President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has posthumously honoured key figures who played pivotal roles in Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle, particularly in the aftermath of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election.
During his special Democracy Day address at a joint session of the National Assembly on Thursday, Tinubu conferred national honours on late Mrs. Kudirat Abiola, late General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, and late Professor Humphrey Nwosu, the former chairman of the now-defunct National Electoral Commission (NEC).
Highlights of the Honours:
- General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua was posthumously awarded the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) — Nigeria’s highest national honour.
- Kudirat Abiola, wife of the late Chief MKO Abiola, was awarded the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) for her activism and sacrifice.
- Professor Humphrey Nwosu, who conducted the annulled June 12 election, also received a posthumous CFR.
Living Honourees:
- Prof. Wole Soyinka, Nobel Laureate, and Gen. Alani Akinrinade (rtd) received the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) for their efforts in defending democratic ideals during Nigeria’s military era.
Other Posthumous Honours (CFR):
- Chief Bola Ige
- Balarabe Musa
- Alfred Rewane
- Frank Kokori
- Alao Aka-Bashorun
- Dr. Fredrick Fasehun
Additional Recipients of CFR:
- Senator Ayo Fasanmi
- Polycarp Nwite
- Olatunji Dare
- Bayo Onanuga
- Dare Babarinsa
- Senator Shehu Sani
- Governor Uba Sani (Kaduna State)
- Femi Falana (SAN)
- Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi
- Seye Kehinde (Publisher, City People Magazine)
- Olawale Osun
- Prof. Segun Gbadegesin
- Prof. Julius Ihonvbere (House Majority Leader)
- Senator Abu Ibrahim
OON and Other Recognitions:
- Chima Ubani (posthumously) and late journalist Bagauda Kaltho received the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
- Labaran Maku, former Information Minister; Tunji Alausa, Minister of State for Education; and Chief Sam Amuka-Pemu, publisher of Vanguard Newspaper (also recognised on his 90th birthday, June 13), were also honoured.
President Tinubu stated that a comprehensive list of honourees would be released in due course.
The awards come as part of efforts to memorialise Nigeria’s democratic heroes, particularly those who paid the ultimate price during the fight against military dictatorship.
