Mahdi Shehu Slams Tinubu Over GCON Award to Gilbert Chagoury, Sparks Fresh Controversy

|By Adekunle Adejumo

Public affairs analyst, Mahdi Shehu, has sharply criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to confer the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on businessman, Gilbert Chagoury, describing the move as emblematic of misplaced national priorities.

Shehu, in a statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account, mocked the Tinubu administration and suggested—sarcastically—that Chagoury should replace Vice President Kashim Shettima. He further took a swipe at the presidency by proposing that the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, be renamed after the Lebanese-Nigerian businessman.

“Beyond the ‘French gift’ of GCON, Tinubu should appoint Chagoury as his vice president and drop Kashim Shettima,” Shehu wrote. “He should in addition, rename Abuja as Chagoury enclave and let the name of Nigeria be changed to Lebanon so that the capture circle will be complete and slavery reintroduced.”

The criticism followed public confirmation of the national honour after billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola, congratulated Chagoury, triggering widespread reactions across social media and political circles.

The conferment has generated intense controversy within the last 24 hours, with critics questioning the rationale behind awarding one of Nigeria’s highest national honours to a foreign-born businessman amid economic hardship and public discontent.

Adding to the backlash, a former spokesperson of the All Progressives Congress (APC) also condemned the honour, arguing that it reflects a troubling value system in the country. “Nigeria has become a place where corruption is rewarded,” the former party spokesman stated.

The presidency has yet to issue an official response to the growing criticism surrounding the GCON award.