President Bola Tinubu has granted a posthumous pardon to late Maj.-Gen. Mamman Vatsa, executed for treason in 1986 under the military regime of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.
This was announced in a statement issued by Presidential spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday, following a National Council of State meeting in Abuja.
Vatsa, a soldier-poet, was among 17 individuals granted presidential pardons, as endorsed by the council.
The president also granted a posthumous pardon to Herbert Macaulay, pioneer nationalist and co-founder of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC).
Macaulay, NCNC’s first President, played a critical role in Nigeria’s independence movement. He was controversially convicted by British authorities in 1913.
Though Macaulay died in 1946, the colonial-era conviction remained on record until now.
Tinubu also pardoned four former convicts, including former House of Representatives member, Farouk Lawan, Mrs Anastasia Daniel Nwaobia, Hussaini Umar and Ayinla Alanamu.
Their pardons were granted to support their reintegration, following demonstrations of remorse and good conduct.
Nweke Francis Chibueze, serving a life term for cocaine trafficking, also received a pardon.
Dr Nwogu Peters, jailed 17 years for fraud and having served 12, was likewise pardoned.
The late Ogoni Nine; Ken Saro-Wiwa, Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine were formally pardoned.
Tinubu further honoured the Ogoni Four; Chief Albert Badey, Chief Edward Kobani, Chief Samuel Orage, and Theophilus Orage with posthumous national awards.
In a sweeping exercise of constitutional powers, Tinubu granted clemency to 82 inmates and reduced sentences for 65 others.
Seven inmates on death row had their sentences commuted to life imprisonment.
The clemency decisions were based on recommendations from the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy (PACPM).
PACPM comprises 12 members, chaired by Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi.
Other members include Chief Akinlolu Olujinmi, Prof. Alkasum Abba, Prof. Nike Sidikat Ijaiya, Justice Augustine Utsaha, and Dr. Onwusoro Maduka (Secretary).
Institutional members include representatives of the Police, Nigerian Correctional Service, NHRC, NSCIA, CAN, and Ministry of Special Duties.
The committee submitted its final report to the Council of State on Thursday, in line with constitutional procedures.
Onanuga said, “A total of 175 inmates were interviewed, and 62 applications were received on behalf of 119 inmates considered by the committee, making it a total of 294.”
“One hundred and sixty of the inmates interviewed were male, while 15 were female.
“Eighty-two inmates were recommended for clemency; two for pardon; 65 for sentence reduction; and seven death sentences commuted.
“Fifteen ex-convicts were recommended for Presidential Pardon, 11 of whom are deceased (including the Ogoni 9). The Ogoni Four were also recommended for posthumous national honours.”
“On the whole, a total of one hundred and seventy-five (175) beneficiaries are recommended.”
The committee applied strict criteria including age (60+), terminal illness, youth (under 16), and good behaviour during incarceration.
He added, “Those who have been in Custodial centres, learnt sustainable vocational trades capable of keeping them away from crime; those who are adjudged remorseful; those who Correctional Officers recommended for exemplary behaviour and Nigerian prisoners deported from other countries.”
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, inaugurated the PACPM on January 15 to enhance justice, rehabilitation, and human rights in Nigeria.
