President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday said he had directed the National Honours Award Committee (NHAC) to compile the list of honourees with the aim of stripping those with “questionable credibility”.
Jonathan made this known at the 2012 National Honours Award Investiture held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.
He said the move was to ensure that holders of the honours did not fall short of the collective expectations of Nigerians.
“We are convinced that the National Honours Award is a very important part of the symbols of the country’s values and pride.
“Whilst government is always pleased to admit deserving persons into the ranks of those honoured by Nigeria, all holders must not fall short of our collective expectations. The dignity, honour and respect of the National Honours must never be tarnished
“In light of the foregoing, I have directed that the National Honours Committee compile a list of persons conferred with the National Honours but that their current credibility is questionable.
“If they are found wanting, our prestigious Honours will be withdrawn. This is essential in ensuring that holders of National Honours are truly worthy representations of our nation, chains of values and honour, and especially are patriotic Nigerians or real friends of our dear land.’’
Jonathan also directed the award committee to expand the scope of the search for recipients to include all strata of the society
He noted that the total of 4430 recipients of categories of the award since inception in 1963 was not enough, adding that many more Nigerians deserved the recognition.
The President urged all citizens to join hands with the government to transform the country and called on the people to engage in acts that would promote value re-orientation, confidence rebuilding and positive attitudinal change.