President Bola Tinubu’s decision to honour key figures of the June 12, 1993, pro-democracy movement sparked a blend of applause and criticism across the country on Thursday.
While many Nigerians praised the gesture, others expressed disappointment over the exclusion of notable names who played significant roles in the struggle following the annulled election of Moshood Abiola, widely considered Nigeria’s freest and fairest.
The President, using his constitutional powers, conferred national honours on several pro-democracy activists, journalists, scholars, and fallen heroes. He also granted presidential pardons to the Ogoni Nine, including Ken Saro-Wiwa, who were executed by the military in 1995 following protests against oil exploration activities in the Niger Delta.
The recognitions were announced during Tinubu’s Democracy Day address to a joint session of the National Assembly. Notable living honourees include Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka and retired General Alani Akinrinade, both elevated to the rank of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger.
Also honoured with the Commander of the Order of the Niger were civil rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), Bishop Matthew Kukah, media veteran Dare Babarinsa, Prof Julius Ihonvbere, Senator Shehu Sani, and Kaduna Governor Uba Sani. Others received varying national honours including Commander of the Federal Republic and Officer of the Order of the Niger.
Despite the recognition, some individuals and groups criticised the omissions. Senator Shehu Sani listed several Northern contributors to the June 12 struggle, including Col Dangiwa Umar, Dr Bala Usman, Attahiru Jega, and others, whose contributions were not acknowledged.
Checks by DIP Connects Online News showed some of those listed had previously received national honours. For instance, Sule Lamido was honoured in 2011 during President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.
Critics also noted the absence of key figures such as Otunba Gaddafi, Bishop Bolanle Gbonigi, Joe Okei-Odumakin, Yinka Odumakin (posthumous), Babafemi Ojudu, and others. However, President Tinubu clarified that more names could still be considered in future honours.
In a Channels TV interview, former Ekiti State Governor Dr Kayode Fayemi, who coordinated the Kudirat Radio abroad during the military era, voiced dissatisfaction that contributors to the project, such as Gbolahan Olalemi, Daniel Johnson, and Dr Tajudeen Abdul-Raheem, were overlooked.
The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) commended Tinubu’s decision to pardon the Ogoni Nine but called for their full exoneration, stating that no legitimate crime had been committed.
Meanwhile, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide hailed the recognition of Prof Humphrey Nwosu, who conducted the annulled 1993 election, and called for the Independent National Electoral Commission headquarters to be named after him.
Fayemi also urged the establishment of a national museum or monument in Abuja to commemorate Nigeria’s democratic journey and to educate future generations about the struggle. He argued that Nigeria has achieved civilian rule, but not full democracy.
The President also honoured late democracy icons such as Kudirat Abiola, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, Beko Ransome-Kuti, Frank Kokori, and Fredrick Fasehun, among others. Legendary journalist Uncle Sam Amuka Pemu was also recognised on the eve of his 90th birthday.
Presiding officers of the National Assembly were decorated with their national honours, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
Since taking office, Tinubu has conferred national honours on various groups, including slain military personnel, political appointees, and even foreign dignitaries like Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and philanthropist Bill Gates.
Under the National Honours Act of 1964, the President can recognise individuals who have significantly contributed to Nigeria’s development. With recent additions, the total number of recipients stands at over 5,700.
While Tinubu’s latest awards were widely seen as a symbolic continuation of his predecessor’s efforts to acknowledge June 12 as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s democratic history, the call for broader inclusion and deeper reflection continues to resonate across the country.
ADEOLA KUNLE
