President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Wednesday, conferred prestigious posthumous national honours on several late Nigerian heroes and activists, including former Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters, General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, and pro-democracy icon, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola.
In a speech marking this year’s Democracy Day, Tinubu announced the conferment of the highest national honour, Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), on Yar’Adua, in recognition of his sacrifice and contribution to Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Kudirat Abiola, the slain wife of the late winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief MKO Abiola, was awarded the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) posthumously.
Also honoured were former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Chief Bola Ige; former Chairman of the National Electoral Commission, Prof. Humphrey Nwosu; and human rights activist, Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti — all of whom received the CFR and Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) awards, respectively.
Environmental activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and eight other Ogoni leaders who were executed under the Abacha regime — Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine — were each honoured with the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
In a historic gesture, President Tinubu also announced a full and unconditional pardon for the nine Ogoni activists, invoking the presidential prerogative of mercy.
“I shall also be exercising my powers under the prerogative of mercy to grant these national heroes a full pardon, together with others whose names shall be announced later in conjunction with the National Council of State,” the president declared.
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