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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday bestowed national honours on several Nigerians both living and deceased in recognition of their sacrifices for democracy, justice, and human rights.
Speaking during a special Democracy Day address to a joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja, Tinubu clarified that the honours were part of efforts to acknowledge heroes of Nigeria’s democratic journey, particularly those connected to the historic June 12, 1993, election.
“As we mark the 26th year of unbroken democracy, it is only fitting to celebrate the individuals who defied the odds and in many cases, guns to defend our right to choose,” Tinubu said.
Among the recipients was Kudirat Abiola, wife of the acclaimed winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election, Moshood Abiola. She was posthumously awarded the national honour of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) for her role in the pro-democracy struggle.
President Tinubu also honoured:
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Humphrey Nwosu, former chairman of the defunct National Electoral Commission (NEC), with the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON);
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Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, late former vice president, with the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR).
In a sweeping tribute, the president announced additional posthumous and living honorees, including activists, journalists, politicians, and academics:
“I also confer posthumous honours on Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (GCFR), Prof. Humphrey Nwosu (CON), Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (CON), Alhaji Balarabe Musa (CFR), Pa Alfred Rewani (CFR), Bagauda Kaltho (OON), Chima Ubani (OON), Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti (CON), Alao Aka Bashorun (CON), Chief Frank Kokori (CON), Emma Ezeazu (OON), Bamidele Aturu (OON), Dr. Edwin Madunagu (CON), Chief Bola Ige (CFR), and others.”
Living recipients include renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN (CON); Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka (GCON); and Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah (CON). Prominent journalists such as Kunle Ajibade, Dapo Olorunyomi, Bayo Onanuga, and Dare Babarinsa were also recognised.
The president went further to honour the Ogoni Nine, led by late environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa, with national awards:
“I also confer posthumous national honours on Ken Saro-Wiwa (CON), and his fellow Ogoni Nine: Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine — all with the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON),” Tinubu said.
In a significant gesture of reconciliation, the president announced a posthumous pardon for the Ogoni Nine and others to be named later, under the prerogative of mercy in conjunction with the National Council of State.
