The family of the late Herbert Macaulay has faulted President Bola Tinubu’s decision to pardon the late Nigerian nationalist alongside drug traffickers, murderers, and other convicted criminals.

Led by Olabode George, a Peoples Democratic Party chieftain, Mr Macaulay’s family held a press conference in Lagos on Thursday to express their dissatisfaction, arguing that the politician ought to be honoured independently.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Mr George said, “If Papa is to be honoured, he must be honoured independently.”

“Herbert Macaulay was not a criminal; he was a patriot, a visionary, and the grandson of the first African Anglican bishop. He deserves isolation for national honour, not inclusion in a list of convicts.”

Highlighting the roles of Mr Macaulay towards Nigerian independence, Mr Gorge said, “As the nationalist movement matured, Macaulay’s vision found new life through his alliance with Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, a younger, fiery journalist and political thinker. Together, they co-founded the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) in 1944—a movement that would later become the dominant nationalist party leading Nigeria toward independence.”

He added, “Herbert Macaulay did not live to see independence, but he built the road toward it. We, who are beneficiaries of his struggle, have a duty to continue building—to expand freedom beyond politics into economics, education, and social justice.”

Last week Thursday, Mr Tinubu granted presidential pardons to former House of Representatives member Farouk Lawan, convicted of a fuel subsidy scam; Nweke Francis Chibueze, serving a life sentence for cocaine trafficking; and Maryam Sanda, who murdered her husband and several others.

Since then, the Tinubu-led government has been criticised for emboldening criminality by pardoning drug traffickers, murderers, kidnappers, and other criminals.

Amid public uproar sparked by Mr Tinubu’s pardon and clemency, Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi said the list of the 175 beneficiaries is still subject to a final administrative review.