NEWS
Democracy Day: President Tinubu Honours Heroes of June 12 Struggle, Recognises Pro-Democracy Activists and Soldier-Democrats
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred national honours on dozens of distinguished Nigerians who played critical roles in the nation’s long and difficult journey to democratic governance, recognising their sacrifices, courage, and unwavering commitment to the fight for freedom and justice.
The honours were announced as part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebration, with the President paying tribute to individuals who endured persecution, harassment, exile, imprisonment, and solitary confinement during the struggle to restore democratic rule in the country.
The awardees comprise renowned journalists, lawyers, human rights activists, academics, political leaders, and civil society advocates whose contributions helped sustain the pro-democracy movement during some of Nigeria’s most turbulent political periods.
Among those honoured are 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, Chief Ayo Opadokun, Chief Ralph Obiora, Ose Osayande, Barrister Osa Director, Prof. Sylvester Odion-Akhaine, Dr. Osagie Obayuwana, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, 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, Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, and Ike Okonta.
The President also posthumously honoured Dr. Arthur Nwankwo and Ben Charles-Obi for their enduring contributions to the democratic struggle and their sacrifices in the quest for a free and democratic Nigeria.
In a significant recognition of the military officers who stood on the side of democracy during the June 12 crisis, President Tinubu also celebrated a group he described as soldier-democrats. These officers risked their careers and personal safety in support of democratic ideals during a period marked by political uncertainty and authoritarian rule.
Those recognised in this category 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, the Olugbede of Gbede Kingdom, Lieutenant Colonel Happy Kefas Bulus, Colonel J. Okai, Colonel Emmanuel Ndubueze, Lieutenant Colonel Yakubu Muazu, and Brigadier Yahaya Abubakar, the current Etsu Nupe and holder of the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) honour.
The recognition serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by many Nigerians across different sectors of society in defending democratic values and resisting oppression. It also underscores the significance of the June 12 struggle, which remains one of the defining moments in Nigeria’s democratic history.
By honouring these men and women, President Tinubu reaffirmed the nation’s gratitude to those whose courage and resilience helped lay the foundation for the democratic freedoms Nigerians enjoy today, ensuring that their contributions remain permanently etched in the country’s history.