June 12: Tinubu Honours Niger Delta Heroes Rewane, Amuka, and the Ogoni Nine

President Bola Tinubu has conferred national honours on several Nigerians for their roles in the struggle for democracy, with particular focus on prominent figures from the Niger Delta region.

Pa Alfred Rewane, a staunch supporter of pro-democracy movements in the 1990s, was posthumously honoured with the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR). Also recognised was Professor Julius Ihonvbere, academic, political strategist and long-time advocate of democratic reform, who received the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).

The late Ken Saro-Wiwa, environmental activist and leader of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), was posthumously awarded the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON). His fellow Ogoni activists Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine were each awarded the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).

President Tinubu also granted the Ogoni Nine a full presidential pardon, acknowledging the injustice of their execution by the Abacha regime.

“Their voices may have been silenced, but their cause lives on,” Tinubu said during his address at the joint session of the National Assembly on Thursday. “This recognition is long overdue and stands as a testament to our commitment to justice and reconciliation.”

Also honoured was Ledum Mitee, a former MOSOP president and Ogoni rights advocate, who received the CON.

Among other prominent figures recognised was Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, posthumously awarded the CFR. President Tinubu added that she was the heroine of the nation’s democracy whose courage under military rule helped keep the June 12 struggle alive.

Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka received the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), Nigeria’s second-highest honour. Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah and human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) were also named Commanders of the Order of the Niger (CON) for their enduring contributions to public service, human rights, and civic engagement.

Journalism and advocacy were well represented among the awardees. Uncle Sam Amuka-Pemu, founder of Vanguard Newspapers, was awarded the CON, while Owei Lakemfa, labour activist and journalist, received the OON.

Also on the honours list were Bayo William (CON), Prof. Olatunji Dare (CON), Kunle Ajibade (OON), Dapo Olorunyomi (OON), Nosa Igiebor (OON), Bayo Onanuga (CON), Seye Kehinde (OON), Ayo Obe (OON), Dare Babarinsa (CON), and Odia Ofeimun (CON).

Other notable awardees included Senator Shehu Sani (CON), Governor Uba Sani (CON), Prof. Segun Gbadegesin (CON), and Hon. Olawale Osun (CON).

Posthumous honours were also given to Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (GCFR), Chief Bola Ige (CFR), Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti (CON), Chima Ubani (OON), Frank Kokori (CON), Alao Aka-Bashorun (CON), and Bagauda Kaltho (OON).

President Tinubu said the awards pay tribute to the men and women who stood for democracy when it was inconvenient, risky, and unpopular. He noted that Nigeria’s freedoms were won through “blood, bravery and belief”, urging the nation to uphold and strengthen its democratic gains.

June 12 celebrations commemorate the historic 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest but annulled by the military regime at the time.