TINUBU PARDONS MACAULAY, VATSA, LAWAN; GRANTS CLEMENCY TO 82 INMATES
By: Safiya Abdulrahim Dabban
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has granted posthumous pardons to Nigerian nationalist Herbert Macaulay and Major General Mamman Jiya Vatsa, who was executed in 1986 over a treason charge. The decision followed the approval of the National Council of State meeting in Abuja.
Farouk Lawan, Mrs Anastasia Daniel Nwaobia, Barr. Hussaini Umar, and Ayinla Saadu Alanamu were also pardoned for showing remorse and good conduct. Tinubu extended clemency to 82 inmates, reduced sentences for 65 others, and commuted seven death sentences to life imprisonment.
The Ogoni Nine, including Ken Saro-Wiwa, were granted posthumous pardons, while the Ogoni Four received national honours. The action was based on recommendations from the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi.
The committee reviewed 294 applications and recommended 175 beneficiaries, focusing on old age, ill health, youth, long-term service, and exemplary behaviour in custody.