President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the conferment of National Honours on more distinguished Nigerians who also contributed immensely to the enthronement of democratic governance in the country.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation ( SGF) Boss Mustapha said names and investiture date for these category of Nigerians will be revealed later.
Mustapha revealed that the awards serve as a public acknowledgement of their pivotal contribution to nationhood and a further demonstration of this Administration’s commitment to upholding the ethos of democratic governance.
He noted that the awards marks a new dawn in the Nation’s political and democratic advancement signaling the deepening of our belief in the democratic principles of inclusiveness in governance and hope for a greater Nigeria.
“ The monumental election that took place on June 12, 1993 represented the first time in the history of our nation that Nigerians voted not for tribe or creed or region but for their convictions, affirming their common heritage and unity of purpose.
Moshood Abiola, the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 Presidential election, could not actualize the mandate freely given to him, but had to pay the supreme sacrifice.
Gani Fawehinmi who also fought battles in the law courts, on the streets as an activist and had to suffer deprivation of liberty in detention, was also honored
Leader of the All Progressive Party, ( APC) Bola Tinubu recounted how Moshood Abiola, joined politics to fight poverty.
“For Abiola, it was the struggle to banish poverty, invest in education, which is a great weapon against poverty.
He commended President Buhari for his “ courageous determination in issuing the executive order to recognize, bring about the result and further committed to democratic principles in the country. Thank you.
He reiterated that President Buhari has done enough to deserve a second term adding that “It is not a question of second term, you deserve it We are going to work for it No annulment on it, you are going to win it.
Tinubu recounted how he was almost thrown down from helicopter “ l know some of the ex-presidents because of June 12, who threatened to throw me out of the helicopter. But you remained resolute to put Nigeria back on self-discovery, great determination and fidelity with democratic principles. Thank you Mr. President. Thank you for bringing back hope to Nigeria.
“ In Nigeria, it’s fair that we have chosen democracy as the form of government. We are totally committed to democracy. It has been furthered and strengthened today.
“The love of our nation, to search previous regimes and correct the errors of the past ….. shows you are a great leader. We thank you.”
He thanked the former Senate President, Iyiocha Ayu and Senator Abu Ibrahim and others for the roles played in 1993 and thereafter.
“We formed a partnership of very strong democratic principles and you are living up to it. You made a promise that you will be committed to transparency and rule of law…., you have done it.
