Chief Bode George, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and descendant of Nigerian nationalist Herbert Macaulay, has urged President Bola Tinubu to separate the name of the late freedom fighter from a list of pardoned criminals recently announced by the Federal Government.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos on Thursday, George said the family of Herbert Macaulay appreciated the posthumous state pardon granted to the nationalist but found it inappropriate that his name was included alongside those convicted of serious crimes such as corruption, murder, and drug trafficking.
“It is unfair to lump Herbert Macaulay with those who have committed criminal offenses,” George said. “He should be isolated and honoured separately for his selfless contributions to Nigeria’s independence and nationhood.”
President Tinubu, on October 9, approved a presidential pardon for 175 people, including both living and deceased Nigerians. Among those granted clemency was Herbert Macaulay, widely regarded as one of the country’s founding fathers and the pioneer of Nigerian nationalism.
George described the gesture as “commendable” but said the symbolic grouping undermined Macaulay’s legacy. He called on the president to issue a distinct national recognition that reflects the late nationalist’s unique historical importance.
“Herbert Macaulay was never a criminal,” George added. “He stood against colonial injustice and worked tirelessly for the unity of this country. His name deserves to stand alone as a mark of respect.”
He also appealed to the Federal Government to rebuild Macaulay’s former home on Lagos Island, which was demolished during the colonial era to make way for the General Post Office. According to him, restoring the building as a national monument would serve as a fitting tribute to the man often called the “Father of Nigerian Nationalism.”
Born in 1864, Herbert Samuel Heelas Macaulay was an engineer, surveyor, journalist, and political leader who led early resistance against British colonial rule in Nigeria. He co-founded the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP), the first political party in the country, and played a major role in promoting the rights of native Lagosians. He died in 1946 at the age of 82.
George said that while the pardon recognized Macaulay’s unjust colonial conviction, grouping him with offenders who were found guilty of serious crimes diminished the historical value of the act. “The intent was noble, but the execution fell short,” he said. “We ask the president to correct this oversight and honour him as a national hero, not just as a name on a list.”
The elder statesman noted that the Macaulay family would soon make a formal appeal to the Federal Government, proposing that the late nationalist be celebrated with a national monument, an annual remembrance day, or inclusion in civic education programs for schools.
He further urged the Tinubu administration to use national recognitions as opportunities to educate younger generations about the sacrifices of Nigeria’s founding fathers. “Our youth should know who Herbert Macaulay was and what he stood for,” George said. “Honouring him separately will remind Nigerians of our roots and the price of freedom.”
Political observers say the plea from George could renew discussions about how posthumous recognitions are managed in Nigeria. Some argue that combining nationalists and convicted criminals in the same presidential pardon announcement risks blurring the moral and historical distinctions between them.
The Presidency has not yet responded to George’s comments. However, officials familiar with the process said the government may consider additional ways to honour historical figures as part of ongoing national heritage projects.
For now, the Macaulay family and supporters are waiting to see if the call for a distinct honour will lead to concrete government action.
Herbert Macaulay’s legacy, rooted in courage, resistance, and patriotism, continues to inspire many Nigerians nearly eight decades after his death.
