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By Tracy Moses
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday decorated the presiding officers of the National Assembly with the national honours earlier conferred upon them in 2023.
Those honoured were Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, both awarded the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON); as well as Deputy Senate President, Senator Ibrahim Barau, and Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who were decorated with the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR).
President Tinubu performed the official decoration during his address at a joint session of the National Assembly to commemorate Democracy Day 2025.
The President also announced the conferment of posthumous national honours on a number of notable figures in recognition of their contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey. These include Kudirat Abiola, the heroine of the June 12 struggle, who was posthumously awarded the CFR; Shehu Musa Yar’Adua with the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR); Prof. Humphrey Nwosu (CON); Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (CON); Alhaji Balarabe Musa (CFR); Pa. Alfred Rewane (CFR); Bagauda Kaltho (OON); Chima Ubani (OON); Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti (CON); Alao Aka Bashorun (CON); and Chief Frank Kokori (CON).
Others honoured include 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); Senator Ayo Fasanmi (CON); Senator Polycarp Nwite (CON); and Dr. Nurudeen Olowopopo (CON).
“In addition, I 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); Senator Abu Ibrahim (CFR); and Senator Ameh Ebute (CFR),” Tinubu stated.
“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.”
The President also announced posthumous national honours for Ken Saro-Wiwa (CON), leader of the Ogoni Nine, and his compatriots: 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). He revealed plans to grant these national heroes full presidential pardons under the prerogative of mercy, along with others to be named by the National Council of State.
President Tinubu urged lawmakers and Nigerians to rededicate themselves to the ideals of June 12, which he said include freedom, accountable governance, social justice, active civic participation, and the creation of a just society where no one is oppressed.
He paid tribute to former President Muhammadu Buhari for righting a historic wrong by declaring June 12 as Democracy Day and officially recognising Chief Moshood Abiola and Babagana Kingibe as the rightful winners of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.
“Whilst Chief MKO Abiola is the central figure of June 12, we must not forget the long list of others who equally deserve to be called heroes of Nigerian democracy. We must celebrate the courage of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola and Pa Alfred Rewane, both of whom were murdered by agents of military repression. We also remember many civil rights activists, journalists, and politicians who were imprisoned, exiled, tortured, or killed by the military regime,” he stated.
“We remember Chief Anthony Enahoro, Commodore Dan Suleiman, Abraham Adesanya, Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Balarabe Musa, Ganiyu Dawodu, journalist Bagauda Kaltho, and Commodore Ndubuisi Kanu. I mention these names not to exclude others but to illustrate, through these few heroes, the universality of our pursuit of democracy.”
Commending the legislature, Tinubu said: “The National Assembly has acted to uphold democratic ideals at every critical moment in our history. In 2006, the 5th National Assembly protected our democracy from a third-term bid that would have shattered the Constitution. In 2010, through the doctrine of necessity, it paved the way for Vice President Goodluck Jonathan to become Acting President during his predecessor’s illness.”
He further recalled: “Even under the military, the National Assembly sought to defend democracy. After General Abacha seized power in 1993 and dissolved the Assembly, some of us, led by Senate President Ameh Ebute, reconvened in Lagos. We were jailed for our defiance.”
“On behalf of a grateful nation, I commend your invaluable role in lawmaking, oversight, and representation. At this point, I plead for your indulgence to put a terrible rumour to rest.”
Addressing concerns that the APC seeks to create a one-party state, Tinubu responded: “To those ringing the alarm, I offer a personal promise: while your alarm may stem from panic, it is in error. Never have I supported the idea of a one-party state, nor will I.”
“I have never tampered with party registration at INEC. My political history speaks for itself. In 2003, I was the last progressive governor standing in my region after attempts to eliminate opposition. Despite all odds, I prevailed, not by might, but by the will of a higher power. I will never repeat the mistakes of political overreach.”
He added: “That failed effort to create a one-party state gave rise to the formation of the APC and brought me to this moment. We must embrace political diversity and healthy competition. I welcome new members from Delta and Akwa Ibom, including Governors Sheriff Oborevwori and Pastor Umo Eno.”
Tinubu challenged other parties to look inward rather than blame others: “Political parties fearful of defections should fix their internal issues. I won’t do it for them. I actually enjoy seeing them in disarray.”
He emphasized the need for multiparty democracy: “We must accept the diversity of political parties just as we embrace the diversity of our population. Our goal should not be to eliminate competition but to make it constructive.”
Reflecting on his administration’s reforms, Tinubu said: “We’ve introduced fundamental reforms to correct structural imbalances stifling growth. Already, we’re seeing results. GDP grew by 3.4% in 2024, with Q4 hitting 4.6%, the highest in over a decade. Inflation is easing, food prices are stabilising, foreign reserves have increased fivefold, and the Naira has stabilised. Our balance of payments is positive, and our credit rating is improving.”
He continued: “Over 100,000 Nigerians, including 35,000 civil servants, have accessed affordable credit through CREDICORP, enabling them to buy vehicles, power homes, and meet basic needs. In July, we’ll launch a new initiative to empower 400,000 young Nigerians, including NYSC members, through consumer credit.”
“We are committed to youth empowerment through job creation and skills development. With initiatives like NELFUND, we are investing in education, vocational training, and apprenticeships to make our youth future-ready.”
President Tinubu also urged lawmakers to embrace criticism, stating: “Do not fear unkind words. Often, the best advice comes from opponents. Repression breeds chaos. Let people speak freely. No one should face injustice for writing a bad report or calling me names. Democracy requires tolerance.”
“Call me whatever you will; I’ll still call on democracy to defend your right to do so,” he said.
In his remarks, Speaker Abbas praised the President for supporting the legislature, saying: “Mr. President, at the risk of provoking the First Lady, I must reveal a secret, here in the House, Members fondly call you the ‘darling of the legislature.’ You’ve done what no President has, augmented our capacity to serve our constituents.”
Abbas acknowledged that while the legislature has made progress, more work remains. “It is not yet Uhuru. As we enter the second half of our term tomorrow (Friday), we are determined to finalise constitutional amendments by December 2025.”
He listed the legislature’s priorities: “Reserved seats for women, constitutional roles for traditional rulers, and legal backing for 35% affirmative action. We appeal to the Nigerian Governors’ Forum and Progressive Governors’ Forum to champion these reforms at the state level.”