Tinubu grants mass clemency to 175 Nigerians including Herbert Macaulay , Mamman Vatsa, Ogoni Nine, and Farouk Lawan.

President Bola Tinubu extends historic pardons to national icons, ex-lawmakers, and long-serving inmates — sparking debate over justice, mercy, and selective forgiveness.

In a landmark exercise of presidential clemency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the pardon of 175 Nigerians, including posthumous exonerations for Herbert Macaulay, Major General Mamman Jiya Vatsa, and the Ogoni Nine, alongside amnesty for several living convicts such as former lawmaker Farouk Lawan.

The decision, endorsed by the National Council of State in Abuja, was made public through a State House statement issued on Wednesday by Presidential Adviser Bayo Onanuga.

Among the pardoned historical figures, Herbert Macaulay—Nigeria’s founding nationalist and co-founder of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC)—was posthumously cleared of his 1913 colonial conviction, which barred him from public service. Mamman Vatsa, a poet and general executed in 1986 for alleged treason, also received a symbolic national pardon nearly four decades later.
Equally significant is the posthumous pardon of the Ogoni Nine, led by environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa, whose 1995 execution by the military regime sparked global outrage. Their rehabilitation comes with national honours awarded to four other Ogoni elders for their advocacy and sacrifice.

The list of pardoned individuals includes:
Farouk Lawan, convicted for bribery while chairing the House fuel subsidy probe,
Nweke Francis Chibueze, a convicted drug trafficker,
Dr. Nwogu Peters, jailed for fraud,
Mrs. Anastasia Daniel Nwaobia, Barr. Hussaini Umar, and Ayinla Saadu Alanamu, among others.
According to the PACPM’s report, 175 beneficiaries met the criteria of old age, ill health, good conduct, rehabilitation, or remorse during long-term imprisonment.

However, the decision has ignited public debate. Activist Omoyele Sowore criticized the clemency list, accusing President Tinubu of “forgiving political criminals while keeping Mazi Nnamdi Kanu behind bars despite court rulings in his favour.”
Sowore wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
“Criminals and political thieves are forgiven, celebrated, and rehabilitated, while a man demanding self-determination remains unjustly detained.”
The presidency, however, insists the move aligns with Nigeria’s constitutional commitment to mercy, justice reform, and national healing.

Tinubu Approves 959 National Honours.

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday approved the conferment of 959 national honours and endorsed far-reaching reforms to strengthen the funding framework of the Nigeria Police Force.

Understands that the President made the approvals while presiding over marathon meetings of the National Council of State and the Nigeria Police Council at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Briefing State House correspondents after the sessions, the Permanent Secretary of the Cabinet Affairs Office, Emanso Umobong, said Tinubu endorsed the report of the National Honours Award Committee covering 2024 and 2025, alongside special awards already bestowed since January 2025.

“The award of titles of honour and decorations of dignitaries is a yearly event at which the President honours deserving nationals and non-nationals who have distinguished themselves in the service of the nation and humanity,” Umobong said.

She explained that the committee, chaired by Justice Sidi Bage, screened over 5,000 applications before recommending 824 recipients for national honours and 135 special awardees, bringing the total to 959 honourees.

According to Umobong, Tinubu had in the past year honoured individuals and groups such as Bill Gates for contributions to public health, Uncle Sam Pemu for journalism, and the Super Falcons and D’Tigress for sporting excellence.

Others include the Ogoni Nine and Ogoni Four, recognised posthumously for environmental activism, and outgoing INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, celebrated for his decade of service to Nigeria’s democratic process.

She confirmed that the updated list of awardees would soon be published.

Tinubu Grants Historic Pardons to Herbert Macaulay, Mamman Vatsa, and the Ogoni Nine — 82 Inmates Freed, 65 Others Get Sentence Reduction

In a landmark decision that underscores justice, mercy, and national reconciliation, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has granted posthumous pardons to some of Nigeria’s most significant historical figures — Herbert Macaulay, Major General Mamman Jiya Vatsa, and the Ogoni Nine, alongside clemency for 82 inmates and sentence reductions for 65 others.

The announcement, made after the National Council of State meeting in Abuja on Thursday, marks a historic gesture of healing and unity.

Herbert Macaulay — revered as a founding father of Nigerian nationalism and co-founder of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) — was cleared of his 1913 colonial conviction, which had barred him from holding public office. The pardon officially restores his place as a national hero and pioneer of Nigeria’s independence movement.

Major General Mamman Jiya Vatsa, a respected poet and military officer executed in 1986 on treason charges, also received a posthumous pardon, symbolizing national acknowledgment of his service and creative legacy.

Similarly, the Ogoni Nine — including Ken Saro-Wiwa, Baribor Bera, and Barinem Kiobel — who were executed in 1995 under controversial circumstances, were formally pardoned. President Tinubu also recommended national honours for the Ogoni Four: Chief Albert Badey, Chief Edward Kobani, Chief Samuel Orage, and Theophilus Orage.

Among the living beneficiaries, notable names such as Farouk Lawan, Mrs. Anastasia Daniel Nwaobia, Barr. Hussaini Umar, and Ayinla Saadu Alanamu received presidential clemency for demonstrating remorse and readiness for reintegration into society.

The pardons were recommended by the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy (PACPM), chaired by Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, which reviewed 294 cases and interviewed 175 inmates across correctional centers.

The committee considered factors such as old age, terminal illness, good conduct, youthfulness, and rehabilitation efforts in making its recommendations.

This sweeping act of mercy, President Tinubu noted, reflects his administration’s commitment to justice, human rights, and national unity — offering closure for past injustices and second chances for reformed citizens.

Tinubu Honours Former INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu with National Award After Resignation


Following the resignation of Professor Mahmood Yakubu as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred upon him one of Nigeria’s highest national honours — the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).

The announcement was made via a statement shared on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, through his official X (Twitter) handle.

According to Onanuga, the award recognizes Yakubu’s “dedicated service to the nation” during his ten-year tenure as head of the electoral commission.

“In recognition of Yakubu’s dedicated service to the nation, President Tinubu has bestowed on him the honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON),” the statement read.


Yakubu’s resignation marks the end of a decade-long era in which he oversaw multiple general elections, including the landmark 2023 polls.

Meanwhile, President Tinubu has directed that May Agbamuche-Mbu, the most senior national commissioner at INEC, assume leadership in an acting capacity pending the appointment of a substantive chairman.

The news of Yakubu’s national honour quickly went viral, sparking a wave of diverse reactions from Nigerians on social media. While some praised the recognition as a reward for years of service, others questioned the timing and motives behind the gesture.

Many online commentators took to X (formerly Twitter) to express contrasting opinions — some lauding Yakubu’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s electoral system, while others criticized his tenure as controversial and politically divisive.

Despite the mixed reactions, the development marks another notable chapter in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape, highlighting the interplay of leadership, legacy, and public perception in national governance.

Yobe’s Golden Girls Shine Globally — But Federal Recognition Still Missing!

Three brilliant students from Yobe State — Nafisa Abdullahi Aminu, Rukayya Muhammad Fema, and Hadiza Kashim Kalli — have brought Nigeria international glory by winning top awards at the 2025 TeenEagle Global Finals in London, triumphing over tens of thousands of contestants from nearly 70 countries in English language mastery, debate, and talent showcase.

While Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni has pledged a grand reception, the Federal Government’s response has been limited to words of praise from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu — without tangible rewards like scholarships, housing, or national honours.

This has sparked nationwide debate and online outrage, with prominent Nigerians like Atiku Abubakar and Isa Ali Pantami urging the government to honour the trio as national heroes — just as the Super Falcons and D’Tigress were rewarded with cash, homes, and honours after sporting victories.

Critics say the lack of recognition fuels perceptions of northern marginalisation, especially as the girls hail from conflict-affected Yobe. Supporters argue it shouldn’t be turned into a regional fight, but the controversy adds to growing political tension over perceived neglect of the North.


#YobeChampions #TeenEagle2025 #NigeriaYouthPower #EducationalExcellence #FromYobeToTheWorld

Gov. Fintiri Gifts N50m, House to Super Falcons Coach for WAFCON Win.

Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, has honoured Super Falcons coach Justin Madugu with a three-bedroom bungalow and N50 million for his role in Nigeria’s victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

The gesture was announced by the governor’s aide, Pius Iliya, via Facebook, noting that the presentation was made at the Government House in Yola. Madugu, who hails from Adamawa, was praised by Fintiri for leading the team to continental glory.

“Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, on behalf of the Government and people of Adamawa State, has gifted Justine Pwanidi Madugu… a three-bedroom bungalow and N50m for leading the team into winning the 2024 Women African Cup of Nations,” the post read.

The Super Falcons recently secured their 10th WAFCON title in Morocco, extending their record as Africa’s most successful women’s football team.

In a dramatic final, they came from 2–0 down to defeat hosts Morocco 3–2 with second-half goals from Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and Jennifer Echegini. The team went unbeaten in the tournament, scoring 10 goals and conceding only three. Earlier in Abuja, the Falcons received a presidential reception from President Bola Tinubu.

Each player was awarded $100,000, while Madugu and other technical crew members got $50,000, national honours (OON), and three-bedroom homes. Governor Fintiri’s personal reward adds to the outpouring of national appreciation for the team’s remarkable performance.

Peter Obi Slams National Honours Culture, Says Nigeria Should Celebrate Productivity, Not Politics

Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called for a bold reform in Nigeria’s national honours system, urging the government to shift recognition from politicians to productive citizens and entrepreneurs.

Speaking at the unveiling of The Chronicles of a Legend, a biography of business mogul Gabriel Igbinedion, Obi said prestigious honours like GCFR and GCON should be reserved for individuals driving employment, innovation, and development, not political figures.

> "We celebrate the wrong people. National honours should go to entrepreneurs like Chief Igbinedion who have created thousands of jobs, built institutions, and contributed to national growth," Obi stated.


Citing Igbinedion's achievements in aviation, education, and cultural heritage, Obi emphasized that Nigeria must start rewarding those building the nation—not just those in power.

His remarks follow rising public debate over the lavish rewards given to sports stars, while key sectors like education, health, and security remain underappreciated.

#PeterObi #NationalHonours #RewardProductivity #NigeriaNeedsReform #CelebrateEntrepreneurs #Igbinedion #GCFR #GCON

Brief: Tinubu’s Aide Defends Falcons’ Cash Reward, Cites ₦150m BBNaija Prize.

Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga has defended the financial rewards given to the Super Falcons by President Bola Tinubu following their victory at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

In a post on X, Onanuga questioned public criticism, comparing the reward to the ₦150 million grand prize for the BBNaija reality show winner. He said Tinubu’s gesture celebrated “excellence, creativity, hard work, soccer artistry, and the undying Nigerian spirit.”

Each player was awarded $100,000 and a three-bedroom apartment, while the team also received national honours as Officers of the Order of the Niger.

Onanuga’s statement came ahead of the Falcons’ visit to the Presidential Villa, where Tinubu praised the team for inspiring the nation after their dramatic 3-2 comeback win against Morocco.
#SuperFalcons #WAFCON2025 #Tinubu #BayoOnanuga #BBNaija #SportsReward

NewsBREAKING: Tinubu Confers National Honours, Awards $100k To Super Falcons.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred National Honours of Officer of Order of Niger (OON) to the victorious Super Falcons of Nigeria for winning the Women’s Africa Cup of Nation (WAFCON) 2025.

Naija News reports that the President conferred the honours on them when he received the Falcons at the Presidential Villa on Monday evening.

Tinubu also awarded three bedroom apartments each and a cash award of $100,000 each to the 24 Super Falcons players and $50,000 each to the technical team.

It was gathered that Super Falcons’ captain Rasheedat Ajibade and the Vice Captain Chiamaka Nnadozie presented the 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations to President Tinubu and First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu at the State Banquet Hall.

I would have rejected Tinubu’s national honour, says Sowore.

Former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has said he would have taken legal action against President Bola Tinubu had it been he was named among those he recently conferred with national honours.

President Tinubu on Thursday conferred late Kudirat Abiola with a posthumous honour of Commander of the Federal Republic, while Nobel laureate Professor Wole Soyinka was named Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger.

The President also honoured Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, Niger Delta environmental activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and other members of the Ogoni Nine.

Others on the list included many who fought against the military regime of the late General Sani Abacha to return Nigeria to democratic rule.

The honours were announced while the President was addressing a joint session of the National Assembly, in celebration of this year’s June 12 Democracy Day.