TINUBU HONOURS DEMOCRACY HEROES, GRANTS PARDON TO OGONI NINE IN HISTORIC STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS
By peterside Rejoice Eneky
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday delivered his first State of the Nation address, marking 26 years of uninterrupted democratic governance in Nigeria, during which he conferred national honours on over 80 Nigerians both living and deceased for their roles in promoting democracy, human rights, and national development.
Speaking before a joint session of the National Assembly on Democracy Day, President Tinubu used the occasion to celebrate the sacrifices of democracy icons, freedom fighters, journalists, unionists, and civil society leaders, declaring that Nigeria owes its democratic survival to their courage and unwavering commitment.
“We must celebrate the courage of those who stood against military repression and injustice,” Tinubu said, drawing a standing ovation.
Honouring June 12 Icons
Top among those honoured was the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, widely believed to have won the annulled 1993 presidential election.
His wife, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, a fierce voice against military tyranny, was posthumously awarded the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR). Tinubu described her as the “heroine of the June 12 struggle,” noting her assassination was a tragic consequence of her activism.
Major General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua was also posthumously decorated with the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) the nation’s highest honour for his pivotal role in opposing military rule and advancing democratic ideals.
Other posthumous honourees included:
Professor Humphrey Nwosu (CON) – Chairman of the National Electoral Commission during the 1993 elections.
Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (CON)
Chief Alfred Rewane (CFR)
Bagauda Kaltho (OON)
Chima Ubani (OON)
Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti (CON)
Chief Alao Aka-Bashorun (CON)
Chief Frank Kokori (CON)
These individuals were recognized for their roles in civil resistance, journalism, human rights advocacy, and grassroots mobilisation.
Pardon for the Ogoni Nine
In a historic move, Tinubu posthumously recognised Ken Saro-Wiwa and his fellow Ogoni Nine, who were executed by the Abacha regime in 1995 for protesting environmental degradation in the Niger Delta. Saro-Wiwa received the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), while the others Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine were awarded the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
Tinubu also granted a full presidential pardon to all members of the Ogoni Nine and promised further consultations with the National Council of State to finalise names of other political prisoners and activists for clemency.
“This act is a step towards national reconciliation and healing,” he said.
The President also honoured living figures of democratic resistance and public service, including:
Professor Wole Soyinka – Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON)
Professor Olatunji Dare – Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON)
Femi Falana, SAN – CON
Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah – CON
Senator Shehu Sani – CON
Governor Uba Sani – CON
Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi – CON
Hon. Labaran Maku – OON
Prominent journalists and media founders received national awards, including:
Kunle Ajibade (OON)
Nosa Igiebor (OON)
Dapo Olorunyomi (OON)
Bayo Onanuga (CON)
Ayo Obe (OON)
Dare Babarinsa (CON)
Seye Kehinde (OON)
Uncle Sam Amuka Pemu (CON) – Honoured just ahead of his 90th birthday.
Other notable awardees included unionists, politicians, academics, and civil rights leaders such as:
Barr. Felix Morka (CON)
Barr. Ledum Mitee (CON)
Prof. Shafideen Amuwo (CON)
Hon. Abdul Oroh (OON)
Dr. Amos Akingba (CON)
Prof. Segun Gbadegesin (CON)
Prof. Julius Ihonvbere
Senator Abu Ibrahim
Dr. Kayode Shonoiki
Senator Ameh Ebute
Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi
Honours for National Assembly Leaders
In continuation of an earlier recognition, President Tinubu decorated presiding officers of the National Assembly:
Senate President Godswill Akpabio – GCON
House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas – GCON
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin – CFR
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu – CFR
Tinubu’s Call for National Renewal
President Tinubu concluded his address by urging Nigerians to uphold the values of the June 12 movement, which he said symbolised freedom, equity, and participatory democracy.
“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 declared.
The President described the national honours as more than ceremonial, calling them a national acknowledgment of truth, sacrifice, and democracy. He called for a renewed spirit of nation-building, saying Nigeria’s future must be anchored on the legacy of those who paid the price for freedom.
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