President Bola Tinubu has conferred national honours on a diverse group of Nigerians who played pivotal roles in the country’s pro-democracy struggle, particularly during the June 12 political crisis.
The President described the awardees as men and women who endured persecution, imprisonment, exile, and other hardships in their fight for democracy, helping to lay the foundation for Nigeria’s return to civilian rule.
The June 12 movement remains one of the most significant chapters in Nigeria’s political history. It is closely linked to the struggle for the validation of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election and the eventual restoration of democratic governance in 1999.
According to the list released by the Presidency, the honourees include lawyers, journalists, activists, academics, and military officers whose contributions and sacrifices helped advance the cause of democracy in Nigeria.
Among those recognised are the late human rights advocate and politician 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 honoured 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 (retd), Femi Aborisade, Jenkins Alumona, Gbemiga Ogunleye, Muyiwa Adekeye, and Babajide Kolade-Otitoju.
The honours list also features posthumous awards for Dr Arthur Nwankwo and Ben Charles-Obi in recognition of their contributions to the democratic struggle.
In addition, the Presidency acknowledged the role played by several military officers who supported the June 12 movement. Among them is former National Security Adviser Col. Sambo Dasuki, who served during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Other military personnel recognised 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.
Also honoured are Major General Joseph Oshanupin, Col. Olusegun Oloruntoba, Lt. Col. Happy Kefas Bulus, Col. J. Okai, Col. Emmanuel Ndubueze, Lt. Col. Yakubu Muazu, and Brigadier General Yahaya Abubakar, the current Etsu Nupe.
President Tinubu said the complete list of recipients and their respective honours would be made public in the coming days.
