President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Thursday, conferred national honours on prominent Nigerians — both living and deceased — in recognition of their contributions to the country’s democratic journey.
The announcement was made during a special joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja, held to commemorate this year’s Democracy Day. In a speech laced with historical reflection and a call for renewed national commitment, the President paid tribute to individuals who played pivotal roles in Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement.
Top on the honours list was the posthumous award of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) bestowed on the late Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, wife of Chief MKO Abiola. Kudirat was assassinated in 1996 while campaigning for the restoration of her husband’s electoral mandate.
Also honoured posthumously were the late Major General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (GCFR), former National Electoral Commission chairman, Prof. Humphrey Nwosu (CON), former Lagos military governor, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (CON), and renowned environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa (CON), alongside members of the Ogoni Nine.
In what many described as a historic move, Tinubu granted a presidential pardon to the Ogoni activists, stating that the gesture was a long-overdue act of reconciliation and national healing.
Among those who received national honours in person were Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, awarded the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah (CON), and constitutional lawyer and human rights advocate, Femi Falana (SAN, CON).
“Today, we honour the sacrifices that built this democracy. We must protect it with every fibre of our being,” Tinubu declared, urging both lawmakers and citizens to uphold the principles of June 12 — freedom, justice, and transparent governance.
The President’s remarks stirred emotions in the chamber as he reminded Nigerians of the cost of democracy and the need to preserve it for future generations.
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