Democracy Day: Tinubu Honours June 12 Heroes, Announces National Awards for Activists, Journalists

Democracy Day: Tinubu Honours June 12 Heroes, Announces National Awards for Activists, Journalists

President Bola Tinubu has announced national honours for dozens of pro-democracy activists, journalists, politicians and former military officers who played key roles in the struggle to actualise the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

Speaking during his Democracy Day address on Friday, the president said the sacrifices made by these individuals helped lay the foundation for Nigeria’s democratic journey. He noted that many of them endured persecution, imprisonment, exile and other hardships while fighting for the restoration of democratic governance following the annulment of the June 12 election.

Describing June 12 as a landmark event in the nation’s history, Tinubu called on Nigerians to continue protecting and strengthening democratic institutions.

“Today, we honour the resilience of Nigerians who refused to surrender their faith in freedom, and the courage of those who stood firm against intimidation. We pay tribute to patriots who endured persecution, imprisonment, exile, and even death so that future generations could enjoy democracy,” he said.

The president announced that national honours would be conferred on several prominent pro-democracy activists, journalists and political figures, including Ayoka Lawani, Tunde Fagbenle, Oladele Alake, Olatunji Bello, Louis Odion, Segun Babatope, Sam Omatseye, Ademola Osinubi, Bola Bolawole, Lade Bonuola, Femi Kusa, Debo Adeniran, Ayo Opadokun, Ralph Obiora, Ose Osayande, Osa Director, Sylvester Odion-Akhaine, Arthur Nwankwo (posthumous), Osagie Obayuwana, Joe Okei-Odumakin, Titus Mann, Joe Igbokwe, Richard Akinnola, Ben Charles-Obi (posthumous), George Mbah, Niran Malaolu, Ishola Williams (rtd), Femi Aborisade, Jenkins Alumona, Gbemiga Ogunleye, Muyiwa Adekeye, Babajide Kolade-Otitoju and Ike Okonta.

Tinubu also honoured several retired and serving military officers, describing them as “soldier-democrats” for their contributions to the June 12 struggle.

Those recognised include Major General M.A. Garba, Brigadier General Lawal Jaafaru Isa, Colonel Umar Farouk Ahmed, Colonel Sambo Dasuki, Colonel Lawan Gwadabe, Brigadier Jonathan Ndam Temlong, Colonel Musa Shehu, Major General Chris Eze, Major General Harris Dzarma, Colonel Isa Jibrin, Major General Joseph Oshanupin, Colonel Olusegun Oloruntoba, Lieutenant Colonel Happy Kefas Bulus, Colonel J. Okai, Colonel Emmanuel Ndubueze and Lieutenant Colonel Yakubu Muazu.

The president also acknowledged the then Brigadier Yahaya Abubakar, now the Etsu Nupe, who is already a recipient of the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) national honour.

“The honours list will be released in the next few days,” the president stated.

In addition, Tinubu announced that the completed Institute of Petroleum Studies in Kaduna would be renamed in honour of the late General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua.

“Among the architects of modern democratic Nigeria, we honour General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua for his vision of national partnership. In recognition of his contributions, the Federal Government has approved the revitalisation and renaming of the completed Institute of Petroleum Studies, Kaduna, as the General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology,” he said.

Reflecting on the significance of June 12, the president paid tribute to the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola, widely regarded as the winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election, as well as his wife, the late Kudirat Abiola, and other pro-democracy campaigners.

“June 12 occupies a sacred place in our national memory. It represents more than an election; it is a defining chapter in our story. We remember Chief M.K.O. Abiola, who won a pan-Nigerian mandate transcending ethnicity and religion. We remember Alhaja Kudirat Abiola,” he said.

Tinubu also remembered several deceased democracy advocates, including late Gani Fawehinmi, late Bola Ige, late Alfred Rewane, late Abraham Adesanya, late Anthony Enahoro, late Balarabe Musa, late Dan Suleiman, late Beko Ransome-Kuti, late Frank Kokori, late Arthur Nwankwo, late Chima Ubani and late Gen. Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (rtd).

Calling on Nigerians to remain united and committed to democratic values, the president stressed the need to preserve the legacy of those who fought for freedom and justice.

“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,” he said.

Expressing confidence in Nigeria’s future despite current challenges, Tinubu said the country’s diversity continues to be a source of strength.

“Twenty-seven years ago, many doubted democracy would survive here because of our diversity. Today, our diversity sustains our democracy. The road ahead is steep. But June 12 reminds us: Nigerians do not break. We bend, we bleed, but we do not break,” Tinubu added.