President Bola Tinubu has conferred posthumous national honours on late democracy heroes, including Kudirat Abiola and Ken Saro-Wiwa, commemorating Nigeria’s 26 years of uninterrupted democratic rule. The ceremony, held on Thursday, also recognized other prominent figures who contributed to the nation’s democratic journey.
In a ceremony marking Nigeria’s 26th year of uninterrupted democracy, President Bola Tinubu on Thursday conferred posthumous national honours on several late nationalists and democracy champions.
Among those honoured was Kudirat Abiola, the wife of the June 12, 1993 election winner, described by Tinubu as “the heroine of the June 12 struggle.” Others included Chief Bola Ige, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, Professor Humphrey Nwosu, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and numerous notable figures.
Tinubu also decorated the four National Assembly presiding officers with honours previously conferred on them.
Speaking during the event, he urged lawmakers and politicians to “rededicate ourselves to the ideals of June 12; freedom, transparent and accountable government, social justice, active citizen participation, and a just society where no one is oppressed.” The President additionally granted a full pardon to the late Ogoni Nine and others, recognizing their sacrifice for Nigeria’s democracy.