President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has posthumously honoured the late Alex Ibru, publisher of The Guardian newspaper, with the title of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), in recognition of his pivotal role in Nigeria’s media and democratic evolution.

The accolade was conferred during a solemn Democracy Day ceremony at the National Assembly, celebrating Ibru’s steadfast dedication to press freedom and his courageous stand for democracy during the nation’s military era.

“As we mark twenty-six years of unbroken democracy, it is right to honour those who made sacrifices in the past, braving all odds and the guns to ensure we have a regime of democracy in our country,” President Tinubu said.

Describing Ibru as “a quiet titan of democracy,” Tinubu praised The Guardian under Ibru’s leadership as a fearless champion of truth and accountability, even amid intense political repression.

The 2025 Democracy Day event featured various national honours for fallen heroes and living figures who contributed to Nigeria’s democratic journey. Among the posthumously honoured were Kudirat Abiola (CFR), Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (GCFR), Pa Alfred Rewane (CFR), Chief Bola Ige (CFR), Dr Beko Ransome-Kuti (CON), Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (CON), Bagauda Kaltho (OON), Alhaji Balarabe Musa (CFR), and Prof. Humphrey Nwosu (CON).

Living recipients included: Pa Reuben Fasoranti (CFR),Prof. Wole Soyinka (GCON), Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi (CFR), Femi Falana, SAN (CON), Senator Shehu Sani (CON), Governor Uba Sani (CON), Kunle Ajibade (OON), Dapo Olorunyomi (OON), and Ledum Mitee (CON). Veteran journalist and publisher Sam Amuka-Pemu also received a CON, coinciding with his 90th birthday on June 13.

In a significant reconciliation move, President Tinubu posthumously honoured Ken Saro-Wiwa and the other eight members of the Ogoni Nine, who were executed in 1995 under the Abacha regime. They were awarded CON and OON honours and granted full presidential pardons, pending formalisation with the National Council of State. Tinubu described the move as “an overdue act of justice and healing.”

The President also ceremonially decorated key officers of the National Assembly, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio (GCON), Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, PhD (GCON), Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau (CFR), and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu (CFR).

Reflecting on the significance of June 12, Tinubu called it “the soul of our democratic journey” and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, national unity, and institutional renewal.

“Today we honour those who paid the price for our democracy—not to dwell in the past, but to inspire a stronger, freer future,” he stated.

The President highlighted his administration’s achievements, citing 3.4 per cent GDP growth in 2024, increased foreign reserves, and initiatives such as the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP), which is set to launch 400,000 youth credit schemes this July.

On security, he praised the Nigerian Armed Forces for their bravery and reiterated his commitment to investing in technology and coordination to protect citizens.

“Our nation is not perfect, but it is strong. Our democracy is not invincible, but it is alive,” he said, receiving applause from lawmakers.

Tinubu urged Nigerians to recommit to the principles of June 12: “Let us 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 Presidency formally corrected a mistake in the honours list announced during President Bola Tinubu’s Democracy Day address yesterday.

In his speech to a joint session of the National Assembly, Tinubu highlighted several pro-democracy icons and national figures for their significant contributions to restoring and deepening democratic governance in Nigeria.

However, the list contained a notable error in the Posthumous Award category, where the names of Pa Reuben Fasoranti, elder statesman and leader of Afenifere, and Dr Edwin Madunagu, a renowned journalist and activist, were mistakenly included. Both individuals are alive.

In a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency acknowledged the mistake and assured the public that it had been corrected in all official records and digital platforms.

“The Presidency regrets this oversight and has taken immediate steps to correct the error across all official records and digital platforms,” the statement said.

“We extend our sincere apologies to Pa Fasoranti, Dr Madunagu, their families, and all concerned Nigerians for this unintended misclassification,” it added.

The error drew widespread criticism and sparked calls for greater diligence in preparing national honours lists, particularly on symbolic occasions like Democracy Day.

The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, yesterday commended President Bola Tinubu for recognising its leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, alongside Chief Bola Ige, Prof. Wole Soyinka, and other notable figures for their contributions to democracy.

The National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Jare Ajayi, stated, “Everything considered, the majority of those honoured in connection with the June 12 saga underpins the significance of the June 12, 1993 presidential election and the avoidable impasse that attended it.”

He added, “No one can contest the fact that Alhaji Kudirat Abiola remains an indisputable heroine of the June 12 saga, given the roles she, along with many other compatriots, played during the whole episode. Laudable indeed was the honour bestowed on Professor Humphrey Nwosu, who was the chairman of the National Electoral Commission that conducted the June 12, 1993 election.”

Ajayi further highlighted other individuals honoured by the President in connection with June 12, saying, “Also worthy of mention among those honoured by Mr President were people like Chief Alao Aka Basorun, Dr Beko Ransome Kuti, Chief Frank Kokori, Olawale Osun, Dr Amos Akingba, Prof. Segun Gbadegesin, Dr Kayode Shonoiki, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, Prof. Bayo Williams, Mr Odia Ofeimun, Mr Emman Ezeazu, Mr Bamidele Aturu, Mr Kunle Ajibade, Mr Uba Sani, Chief Dare Babarinsa, Comrade Chima Ubani, and Mr Daniel Gbooko.”

Ajayi also applauded the pardon granted by President Tinubu to the Ogoni Nine led by the late Mr Ken Saro-Wiwa. “Considering the circumstances of the deaths of these people, they are regarded as Ogoni heroes. It is a thing of joy that the Tinubu administration has officially made them heroes and not villains,” he remarked.

He praised the inclusion of other nationalists who played key roles in Nigeria’s history, such as the late General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, Professor Mobolaji Akinyemi, former Governor Balarabe Musa, Archbishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, and Daniel Gbooko. Ajayi also noted the recognition of media personalities like Uncle Sam Amuka-Pemu, Mr Nosa Igiebor, and Mr Nick Dazang, who have contributed significantly to activism.

Commending the President for the breadth of the honours list, Ajayi described the gesture as “an acknowledgement of the invaluable roles those in human and socio-political rights activism are playing in our society.”

He hoped that the spirit of June 12 Democracy Day would inspire efforts towards restructuring the country “as a veritable framework for tackling the multi-faceted challenges that our dear country is facing.”

The daughter of the late Chief Bola Ige, Mrs Funsho Adegbola, yesterday lamented that 24 years after her father’s assassination, the perpetrators remain unpunished.

Adegbola made the remark while reacting to President Bola Tinubu’s posthumous conferment of the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) on Ige. She expressed gratitude to God for her father’s recognition as a hero of democracy.

“To God be all the glory. Twenty-four years after his assassination, with his killers walking free, we leave everything to God’s judgment. It is well. We thank God for everything and that he is being remembered as a Hero of Democracy,” she said.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, has called on citizens and leaders to protect, strengthen, and advance Nigeria’s democracy for the collective benefit of the nation.

Speaking during the public lecture to commemorate the 2025 Democracy Day at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, Akume described the country’s democratic journey as a hard-won achievement born of courage and sacrifice by ordinary Nigerians who resisted military rule.

“In our tortuous democratic journey, many citizens fought, many died, many were brutalised, and many disappeared. Many gave up everything they had and never recovered. To all of them, we owe a debt of gratitude,” he said solemnly.

Akume noted Nigeria’s resilience in the face of democratic backsliding across Africa. “At a time when several African nations are slipping back into military rule and authoritarianism, Nigeria continues to make steady progress in democratic governance,” he said.

While acknowledging that the nation has not yet attained its democratic aspirations, Akume expressed confidence in Nigeria’s path. Though we are yet to reach the democratic heights we aspire to, the path we tread is sure and will take us to our destination,” he added.

Reflecting on the significance of the June 12 struggle, Akume paid tribute to Nigeria’s pro-democracy heroes, calling the movement a turning point in the nation’s history. He stressed that true democracy must extend beyond elections to include meaningful improvements in citizens’ lives.

“Democracy without development is empty and bound to fail,” Akume cautioned.

Addressing the lecture’s theme, “Consolidating the Gains of Nigeria’s Democracy: Necessity of Enduring Reforms,” Akume commended President Bola Tinubu for his transformative leadership. “As a veteran of Nigeria’s democratic struggle, President Tinubu has not only endured but also contributed significantly to our nation’s political evolution. He is now steering Nigeria through an ambitious reform agenda aimed at economic revival, infrastructure renewal, and good governance,” Akume said.

He highlighted the impact of reforms under the Tinubu administration over the past two years, stating that key indicators show the country is on a sustainable development trajectory.

The event featured a keynote address by Professor Sam Egwu, a respected academic and governance expert, who spoke on the need for democratic reforms. A panel discussion followed, further exploring the theme.

Akume called on Nigerians to recommit to nation-building, respect for the rule of law, and democratic ideals. He also thanked the Federal Executive Council for supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“Let us unite to build a stronger and more rewarding democracy,” Akume said.