Democracy Day Glory: Nigerian Heroes Immortalized In Patriotic Tribute!

Nigeria’s 2025 Democracy Day was uniquely celebrated with the conferment of National Honours on notable individuals who played key roles in the intense struggle to uphold the presidential mandate of the late Chief MKO Abiola (GCFR), the acclaimed winner of the historic June 12, 1993 election. These honours are bestowed under the authority of the National Honours Act No. 5 of 1964.

The National Honours Act grants the President the authority to establish the Nigeria Order of Dignity to recognize citizens who have significantly advanced national development. The law, although passed in 1964, was retroactively made effective from October 1, 1963, and amended in 1979.

Recipients must demonstrate high ethical standards, integrity, and serve as national role models. Any honouree convicted of a crime is expected to forfeit the honour. The current administration is encouraged to lead by example by revoking awards from individuals who have betrayed the purpose of the honours.

Tying the investiture ceremony to October 1—Nigeria’s Independence Day—would enhance the symbolic value of the awards. Since the return to democracy in 1999, only one investiture has been held in October, in 2022.

President Tinubu’s move to honour some heroes of the June 12, 1993, democratic struggle is commendable. However, notable contributors such as Col. Abubakar Umar (rtd.), Ayo Opadokun, Olisa Agbakoba, and Kola Abiola were omitted, as well as many unnamed citizens who suffered or died in the cause. Recognizing these individuals is crucial to preserving our democratic history.

The National Assembly must now consider a full review of the National Honours Act. Publishing the names of proposed recipients before the ceremony would allow public input and increase accountability. Restoring public confidence in the honours requires transparency and the removal of discredited individuals from the roll.

Automatic conferment of honours on officeholders should be abolished. Many recipients have later been disgraced due to corruption or misconduct. Awards should be based strictly on merit, and ideally granted post-tenure. For instance, the disparity in how top officials are recognized—such as the case of Speaker Benjamin Chaha receiving a lower honour—should be addressed and corrected posthumously.

Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila once championed a bill to reform the Act in 2011, but it failed to pass. Now is the opportune time for the National Assembly to revisit this reform and restore the prestige of the national honour. Finally, the 2024 honours list, delayed since last year, should be fast-tracked without further procrastination.