Tinubu Honours June 12 Heroes with Top National Awards, Grants Posthumous Pardons on Democracy Day

In a landmark gesture to honour the sacrifices made in Nigeria’s democratic journey, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the conferment of national honours on a wide array of individuals—both living and deceased—who played critical roles in the struggle for democracy, particularly those connected to the events surrounding the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

Speaking during his Democracy Day address to a Joint Session of the National Assembly, President Tinubu declared that these awards are a tribute to the enduring legacies of those who gave their lives, voices, and freedom to defend the ideals of justice, electoral integrity, and national unity.

In a highly symbolic moment, he posthumously conferred the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) on Kudirat Abiola, describing her as “the heroine of the June 12 struggle.” He also awarded the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) to Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, the late military officer and political figure who was a central figure in Nigeria’s democratic resistance.

Other posthumous recipients include notable pro-democracy activists and reformers such as Prof. Humphrey Nwosu (CON), Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (CON), Alhaji Balarabe Musa (CFR), Pa Alfred Rewane (CFR), Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti (CON), Chief Frank Kokori (CON), Emma Ezeazu (OON), Frederick Fasehun (CON), Professor Festus Iyayi (CON), Alhaja Sawaba Gambo (CON), Chief Bola Ige (CFR), Senator Ayo Fasanmi (CON), and several others including Dr. Alex Ibru, Dr. John Yima Sen, and Pa Reuben Fasoranti.

The President also recognised frontline journalists and civil rights defenders who contributed to Nigeria’s democratic discourse and media freedom. Prof. Wole Soyinka received the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), while Prof. Olatunji Dare, Dapo Olorunyomi, Bayo Onanuga, Dare Babarinsa, Ayo Obe, Kunle Ajibade, Nosa Igiebor, and Seye Kehinde received various honours including CON and OON. Veteran journalist Uncle Sam Amuka Pemu, who marks his 90th birthday on June 13, was awarded the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) for his lifelong dedication to journalism and publishing.

Activists and public intellectuals such as Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, Senator Shehu Sani, Barrister Femi Falana, SAN, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, Prof. Shafideen Amuwo, Barrister Ledum Mitee, Hon. Labaran Maku, Odia Ofeimun, Prof. Segun Gbadegesin, and Mobolaji Akinyemi were also honoured for their roles in shaping Nigeria’s democratic culture.

In a historic move, President Tinubu extended posthumous national honours to the late Ken Saro-Wiwa, the iconic environmental and human rights activist, and eight other members of the Ogoni Nine—Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine—all of whom were executed in 1995 under the Abacha regime. The president went further to grant them a full posthumous pardon, invoking his powers under the prerogative of mercy, and promised that additional names would be announced in collaboration with the National Council of State.

President Tinubu said these honours are not mere ceremonial gestures but a solemn national duty to preserve the memory of those who shaped Nigeria’s democratic path. He called on citizens to reflect on the legacy of these heroes and renew their commitment to building a just, free, and united Nigeria, governed by the rule of law and sustained by democratic institutions.