The relatives of the late nationalist, Sir Herbert Macaulay, have raised concerns regarding his placement on the federal government’s roster of individuals granted a presidential pardon.
The family expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for acknowledging Macaulay’s significant contributions to Nigeria’s history, yet criticized the decision to list his name alongside individuals of dubious reputation.They argued that Macaulay dedicated his life to Nigeria, passed away a hero and patriot, rather than as a wrongdoer in need of forgiveness.
This perspective was shared during a press conference held in Lagos State on Thursday.Speaking for the family, elder statesman Chief Olabode George remarked that while they valued the president’s gesture in recognizing Macaulay’s significance in Nigeria’s past, it is inappropriate and degrading to “group” him with those of questionable integrity.
Others present at the press briefing included Erelu Adeola Macaulay, Mr. Lanre Oshodi, Ms. Mayokun Thomas, Miss Kofoworola Macaulay, Miss Adeyinka Macaulay, Mr. Ayo Ogunlana, and Miss Turi Akerele, among others.
“If Papa is to be honored, he must be celebrated distinctly,” George emphasized.“Herbert Macaulay was not a wrongdoer; he was a patriot, a visionary, and the grandson of the first African Anglican Bishop. He deserves to be recognized for national honor individually, not as part of a list of offenders,” he continued.
In his address titled “Herbert Macaulay: The Father of Nigerian Nationalism,” George underscored Macaulay’s activism via the Lagos Daily News, his defense of Oba Eshugbayi Eleko against colonial powers, and the establishment of the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP) in 1923, Nigeria’s first political party.He remarked that Macaulay laid the groundwork for contemporary Nigerian political awareness and merits superior recognition.
“Sir Herbert Macaulay was born in 1864 into a lineage rich in education, faith, and service. He could have opted for comfort within the colonial framework, yet he opposed injustice and spoke truth to authority. “Macaulay’s politics were founded on purpose rather than privilege. He shifted politics from the drawing rooms of colonial officials to the streets and markets of Lagos Island.
“Herbert Macaulay passed away in 1946 while campaigning for national unity. He remained a patriot until his last breath — not a criminal to be forgiven,” George stated. He also urged contemporary leaders and politicians in Nigeria to draw lessons from the life and endeavors of the late activist and statesman.“If we genuinely wish to honor Herbert Macaulay today, we must do so through our actions and not merely through words or monuments. We must embody his principles in our governance — integrity, responsibility, and service to the citizens,” George asserted.
It is worth noting that Sir Herbert Macaulay was among the 175 individuals recently granted pardon by President Tinubu’s administration under the prerogative of mercy, sanctioned by the Council of State.