The Chief Imam of the University of Abuja, Professor Taofiq Adesina Abdulazeez, has condemned the recent presidential pardon granted to some deceased Nigerians, describing it as “ungodly, absurd and politically insensitive.”
In his Jumu’ah Message titled “Correct the Ungodly Pardon,” the respected Islamic scholar faulted the inclusion of the late nationalist and revered icon, Herbert Macaulay, in the presidential pardon list, saying it amounted to “a usurpation of God’s authority.”
Professor Abdulazeez said, “We have once again been forced into another verbal warfare that has become our pastime in the last two years. This time, it is a presidential pardon that came with so much banality and its concomitant absurdity.”
While acknowledging that the list reportedly contained names of convicted criminals, the cleric said the inclusion of the dead was both theologically and morally wrong.
“We may ignore the presence of murderers and other sundry criminals on the list,” he noted, “but we cannot look away from the usurpations of the authority of God by man.
“Only God has the prerogative, authority and power to forgive the dead. The pardon of man is of no consequence to the dead, in spite of its political dimensions and implications.”
The cleric expressed shock that the government could extend such pardon to Herbert Macaulay, a man who, according to him, “did not offend Nigeria or its laws in any way, as there was no Nigeria in 1913 and before 1914.”
He described the action as “a great putdown and embarrassment for the family and people of the revered Herbert Macaulay, who has been so honoured as to have his picture on the naira, to be treated like a criminal being pardoned.”
Abdulazeez urged the Federal Government to promptly correct what he termed an “unholy mistake” and to show greater sensitivity when dealing with the memory of national icons.
“We strongly advise government handlers and propagandists to tread with care and stop playing politics with the cherished names and honour of worthy and responsible people and their families,” he warned.
The Imam added, “While also urging a timely correction, government should be circumspect to prevent future occurrences. May we be preserved in goodness.”
He concluded by calling for restraint and responsibility in governance, emphasizing that “honour must not be sacrificed for political showmanship.”
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