President Bola Tinubu has conferred national honours on several Nigerians, including former National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki (retd), and former Lagos State spokesman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Joe Igbokwe, in recognition of their roles in Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle.
The honours were announced during the President’s Democracy Day address on Friday, as Nigeria marked the 33rd anniversary of the June 12, 1993 presidential election widely regarded as the freest and fairest in the country’s history.Tinubu said the awardees had made significant sacrifices in the fight against military rule and the restoration of democratic governance.”They suffered persecution, endured indignities, exile, incarceration, and, at times, solitary confinement, so that we have democracy today,” the President stated.
According to him, the sacrifices of the June 12 heroes and other democracy advocates should continue to inspire efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and ensure good governance.”As beneficiaries of their struggle, we have a duty to strengthen and deepen the democratic institutions for which they fought.
The greatest tribute we can pay is to build a Nigeria where freedom is protected, justice is upheld, opportunity is expanded, and government is accountable,” Tinubu said.The list of recipients includes journalists, civil rights activists, lawyers, politicians and retired military officers who played various roles in resisting authoritarian rule.Among those honoured were Information Minister Oladele Alake, veteran journalist Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, activist Joe Okei-Odumakin, Richard Akinnola, Debo Adeniran, Major-General Ishola Williams (retd), and Joe Igbokwe.Several military officers identified by the President as “soldier-democrats” were also recognised for their contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey.
They include Colonel Sambo Dasuki, Colonel Lawan Gwadabe, Brigadier General Lawal Jaafaru Isa, Major General Chris Eze, Brigadier Jonathan Ndam Temlong, and Brigadier Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe.Tinubu emphasised that the recognition extended beyond political affiliations and was intended to honour individuals who endured hardship in pursuit of democratic ideals.
He further described June 12 as a defining moment in Nigeria’s history.”June 12 occupies a sacred place in our national memory. It represents more than an election; it is a defining chapter in our story,” the President said.The President noted that while the generation of June 12 fought for political freedom, the responsibility of the current generation is to secure economic prosperity and improve the quality of life for Nigerians.
“Every generation has a defining responsibility. The generation of our founding fathers secured independence—the generation of June 12 secured democracy. Our generation must secure prosperity,” he added.The full list of honourees is expected to be formally published by the Federal Government in the coming days.
