Isaac Samuel
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Thursday, announced the conferment of posthumous and national honours on key figures in Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle, including Kudirat Abiola, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, and Alex Ibru.
Delivering his Democracy Day address before a joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja, Tinubu paid tribute to those he described as heroes of democracy who made ultimate sacrifices for the restoration and sustenance of civil rule in Nigeria.
“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 declared to loud applause.
He also announced the posthumous GCFR award on the late Major-General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, one of the most prominent political prisoners of the Abacha era, as well as Commander of the Order of the Niger, CON for the late Dr. Alex Ibru, former Minister of Internal Affairs and founding publisher of The Guardian newspaper.
Others honoured include Professor Humphrey Nwosu, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, Pa Alfred Rewane, journalist Bagauda Kaltho, rights activist Chima Ubani, Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, Chief Bola Ige, Alao Aka-Bashorun, and Chief Frank Kokori.
The President also named several living icons of the democratic movement, including Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka (GCON), veteran journalist Uncle Sam Amuka-Pemu (CON), Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah (CON), and human rights lawyer Femi Falana (CON), among others.
Additionally, Tinubu announced posthumous honours and presidential pardon for Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni Nine, describing them as victims of injustice whose memories must be restored and preserved.
The honours, Tinubu said, were part of ongoing efforts to preserve the legacy of those who fought for democratic freedom and to remind Nigerians that democracy is not a finished work but a continuing endeavor.
Other honour conferred by the President includes: “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), Fredrick Fasehun (CON), Professor Festus Iyayi (CON), Dr John Yima Sen (OON), Alhaja Sawaba Gambo (CON), Dr. Edwin Madunagu (CON), Dr. Alex Ibru (CON), Chief Bola Ige (CFR), Pa. Reuben Fasoranti (CFR), Sen. Ayo Fasanmi (CON), Sen. Polycarp Nwite (CON) and Dr. Nurudeen Olowopopo (CON).
“I also confer national honours on Prof. Wole Soyinka (GCON), Prof. Olatunji Dare (CON), the journalist and journalism teacher; Kunle Ajibade (OON); Nosa Igiebor (OON), Dapo Olorunyomi (OON), Bayo Onanuga (CON), Ayo Obe (OON), Dare Babarinsa (CON), Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah (CON), Senator Shehu Sani (CON), Governor Uba Sani (CON), Barrister Femi Falana, SAN (CON), Prof. Shafideen Amuwo (CON), Barrister Luke Aghanenu (OON), Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi (CON), Hon. Labaran Maku (OON), Dr. Tunji Alausa (CON), Mr Nick Dazang (OON), Hon Abdul Oroh (OON), Odia Ofeimun (CON), Seye Kehinde (OON), Barrister Felix Morka (CON) Barrister Ledum Mitee (CON), Hon. Olawale Osun (CON), Dr. Amos Akingba (CON), Prof. Segun Gbadegesin (CON), Mobolaji Akinyemi (CFR), Dr. Kayode Shonoiki (CON), Prof. Julius Ihonvbere (CON), Prof. Bayo Williams (CON), Sen. Abu Ibrahim (CFR), and Sen. Ame Ebute (CFR).
“Additionally, I confer the national honour of CON on Uncle Sam Amuka Pemu, a legendary journalist and publisher who remains true to his lifetime calling as he marks his 90th birthday tomorrow, June 13.
“Furthermore, I also confer posthumous national honours on Ken Saro Wiwa (CON), the leader of the Ogoni Nine and his fellow travellers, Saturday Dobee (OON), Nordu Eawo (OON), Daniel Gbooko (OON), Paul Levera (OON), Felix Nuate (OON), Baribor Bera (OON), Barinem Kiobel (OON), and John Kpuine (OON).”
