By Abu Hassan
Abuja, Nigeria – President Bola Tinubu has approved a significant exercise of the presidential prerogative of mercy, granting pardons to 175 individuals, including Nigeria’s revered nationalist, Herbert Macaulay, and former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Maj.-Gen. Mamman Vatsa (Rtd.).
The landmark approval was endorsed by the Council of State on Thursday, following a comprehensive presentation by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), during its meeting at the State House, Abuja.
Fagbemi, who presented the recommendations on behalf of the President, stated that the list was meticulously drawn from the report of the Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy. This committee is tasked with reviewing requests for clemency and pardon in line with constitutional provisions.
While the complete list of beneficiaries has not yet been officially made public, sources privy to the meeting confirmed that several notable historical figures and individuals whose cases have long been subjects of public scrutiny are among those pardoned. Beyond Macaulay and Vatsa, the pardons reportedly also extend to members of the “Ogoni Nine” and “Ogoni Four,” whose convictions have remained subjects of intense public debate for decades.
The inclusion of Herbert Macaulay, often celebrated as the “father of Nigerian nationalism,” is particularly poignant. Macaulay faced convictions by the British colonial authorities in Lagos on two occasions. One significant instance occurred in 1913, when he was prosecuted and subsequently imprisoned over allegations of fund mismanagement from an estate under his care while working as a private surveyor. Historians have widely argued that this charge, among others, was politically motivated, orchestrated by the colonial government to suppress his burgeoning nationalist activities and influence.
The pardon for Maj.-Gen. Mamman Vatsa, a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, also marks a notable inclusion in this comprehensive exercise of mercy. Specific details regarding his past case that led to the pardon were not immediately disclosed.
This extensive use of the presidential prerogative of mercy by President Tinubu underscores a move to address historical injustices and offer clemency in high-profile and long-standing cases. The official gazette of the complete list of 175 beneficiaries is anticipated soon, which will provide further details on the individuals and the specific circumstances leading to these presidential pardons.
