By: Julian Osamoto
President Bola Tinubu has announced national honours for Nigerians who played key roles in the country’s pro-democracy struggle, particularly during the June 12 political crisis.
He said the honourees were individuals who endured persecution, incarceration, exile and other hardships in the pursuit of democratic governance in Nigeria.
Tinubu described their sacrifices as central to the country’s return to civil rule, noting that their resilience helped shape and sustain Nigeria’s democratic journey.
According to the President, the national honours form part of efforts by the Federal Government to formally recognise and preserve the legacy of those who contributed to the restoration of democracy in the country.
The June 12 pro-democracy movement remains one of the most defining political episodes in Nigeria’s history, widely associated with the struggle for the validation of the 1993 presidential election and the eventual return to democratic rule in 1999.
In the list released by the Presidency, the awardees include lawyers, journalists, activists, intellectuals and military officers who, had made sacrifices that helped shape Nigeria’s democratic transition.
Among those honoured are late human rights activist Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, Barrister Ayoka Lawani, Tunde Fagbenle, Oladele Alake, Olatunji Bello, Louis Odion, Segun Babatope, Sam Omatseye, Sir Ademola Osinubi, Bola Bolawole, Lade Bonuola, Femi Kusa, Debo Adeniran and Chief Ayo Opadokun.
Others include Chief Ralph Obiora, Ose Osayande, Barrister Osa Director, Prof. Sylvester Odion-Akhaine, Dr Osagie Obayuwana, Barrister Titus Mann, Joe Igbokwe, Richard Akinnola, George Mbah, Dr Niran Malaolu, Major-General Ishola Williams (rtd), Femi Aborisade, Jenkins Alumona, Gbemiga Ogunleye, Muyiwa Adekeye and Babajide Kolade-Otitoju.
The list also includes posthumous recognitions for Dr Arthur Nwankwo and Ben Charles-Obi.
The Presidency further recognised members of the military who were part of the June 12 democratic struggle, including former National Security Adviser under the Goodluck Jonathan administration, Col Sambo Dasuki.
Others in the military category include Major General M.A. Garba, Brigadier General Lawal Jaafaru Isa, Col Umar Farouk Ahmed, Col Lawan Gwadabe, Brigadier General Jonathan Ndam Temlong, Col Musa Shehu, Major General Chris Eze, Major General Harris Dzarma and Col Isa Jibrin.
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