The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has hailed President Bola Tinubu for what it described as a “courageous and compassionate decision” to grant state pardons to late nationalist, Herbert Macaulay, and 174 others.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that President Tinubu, on Thursday, approved a posthumous presidential pardon for Macaulay, alongside similar clemency for the late former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Maj. Gen. Mamman Vatsa (rtd.), who was convicted of treason, and a former lawmaker, Farouq Lawan.
The approvals, endorsed by the National Council of State during its meeting at the State House, Abuja, also included clemency for 82 inmates, the commutation of seven death sentences to life imprisonment, and the reduction of prison terms for 65 others.
According to NAN, the President’s decision followed the recommendations of 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, the Lagos APC Publicity Secretary, Mr. Seye Oladejo, in a statement issued on Friday, said the move reflects President Tinubu’s deep sense of humanity, fairness, and statesmanship.
Oladejo described the pardons as more than symbolic, saying they reaffirm the President’s belief in restorative justice, national healing, and the power of forgiveness to foster unity.
He 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.
“For the living beneficiaries, this act opens a new chapter of hope, redemption, and reintegration. It demonstrates that justice in a democracy must balance accountability with mercy.”
The APC spokesman noted that the decision further shows that the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration extends beyond infrastructure and economic reforms to the moral and emotional rebuilding of the nation.
“This pardon restores faith in our justice system, deepens reconciliation, and reminds us that a nation’s greatness lies not only in how it punishes, but also in how it forgives,” Oladejo stated.
He lauded President Tinubu for demonstrating leadership rooted in compassion, courage, and vision, describing the gesture as one that embodies true statesmanship.
“His action reflects true leadership, firm, fair, and forward-looking,” he added.