The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has clarified that no inmate has yet been released under the ongoing presidential prerogative of mercy, contrary to public assumptions.
In a statement, Fagbemi explained that the clemency exercise was still at its final administrative stage, which involves a comprehensive review to ensure that all names and recommendations meet established legal and procedural standards before any official release is approved.
He emphasised that the verification process underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to transparency, due diligence, and the rule of law.
Meanwhile, descendants of the late nationalist, Herbert Heelas Macaulay, have applauded President Bola Tinubu for granting a posthumous pardon to the late patriot but criticised the manner in which it was done.
Led by a former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Atona Oodua of Yorubaland, Chief Olabode George, the family said in a press conference in Lagos that it was “demeaning” to include Macaulay’s name in a general pardon list alongside individuals convicted of various crimes.
They urged the Federal Government to honour Macaulay distinctly, befitting his status as the Father of Nigerian Nationalism.
“Macaulay fought oppression and gave us the courage to stand as free men. His name must stand alone, not among those who broke the law but among those who built the nation,” George stated.
The family also called for the immortalisation of Herbert Macaulay through the naming of a major national monument or institution in his honour.
Other family members at the briefing included Erelu Adeola Macaulay, Lanre Oshodi, Mayokun Thomas, Kofoworola Macaulay, Adeyinka Macaulay, Ayo Ogunlana, and Turi Akerele.George further noted that Macaulay, though he did not live to see Nigeria’s independence, “built the road toward it” and envisioned a nation where “government is a servant of the people, not a master.”
He called on Nigerians to draw inspiration from Macaulay’s legacy to tackle current national challenges such as insecurity, inequality, and corruption — by building “bridges, not walls; institutions, not empires.”