Democracy Day: President Tinubu Honours Kudirat Abiola, Saro-Wiwa, Others

By Azi Aaron

 President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred the posthumous national honour award of the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) on Nigeria’s pro-democracy campaigner, Kudirat Abiola.

 The president also conferred national honours on over 80 Nigerians, both living and deceased, in a historic Democracy Day address that paid tribute to those who fought, bled, and stood for the ideals of liberty, civil rights, and good governance in Nigeria.

During a joint session of the National Assembly commemorating the 26th anniversary of continuous democratic governance, President Tinubu took the opportunity to honour prominent individuals associated with the June 12 movement, such as Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, his late wife, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa, and others.

“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 a thunderous ovation from lawmakers and dignitaries. “We must celebrate the courage of those who stood against military repression and injustice.”

Speaking on the contribution of Kudirat Abiola to the resurgence of democracy in Nigeria, President Tinubu described her as the “heroine of the June 12 struggle,” recalling how she was assassinated for standing against military dictatorship.

Also honoured posthumously was Major General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, who received the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR)—the same national honour held by presidents—for his role in organising opposition to military rule and championing democratic reforms.

The roll call of posthumous awardees continued with democracy activists such as Professor Humphrey Nwosu, former head of the National Electoral Commission, who oversaw the 1993 elections (CON); Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (CON); Pa Alfred Rewane (CFR); Bagauda Kaltho (OON); Chima Ubani (OON); Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti (CON); Chief Alao Aka-Bashorun (CON); and Chief Frank Kokori (CON), among others.

The president also recognised civil rights lawyers, labour activists, politicians and journalists who died in the line of duty. Others on the posthumous list included Emma Ezeazu, Bamidele Aturu, Fredrick Fasehun, Professor Festus Iyayi, Dr. John Yima Sen, Alhaja Gambo Sawaba, Dr. Edwin Madunagu, Dr. Alex Ibru, Chief Bola Ige, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, Senator Ayo Fasanmi, Senator Polycarp Nwite, and Dr. Nurudeen Olowopopo.

In a significant gesture of national healing, President Tinubu also posthumously conferred honours on Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni Nine, who were executed under the Abacha regime in 1995. Saro-Wiwa was awarded a Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), and each of his fellow activists—including Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine—was awarded Officers of the Order of the Niger (OON).

Tinubu further announced that he would exercise the presidential prerogative of mercy to grant a full pardon to the Ogoni Nine and others whose names will be released in conjunction with the National Council of State.

Beyond those who paid the ultimate price, the president also honoured living champions of democracy, intellectual freedom, and journalism. These include Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, who received the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), and Professor Olatunji Dare (CON), a respected journalism scholar.

Veteran journalists and pro-democracy publishers were recognised, such as Kunle Ajibade (OON), Nosa Igiebor (OON), Dapo Olorunyomi (OON), Bayo Onanuga (CON), Ayo Obe (OON), Dare Babarinsa (CON), and Seye Kehinde (OON). Human rights lawyers and activists such as Femi Falana, SAN (CON); Barrister Felix Morka (CON); Barrister Ledum Mitee (CON); and Professor Shafideen Amuwo (CON) also received national recognition.

 

Other notable recipients included Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah (CON), Senator Shehu Sani (CON), Governor Uba Sani (CON), Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi (CON), Honourable Labaran Maku (OON), Dr. Tunji Alausa (CON), Mr. Nick Dazang (OON), Hon. Abdul Oroh (OON), Barrister Luke Aghanenu (OON), Odia Ofeimun (CON), Hon. Olawale Osun (CON), Dr. Amos Akingba (CON), and Professor Segun Gbadegesin (CON).

In recognition of their contributions to democratic thought and public service, Professor Julius Ihonvbere, Professor Bayo Williams, Senator Abu Ibrahim, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, Dr. Kayode Shonoiki, and Senator Ameh Ebute also received national honours ranging from CON to CFR.

Veteran journalist and publisher Uncle Sam Amuka Pemu, founder of Vanguard Newspapers, was awarded a Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) on the eve of his 90th birthday.

In addition to these recognitions, President Tinubu formally decorated the presiding officers of the National Assembly who had previously been conferred with national honours. They include:

Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio (GCON), Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas (GCON), Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin (CFR) and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu (CFR).

The President said the honours were not just symbolic but a national acknowledgement of those who defended truth, fought repression, and expanded Nigeria’s democratic space.

“We must rededicate ourselves to the ideals of June 12: freedom, transparent and accountable government, social justice, active citizen participation, and a just society where no one is oppressed,” Tinubu said in conclusion.

He called on Nigerians, especially political leaders, to reflect on the sacrifices of those who came before and build a future that honours their legacy, not just with medals, but with policy, purpose, and progress.