President Bola Tinubu has conferred national honours on a wide range of Nigerians in recognition of their contributions to the country’s pro-democracy movement, particularly during the June 12 struggle.
The president said the awardees were among those who endured persecution, imprisonment, exile and other hardships in the fight for democratic governance in Nigeria.
The June 12 movement remains one of the most significant moments in Nigeria’s political history, symbolising the campaign for the validation of the June 12, 1993 presidential election and the eventual restoration of civilian rule in 1999.
According to the Presidency, the honourees include lawyers, journalists, activists, academics and military officers whose sacrifices contributed to Nigeria’s democratic transition.
Those recognised include the late human rights activist and politician Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, Barrister Ayoka Lawani, Tunde Fagbenle, Oladele Alake, Olatunji Bello, Louis Odion, Segun Babatope, Sam Omatseye, Sir Ademola Osinubi, Bola Bolawole, Lade Bonuola, Femi Kusa, Debo Adeniran and Chief Ayo Opadokun.
Others are Chief Ralph Obiora, Ose Osayande, Barrister Osa Director, Prof. Sylvester Odion-Akhaine, Dr Osagie Obayuwana, Barrister Titus Mann, Joe Igbokwe, Richard Akinnola, George Mbah, Dr Niran Malaolu, Major-General Ishola Williams (rtd), Femi Aborisade, Jenkins Alumona, Gbemiga Ogunleye, Muyiwa Adekeye and Babajide Kolade-Otitoju.
Posthumous honours were also announced for Dr Arthur Nwankwo and Ben Charles-Obi.
Tinubu further recognised military personnel who participated in the June 12 democratic struggle, including former National Security Adviser Col Sambo Dasuki.
The list also features Major General MA Garba, Brigadier General Lawal Jaafaru Isa, Col Umar Farouk Ahmed, Col Lawan Gwadabe, Brigadier Jonathan Ndam Temlong, Col Musa Shehu, Major General Chris Eze, Major General Harris Dzarma, Col Isa Jibrin, Maj. General Joseph Oshanupin, Col Olusegun Oloruntoba, Lt Col Happy Kefas Bulus, Col J Okai, Col Emmanuel Ndubueze, Lt Col Yakubu Muazu and Brigadier Yahaya Abubakar, the current Etsu Nupe.
The president said the complete honours list would be made public in the coming days.