic move, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has granted presidential pardons to 175 individuals, including Nigeria’s iconic nationalist, Herbert Macaulay. The announcement was made during a national address commemorating Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.


The presidential pardon, described as both symbolic and reconciliatory, was approved after recommendations from the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy. The list includes individuals convicted of various federal offences and those deemed deserving of clemency due to age, health, or national service.


Herbert Macaulay, widely regarded as the father of Nigerian nationalism, was imprisoned during colonial rule for his political activism and resistance against British colonial policies. Though long deceased, Tinubu’s administration said the pardon is meant to “restore dignity to those who fought for Nigeria’s liberation.”


"This pardon is a national acknowledgment of the sacrifices made by our forebears. It is also a commitment to healing, justice, and unity,” Tinubu stated. “Herbert Macaulay was criminalised by foreign rulers, not by the will of Nigerians.”

 Among the other 174 pardoned individuals are elderly prisoners, those with terminal illnesses, and individuals who have shown remorse and reformed behaviour while serving their sentences. Several of the pardons also included ex-military personnel convicted in past military regimes.


Legal experts hailed the move as a constitutionally backed prerogative of mercy, noting that it also helps decongest prisons. Human rights activists praised the inclusion of symbolic figures like Macaulay, saying it sets a tone for national reconciliation and historical justice.


The Ministry of Justice confirmed that the pardon process followed due diligence, with thorough vetting by security agencies and the Council of State. A few names reportedly sparked debate, but were ultimately included based on humanitarian grounds.


The Nigerian Correctional Service is now expected to release those eligible for immediate discharge, while posthumous pardons like Macaulay’s will be formally documented for historical records.


Political analysts view this gesture as a strategic blend of legacy-building and public goodwill by the Tinubu administration, as it seeks to promote national unity amidst ongoing economic and social challenges.

 For many Nigerians, the posthumous pardon of Herbert Macaulay serves not only as a symbolic justice for past wrongs but also as a reminder of the nation's continued journey toward honouring its history and healing old wounds.

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