President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday addressed a joint session of the National Assembly to commemorate Democracy Day, using the occasion to honour heroes of Nigeria's democratic struggle and outline his administration's economic achievements.
In a significant move, the President announced the conferment of posthumous national honours on several democracy advocates, including Kudirat Abiola (CFR), Ken Saro-Wiwa (CON), and other members of the Ogoni Nine, who will also receive presidential pardons.
"As we mark a twenty-sixth year of unbroken democracy, it is right to honour those who have made sacrifices in the past, braving all the odds and the guns to ensure we have a regime of democracy in our country," Tinubu stated.
Democracy Heroes Honoured
The extensive list of honourees included posthumous recognition for Shehu Musa Yar'Adua (GCFR), Prof. Humphrey Nwosu (CON), Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (CON), Balarabe Musa (CFR), Pa Alfred Rewani (CFR), and numerous other democracy activists.
Living recipients included Prof. Wole Soyinka (GCON), journalist Kunle Ajibade (OON), Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah (CON), Femi Falana (CON), and veteran publisher Sam Amuka Pemu (CON), who turns 90 on June 13.
The President also decorated the presiding officers of the National Assembly with previously conferred national honours, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio (GCON) and House Speaker Abbas Tajudeen (GCON).
Below is the full list of the awardees as announced by President Tinubu:
Kudirat Abiola – CFR
Shehu Musa Yar’Adua – GCFR
Prof. Humphrey Nwosu – CON
Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu – CON
Alhaji Balarabe Musa – CFR
Pa Alfred Rewane – CFR
Bagauda Kaltho – OON
Chima Ubani – OON
Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti – CON
Alao Aka Bashorun – CON
Chief Frank Kokori – CON
Emma Ezeazu – OON
Bamidele Aturu – OON
Fredrick Fasehun – CON
Prof. Festus Iyayi – CON
Dr. John Yima Sen – OON
Alhaja Sawaba Gambo – CON
Dr. Edwin Madunagu – CON
Dr. Alex Ibru – CON
Chief Bola Ige – CFR
Pa Reuben Fasoranti – CFR
Senator Ayo Fasanmi – CON
Senator Polycarp Nwite – CON
Dr. Nurudeen Olowopopo – CON
Prof. Wole Soyinka – GCON
Prof. Olatunji Dare – CON
Kunle Ajibade – OON
Nosa Igiebor – OON
Dapo Olorunyomi – OON
Bayo Onanuga – CON
Ayo Obe – OON
Dare Babarinsa – CON
Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah – CON
Senator Shehu Sani – CON
Governor Uba Sani – CON
Barrister Femi Falana, SAN – CON
Prof. Shafideen Amuwo – CON
Barrister Luke Aghanenu – OON
Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi – CON
Hon. Labaran Maku – OON
Dr. Tunji Alausa – CON
Mr Nick Dazang – OON
Hon Abdul Oroh – OON
Odia Ofeimun – CON
Seye Kehinde – OON
Barrister Felix Morka – CON
Barrister Ledum Mitee – CON
Hon. Olawale Osun – CON
Dr. Amos Akingba – CON
Prof. Segun Gbadegesin – CON
Mobolaji Akinyemi – CFR
Dr. Kayode Shonoiki – CON
Prof. Julius Ihonvbere – CON
Prof. Bayo Williams – CON
Senator Abu Ibrahim – CFR
Senator Ame Ebute – CFR
Uncle Sam Amuka Pemu – CON
Ken Saro-Wiwa – CON
Saturday Dobee – OON
Nordu Eawo – OON
Daniel Gbooko – OON
Paul Levera – OON
Felix Nuate – OON
Baribor Bera – OON
Barinem Kiobel – OON
John Kpuine – OON
Economic Reforms and Achievements
Tinubu highlighted his administration's economic reforms, noting that GDP grew by 3.4 percent in 2024, with the fourth quarter reaching 4.6 percent—"the highest quarter of growth in over a decade." He also pointed to easing inflation, stabilized exchange rates, and improved foreign reserves.
"Our medium-term growth target remains an economy growing at a 7 percent clip with a stronger manufacturing base. We must learn to produce and grow most of our food and we are on the path to achieving food sovereignty," the President said.
He mentioned that over 100,000 Nigerians, including 35,000 civil servants, have benefited from affordable consumer credit through the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP), and announced plans to empower 400,000 young Nigerians with consumer credit starting in July.
One-Party State Rumours Addressed
Addressing concerns about his party's intentions, Tinubu firmly rejected allegations that the All Progressives Congress (APC) aims to create a one-party state.
"At no time in the past, nor any instance in the present, and at no future juncture shall I view the notion of a one-party state as good for Nigeria," he declared, referencing his own political history as evidence of his commitment to multi-party democracy.
While welcoming recent defectors to the APC from Delta and Akwa Ibom states, including Governors Sheriff Oborevwori and Pastor Umo Eno, Tinubu advised opposition parties to examine their internal processes rather than "fearfully conjuring up demons that do not exist."
Tribute to June 12 and Democratic Resilience
The President paid tribute to former President Muhammadu Buhari for making June 12 Democracy Day and acknowledging Chief MKO Abiola and Babagana Kingibe as the rightful winners of the annulled 1993 presidential election.
He also commended the National Assembly for its historical role in protecting democracy, including its resistance to the third-term agenda in 2006 and the invocation of the doctrine of necessity in 2010.
"Our nation is not perfect, but it is strong. Our democracy is not invincible, but it is alive. And this means our dream of a prosperous, happy nation is still within reach and worth fighting for," Tinubu concluded.
The President called on Nigerians to rededicate themselves 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.
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