Tinubu’s Democracy Day Honours: A Bold Nod to History, Justice, and Reconciliation

Tinubu’s Democracy Day Honours: A Bold Nod to History, Justice, and Reconciliation

By Matthew Eloyi

In a dramatic and symbolic move that blended history with political reckoning, President Bola Tinubu on Democracy Day conferred national honours on a diverse array of Nigerians—activists, journalists, politicians, and posthumous figures whose struggles, sacrifices, and stances helped shape Nigeria’s democratic trajectory.

Announcing the honours during his State of the Nation address at the National Assembly, Tinubu brought a rare moment of consensus to the political landscape by reaching across ideological, ethnic, and generational lines.

What makes this honours list particularly significant is its unmistakable tilt toward historically marginalized figures—those who were imprisoned, killed, or sidelined during Nigeria’s long and arduous march to civilian rule. Most strikingly, the late Kudirat Abiola, who was assassinated in 1996 while campaigning for the actualization of her husband’s June 12 mandate, was conferred the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR), a poignant recognition that may resonate deeply with democracy advocates.

The symbolism was further amplified with the inclusion of Nobel laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, who received the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON)—the second-highest national honour. Alongside him were fallen democracy icons like Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (GCFR), Ken Saro-Wiwa, and the other members of the Ogoni Nine, all of whom were posthumously honoured.

The awardees list reads like a roll call of defiance and courage, containing names such as Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, Chima Ubani, Pa Alfred Rewane, Balarabe Musa, Alao Aka-Bashorun, and Chief Bola Ige. Many of them were not just victims of military tyranny but architects of the democratic values Nigeria now upholds.

Equally significant is the inclusion of journalists and media advocates who fought for press freedom in dangerous times. The likes of Dapo Olorunyomi, Bayo Onanuga, Kunle Ajibade, Nosa Igiebor, Seye Kehinde, and Uncle Sam Amuka Pemu were celebrated with various honours ranging from Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) to Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON). Their recognition underscores the role of the media as a bulwark against authoritarianism.

Human rights lawyers and civil society champions were not left out. Prominent among them were Femi Falana (SAN), Ayo Obe, Ledum Mitee, and Senator Shehu Sani—each conferred with the CON. Their work, often at great personal risk, contributed to Nigeria’s democratic development and legal reforms.

One of the most politically significant moments of Tinubu’s address came when he said:

“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.”

This sweeping pardon, alongside the national honours, signals not just recognition but institutional rehabilitation. It reflects an attempt to formally close some of the darkest chapters of Nigeria’s military era and reaffirm the state’s commitment to democratic ideals.

Yet, this moment is more than symbolic. It is a political statement—one that may reframe Tinubu’s legacy as not just a product of the June 12 struggle but also its custodian in office. By honouring voices of resistance across different eras and backgrounds, he positions himself as a bridge between history and the present, between unhealed wounds and national reconciliation.

Whether these gestures will translate into substantive policy changes—especially on issues of press freedom, civil liberties, and justice—remains to be seen. But for now, President Tinubu has done something few Nigerian leaders have dared to: publicly recognize and validate the sacrifices of those who stood up when it was dangerous to do so.