The National Council of State has given its approval to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recommendation to grant presidential clemency to 175 inmates across various correctional facilities in Nigeria.
Although the full names of the beneficiaries are yet to be published, our correspondent gathered that pardons were granted to one of Nigeria’s founding fathers, Herbert Macaulay and former FCT minister in the Babangida regime, Maj-Gen. Mamman Vatsa (retd).
Herbert Macaulay and Vatsa are among the two major ones on that list,” a source who attended the meeting told our correspondent.
Macaulay, often called the “father of Nigerian nationalism,” was twice convicted by the colonial authorities in Lagos
In 1913, while in private practice as a surveyor, he was tried for misappropriating funds from an estate he administered and sentenced to prison; historians have long debated the fairness of that prosecution.
In 1928, after his Lagos Daily News published incendiary claims during the Eleko (Oba of Lagos) agitation, he was convicted of sedition in the so-called “Gunpowder Plot” case and jailed for six months with hard labour.
Vatsa, a poet, former FCT minister and member of the Supreme Military Council, was executed by firing squad on March 5, 1986, after a secret military tribunal convicted him of treason over an alleged coup against then military ruler Ibrahim Babangida, his childhood friend.
The case has remained controversial for decades, with periodic calls for a posthumous pardon.
Members of the Ogoni Nine and Ogoni Four are also beneficiaries.
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State revealed this while addressing journalists at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday, shortly after the Council’s meeting.
According to him, the Council unanimously endorsed the president’s proposal, which includes full pardons, sentence reductions, and commutations for certain inmates on death row.
“Out of the total number recommended for clemency, 82 were granted full pardons, 65 had their sentences reduced, and seven individuals had their death sentences commuted to life imprisonment,” Governor Sani explained.
He further disclosed that the late Ogoni Nine a group of environmental activists executed in 1995 under the regime of General Sani Abacha were among those granted a posthumous pardon, describing the move as deeply symbolic.
“This act is both symbolic and restorative. It underscores President Tinubu’s commitment to reconciliation, national healing, and justice reform,” Sani added.
Council Endorses 2024/2025 National Honours List
In addition to the clemency approvals, the Council also ratified the 2024/2025 National Honours Awards, recognizing outstanding Nigerians and friends of the country for their contributions to national development.
Among the recipients was Bill Gates, who received a national honour for his contributions to public health and humanitarian causes in Nigeria. The awards also celebrated heroes of Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle, marking 26 years of uninterrupted democratic governance.
Other prominent honourees include veteran journalist and publisher Sam Amuka Pemu, the Ogoni Nine and Ogoni Four for their enduring environmental advocacy, Nigeria’s women’s national football and basketball teams the Super Falcons and D’Tigress for their international achievements, and Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the immediate past Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), for his service to Nigeria’s democratic process.
Appointments Ratified for NPC and INEC
Governor Sani also announced that the Council approved the appointment of Aminu Yusuf from Niger State as the new Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC). Similarly, Alhaji Tonga Betara Bularafa was confirmed as the Federal Commissioner representing Yobe State on the same commission.
Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, who also briefed reporters after the meeting, confirmed that the Council had approved the appointment of Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“In accordance with statutory provisions, President Tinubu presented the name of Professor Joash Amupitan — a distinguished legal scholar of impeccable integrity who has never engaged in partisan politics. His appointment was unanimously endorsed by the Council,” Uzodinma said.
Notable Attendees
The meeting was attended by several high-profile figures, including former Heads of State Generals Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar, state governors, and other members of the Council.
The National Council of State serves as an advisory body to the President on key national issues, including the exercise of the prerogative of mercy, national honours, population matters, and appointments into strategic federal institutions.
With Thursday’s decisions, President Tinubu continues to project an image of reform, inclusivity, and reconciliation, signalling his administration’s intention to strengthen justice, democracy, and national unity.
