June 12: Tinubu honours Abiola, Kudirat, Soyinka, 77 others
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred national honours on more than 80 Nigerians both living and deceased during his inaugural State of the Nation address in honour of this year’s Democracy Day.
The President, who reeled the names out with other messages while addressing a joint session of the National Assembly to mark 26 years of uninterrupted democratic rule in Nigeria on Thursday, also announced the granting of full pardon to the heroes of the Ogoni Struggle, identified as the Ogoni nine.
The president used the solemn occasion to commemorate key figures in the June 12 pro-democracy movement, notably Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, his late wife Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, and environmental rights activist Ken Saro-Wiwa.
“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 loud applause from lawmakers and guests.
“We must celebrate the courage of those who stood against military repression and injustice.”
Alhaja Kudirat Abiola was posthumously awarded the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) for her role in resisting military rule, a struggle that ultimately led to her assassination.
Tinubu described her as the “heroine of the June 12 struggle.”
Also honoured was the late Major General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, who received the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), the highest national honour typically reserved for heads of state.
He was recognised for mobilising political resistance to military rule and advancing democratic reforms.
Other posthumous recipients included key figures in Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement: Professor Humphrey Nwosu (CON), who chaired the National Electoral Commission during the 1993 elections; 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 list extended to civil rights advocates, journalists, politicians, and unionists who lost their lives in the pursuit of justice and democracy.
Honourees 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 move described as symbolic of national reconciliation, Tinubu posthumously recognised Ken Saro-Wiwa and his fellow environmental activists known as the Ogoni Nine, who were executed in 1995 under the regime of General Sani Abacha.
Saro-Wiwa was awarded the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), while Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine were each awarded the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
The President further announced that he would invoke his constitutional powers to grant a full state pardon to the Ogoni Nine and others, whose names will be released following consultations with the National Council of State.
Living icons of democratic activism and intellectual freedom were also celebrated. Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka was awarded the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), while renowned journalism scholar Professor Olatunji Dare received the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
Prominent journalists and media pioneers were similarly honoured: Kunle Ajibade (OON), Nosa Igiebor (OON), Dapo Olorunyomi (OON), Bayo Onanuga (CON), Ayo Obe (OON), Dare Babarinsa (CON), and Seye Kehinde (OON).
Among the human rights lawyers and activists honoured were Femi Falana, SAN (CON), Barrister Felix Morka (CON), Barrister Ledum Mitee (CON), and Professor Shafideen Amuwo (CON).
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).
Further commendations went to Professor Julius Ihonvbere, Professor Bayo Williams, Senator Abu Ibrahim, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, Dr. Kayode Shonoiki, and Senator Ameh Ebute, who were also recognised with honours ranging from Commander to Grand Commander of the Federal Republic.
Veteran journalist and Vanguard Newspapers founder Uncle Sam Amuka Pemu was honoured with a Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), a day before his 90th birthday.
President Tinubu also formally decorated the current presiding officers of the National Assembly, who had previously received national honours:
Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio (GCON)
Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas (GCON)
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin (CFR)
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu (CFR)
“The honours were not just symbolic, but a national acknowledgment of those who defended truth, fought repression, and expanded Nigeria’s democratic space”, Tinubu said.
He called on Nigerians, particularly political leaders, to uphold the values of the June 12 movement in their actions and policies.
“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”, he said.
President Tinubu concluded his address with a call for national reflection and progress, urging the country to move beyond symbolic recognition and build a future anchored on the sacrifices of past heroes.
