Says Herbert Macaulay’s ideals must guide Nigeria’s future

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bode George, has called on Nigerian leaders to strengthen democratic institutions, uphold the rule of law and place national interest above personal ambition, saying the country’s progress depends on preserving the ideals championed by the late nationalist, Herbert Samuel Heelas Macaulay.

George made the call on Sunday while delivering a memorial lecture titled “An Exposé on the First Nigerian Nationalist – Papa Helas Herbert Macaulay,” in honour of the man widely regarded as the Father of Nigerian Nationalism.

George described Herbert Macaulay as a courageous nationalist whose lifelong struggle for justice, representation, and accountability laid the foundation for Nigeria’s democratic evolution.

He said Macaulay earned the title of Father of Nigerian Nationalism through “courage in the face of intimidation, conviction in the face of opposition and sacrifice in the service of a cause greater than self.”

According to George, understanding Macaulay’s life is essential to understanding the making of modern Nigeria, noting that the nationalist dedicated his life to challenging injustice and advocating meaningful participation of Nigerians in governance during the colonial era.

He traced Macaulay’s upbringing to a family known for scholarship and public service, highlighting his relationship with his grandfather, Samuel Ajayi Crowther, whose legacy of education, faith, and leadership influenced his worldview.

George noted that Macaulay’s education in Lagos and later in England equipped him with professional expertise in engineering and surveying before he joined the colonial civil service.

However, he said Macaulay’s experience within government exposed him to systemic inequalities, including policies that undermined indigenous communities and denied Nigerians adequate representation in governance.

“He came to understand that governance without representation inevitably produces injustice,” George said, adding that Macaulay transformed personal concern into organised political activism.

He recalled that Macaulay endured harassment, prosecution and imprisonment for challenging colonial authorities but remained steadfast in his commitment to securing dignity and political representation for Nigerians.

The elder statesman described Macaulay as the recognised voice of an awakening people, the defender of indigenous rights and the pioneer of organised democratic politics in Nigeria.

George said Macaulay’s nationalist vision culminated in the establishment of the Nigerian National Democratic Party in 1923, describing the party as Nigeria’s first organised political platform dedicated to advancing the interests of indigenous Nigerians.

According to him, the formation of the NNDP marked the country’s transition from isolated resistance to structured political engagement and demonstrated that effective leadership requires institution-building rather than mere criticism.

He also highlighted Macaulay’s collaboration with Nnamdi Azikiwe, saying their partnership combined experience and youthful energy to strengthen the nationalist movement that eventually paved the way for Nigeria’s independence.

Although Macaulay died in 1946, 14 years before independence, George said his contributions remain immeasurable because he invested in a future he knew he might never witness.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s current state, George posed a series of rhetorical questions about whether Macaulay would be satisfied with the country’s democratic institutions, quality of leadership and commitment to accountability.

He acknowledged that while Nigeria had made progress since independence, persistent insecurity, declining public trust and concerns over the strength and independence of institutions remained major challenges.

“The Father of Nigerian Nationalism fought for representation, accountability, justice and the supremacy of the public interest over personal ambition. Nation-building requires courage, integrity and leaders willing to put the country above personal interests.”

George urged political leaders to strengthen democratic institutions, protect constitutional principles and ensure public offices remain instruments of service rather than privilege.

He warned that democracy weakens when institutions lose impartiality, opposition voices are treated as enemies and citizens lose confidence in electoral processes.

“No patriot should desire a Nigeria in which democratic choice becomes an illusion. No patriot should desire a Nigeria where the concentration of power becomes a substitute for democratic legitimacy,” he said.

The PDP chieftain also expressed concern over the country’s security challenges, saying violence, displacement and fear continued to undermine national development and economic growth.

He paid tribute to members of the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, intelligence agencies and other security personnel, commending their sacrifices in protecting the nation.

George concluded by urging Nigerians to defend democracy, strengthen institutions and uphold justice, saying the greatest monument to Herbert Macaulay would be “a Nigeria governed by justice, where institutions are stronger than individuals, leadership remains accountable and democracy is protected.”

He added that future generations should remember the present generation for defending truth, protecting democratic values and fulfilling the vision for which Herbert Macaulay devoted his life.