… Decries Inclusion With Drug Barons And Murderers
By Editor
THE family of Nigeria’s foremost nationalist, Herbert Heelas Macaulay, has rejected the posthumous state pardon recently granted to him by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing it as an “insulting misplacement” that lumps their revered patriarch together with convicted drug barons, ex-convicts, and murderers.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Chief Olabode George expressed shock and deep disappointment over the development, insisting that the honour bestowed on Macaulay — who is widely regarded as the father of Nigerian nationalism — should have been treated with dignity and in isolation.
“Herbert Macaulay was not a criminal. He was a patriot, a visionary who devoted his life to Nigeria’s freedom. To list his name alongside drug barons, murderers, and ex-convicts is a national embarrassment,” George declared.
The family maintained that while they appreciate the government’s gesture in recognising Macaulay’s contribution to Nigeria’s independence struggle, the process and context of the pardon completely diminish its intended value.
“Our father’s name should have stood alone, as a symbol of courage and sacrifice — not as part of a roll call of people who once violated the law. This decision makes a mockery of the ideals he fought for,” another family member was quoted as saying.
The controversy follows President Tinubu’s announcement of a list of Nigerians granted presidential pardon, including both deceased and living individuals. However, the inclusion of names belonging to convicted felons — some of them drug traffickers and violent offenders — has sparked nationwide criticism.
Reacting to the public outrage, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), confirmed that the list of pardons is “under review”, acknowledging that the process may have been “poorly communicated and misunderstood.”
Born in 1864, Herbert Macaulay was a nationalist, engineer, surveyor, and founder of the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP) — the first political party in Nigeria. He played a crucial role in the fight for self-governance and was instrumental in mobilising early nationalist movements against colonial rule.
The family, however, insists that the government should issue a formal statement separating Macaulay’s name from the general pardon list and instead honour him through a distinct national recognition that reflects his legacy.
“A true honour for Herbert Macaulay would be a national monument, not a pardon that suggests wrongdoing. He deserves to be remembered as a hero, not forgiven as a convict,” the statement concluded
