Tinubu honours Abiola, Kudirat, Soyinka, others in State of the Nation address; grants pardon to Ogoni 9

 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has awarded national honors on more than 80 Nigerians, both alive and dead, during his first State of the Nation speech in commemoration of this year’s Democracy Day.


The President revealed this while addressing a joint session of the National Assembly to honor 26 years of unbroken democratic governance in Nigeria on Thursday, June 12.

He also announced the award of full amnesty to the heroes of the Ogoni Struggle, designated as the Ogoni nine. The president used the occasion to memorialize significant people in the June 12 pro-democracy struggle, especially Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, his late wife Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, and environmental rights campaigner Ken Saro-Wiwa.



“In this light, I announce the conferment of the posthumous national honour of CFR on Kudirat Abiola, the heroine of the June 12 struggle,” Tinubu stated to loud applause from legislators and visitors. “We must celebrate the courage of those who stood against military repression and injustice.”


Alhaja Kudirat Abiola was posthumously given the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) for her participation in fighting military control, a struggle that finally led to her murder. Tinubu characterized her as the “heroine of the June 12 struggle.”



Also celebrated was the late Major General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, who got the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), the highest national title generally reserved for leaders of state. He was recognized for rallying political opposition to military authority and advocating democratic reforms.

Other posthumous recipients included key figures in Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement: Professor Humphrey Nwosu (CON), who chaired the National Electoral Commission during the 1993 elections; Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (CON); Pa Alfred Rewane (CFR); Bagauda Kaltho (OON); Chima Ubani (OON); Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti (CON); Chief Alao Aka-Bashorun (CON); and Chief Frank Kokori (CON), among others.



The list expanded to civil rights campaigners, journalists, politicians, and unionists who sacrificed their lives in the quest of justice and democracy.



Honourees were Emma Ezeazu, Bamidele Aturu, Fredrick Fasehun, Professor Festus Iyayi, Dr. John Yima Sen, Alhaja Gambo Sawaba, Dr. Edwin Madunagu, Dr. Alex Ibru, Chief Bola Ige, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, Senator Ayo Fasanmi, Senator Polycarp Nwite, and Dr. Nurudeen Olowopopo.


In a gesture hailed as emblematic of national healing, Tinubu posthumously honored Ken Saro-Wiwa and his fellow environmental activists known as the Ogoni Nine, who were killed in 1995 during the administration of General Sani Abacha.


Saro-Wiwa was granted the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), while Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine were each bestowed the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).


The President also indicated that he will utilize his constitutional powers to issue a complete state pardon to the Ogoni Nine and others, whose names would be disclosed after deliberations with the National Council of State.


Living symbols of democratic activity and intellectual freedom were also recognized. Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka was granted the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), while famous journalism scholar Professor Olatunji Dare earned the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).



Prominent journalists and media pioneers were similarly honoured: Kunle Ajibade (OON), Nosa Igiebor (OON), Dapo Olorunyomi (OON), Bayo Onanuga (CON), Ayo Obe (OON), Dare Babarinsa (CON), and Seye Kehinde (OON).



Among the human rights attorneys and activists recognized were Femi Falana, SAN (CON), Barrister Felix Morka (CON), Barrister Ledum Mitee (CON), and Professor Shafideen Amuwo (CON).


Other notable recipients included Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah (CON), Senator Shehu Sani (CON), Governor Uba Sani (CON), Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi (CON), Honourable Labaran Maku (OON), Dr. Tunji Alausa (CON), Mr. Nick Dazang (OON), Hon. Abdul Oroh (OON), Barrister Luke Aghanenu (OON), Odia Ofeimun (CON), Hon. Olawale Osun (CON), Dr. Amos Akingba (CON), and Professor Segun Gbadegesin (CON).


Further commendations went to Professor Julius Ihonvbere, Professor Bayo Williams, Senator Abu Ibrahim, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, Dr. Kayode Shonoiki, and Senator Ameh Ebute, who were also acknowledged with honors ranging from Commander to Grand Commander of the Federal Republic.


Veteran journalist and Vanguard Newspapers founder, Sam Amuka Pemu, was recognized with a Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), a day before his 90th birthday.