The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has applauded President Bola Tinubu for what it described as a “courageous and compassionate decision” to grant a presidential pardon to late nationalist Herbert Macaulay and 174 others.
Tinubu on Thursday approved posthumous clemency for Macaulay, former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, the late Maj.-Gen. Mamman Vatsa, and a former lawmaker, Farouq Lawan. The approvals were ratified by the National Council of State during its meeting at the State House, Abuja.
- The President also granted clemency to 82 inmates, commuted seven death sentences to life imprisonment, and reduced the prison terms of 65 others. The action followed recommendations from the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi.
Reacting to the development, APC Lagos State Spokesman, Mr. Seye Oladejo, in a statement on Friday, said the decision reflected Tinubu’s “humanity, fairness, and statesmanship.”
“This is yet another display of the President’s humanity, fairness, and statesmanship,” Oladejo said. “By honouring Herbert Macaulay – one of Nigeria’s founding nationalists – the President has corrected a historical injustice and reaffirmed the dignity of those who fought for our freedom.”
He added that the pardon extended to living beneficiaries “opens a new chapter of hope, redemption, and reintegration,” describing the move as proof of Tinubu’s commitment to restorative justice and national healing.
Oladejo further stated that the action underscores that the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda “is not just about infrastructure and the economy but about building a fair, humane, and inclusive nation.”
He commended Tinubu for “leading with heart, courage, and vision,” noting that the decision “restores faith in the justice system and strengthens national unity.”
