Tinubu Addresses Nigeria on Democracy Day

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Thursday, conferred national honours on Kudirat Abiola, the late wife of MKO Abiola, Humphrey Nwosu, former chairman of the defunct National Electoral Commission (NEC), and former Vice President Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, among others.

The awards were presented during President Tinubu’s June 12 Democracy Day address at a joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja.

Recalling the historic June 12, 1993, presidential election—won by MKO Abiola but later annulled—Tinubu stated:

“As we mark twenty-six years of unbroken democracy, it is only fitting to honour those who, against all odds, risked everything to ensure Nigeria embraced democratic rule.”

In this spirit, Tinubu announced the conferment of the posthumous national honour of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) on Kudirat Abiola, describing her as the heroine of the June 12 struggle.

He also conferred the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) on Shehu Musa Yar’Adua and the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) on Prof. Humphrey Nwosu.

Other posthumous honours were conferred on Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, Pa Alfred Rewane, Bagauda Kaltho, Chima Ubani, Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, Alao Aka Bashorun, Chief Frank Kokori, Emma Ezeazu, Bamidele Aturu, Dr. Fredrick Fasehun, Prof. Festus Iyayi, Dr. John Yima Sen, Alhaja Sawaba Gambo, Dr. Edwin Madunagu, Dr. Alex Ibru, Chief Bola Ige, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, Senator Ayo Fasanmi, Senator Polycarp Nwite, and Dr. Nurudeen Olowopopo.

Among those honoured for their contributions to democracy and national development were Prof. Wole Soyinka, Prof. Olatunji Dare, Kunle Ajibade, Nosa Igiebor, Dapo Olorunyomi, Bayo Onanuga, Ayo Obe, Dare Babarinsa, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, Senator Shehu Sani, Governor Uba Sani, Barrister Femi Falana, SAN, Prof. Shafideen Amuwo, Barrister Luke Aghanenu, Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi, Hon. Labaran Maku, Dr. Tunji Alausa, Mr. Nick Dazang, Hon. Abdul Oroh, Odia Ofeimun, Seye Kehinde, Barrister Felix Morka, Barrister Ledum Mitee, Hon. Olawale Osun, Dr. Amos Akingba, Prof. Segun Gbadegesin, Prof. Mobolaji Akinyemi, Dr. Kayode Shonoiki, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, Prof. Bayo Williams, Senator Abu Ibrahim, and Senator Ameh Ebute.

President Tinubu also conferred posthumous honours on the Ogoni Nine, led by the late environmental activist and writer Ken Saro-Wiwa, alongside Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine. He granted them a full presidential pardon and promised to extend this gesture to others whose names will be revealed later in consultation with the National Council of State.

Additionally, Tinubu awarded a national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) to Sam Amuka Pemu, a legendary journalist and publisher, in recognition of his service and in celebration of his 90th birthday on June 13.

According to the president, these honours represent a tribute to the courage, resilience, and patriotism of individuals who have significantly contributed to Nigeria’s democratic journey.