Abuja, Nigeria — October 6, 2025
In a historic move, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a presidential pardon for Nigeria’s nationalist icon Herbert Macaulay and 174 other individuals, as part of a nationwide reconciliation and justice reform initiative.
The announcement was made after the meeting of the Council of State held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where issues of national unity, justice reform, and posthumous recognitions were discussed extensively.
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A Symbolic Gesture of National Healing
Herbert Macaulay, often referred to as the Father of Nigerian Nationalism, played a pioneering role in the country’s struggle for independence during the colonial era.
Although long deceased, the posthumous pardon is viewed as a symbolic act aimed at honoring the sacrifices of early nationalists and correcting historical injustices.
According to presidential sources, the pardon acknowledges the “unjust criminalization of nationalist movements” during Nigeria’s colonial period, reaffirming the administration’s respect for those who fought for freedom and equality.
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174 Other Beneficiaries
The Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy also recommended pardons and commutations for 174 inmates and ex-convicts across different correctional facilities in Nigeria.
The beneficiaries include those who have shown good conduct, remorse, and rehabilitation, as well as individuals with terminal health conditions.
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What the Presidency Said
In a statement issued by the Minister of Information, the government described the move as part of a larger justice reform agenda.
“This pardon is both a recognition of our past and a commitment to a fairer justice system. President Tinubu believes in mercy, reform, and reconciliation as tools of national growth,” the statement read.
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Why It Matters
This gesture reflects the government’s efforts to blend justice with compassion, while also addressing historical wounds that date back to the colonial era. Analysts believe it could also signal the beginning of broader conversations about national heroes, political prisoners, and justice reforms in Nigeria.
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About Herbert Macaulay
Born in 1864, Herbert Macaulay was a civil engineer, politician, and freedom fighter who founded the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP) — Nigeria’s first political party — and later became a major voice for self-governance. His enduring legacy remains central to Nigeria’s history of independence and national identity.
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