The Senator Polycarp Nwite Foundation for Democratic Accountability (SPNFDA) has commended President Bola Tinubu for conferring posthumous national awards on the late democracy advocate and Senator, Polycarp Nwite, and other notable individuals, whom he aptly described as ‘heroes of democracy.
President Tinubu said that the struggle was never the province of any one group or section of the country, but “was pan-Nigerian in its conception and will be even more pan-Nigerian as we strive to perfect it.”
He added that whilst Chief MKO Abiola is June 12’s central figure, “We must not forget the long list of those who equally deserve to be called heroes of Nigerian democracy.”
The Chairman of the Foundation and eldest son of the late Senator, Mr. Michael Nwite, expressed delight upon receiving the news in a statement issued in Abuja. He commended President Tinubu for honouring his father’s legacy and acknowledging the sacrifices of others who risked their lives and endured incarceration during the military junta.
He stated that President Tinubu’s act has reignited the spirit of patriotism in him and many others, underscoring that selfless service to nation-building and democracy will consistently be recognized, regardless of the timing.
On June 12, Democracy Day, President Bola Tinubu conferred national honours on a select group of democracy advocates and individuals who contributed significantly to Nigeria’s democratic development. The recognition also included posthumous awards to those who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for democracy in Nigeria.
Others prominent personalities that received posthumous included “Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (GCFR), Prof. Humphrey Nwosu (CON), Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (CON), Alhaji Balarabe Musa (CFR), Pa. Alfred Rewani (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), Professor 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), Sen. Ayo Fasanmi (CON), Sen. Polycarp Nwite (CON) and Dr. Nurudeen Olowopopo (CON”
In his Democracy Day speech at the National Assembly, President Tinubu stated: ‘As we mark 26 years of unbroken democracy, it is fitting to honour those who have made sacrifices in the past, braving all odds and danger to secure our democratic regime.
“In this light, I announce the conferment of the posthumous national honour of CFR on Kudirat Abiola, the heroine of the June 12 struggle.
“We must celebrate the courage of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola and Pa Alfred
Rewane, both of whom were murdered by agents of military repression. We also remember the many civil rights activists, journalists, and politicians imprisoned, exiled, tossed aside, tortured and beaten by the military regime.
“We remember Chief Anthony Enahoro, Commodore Dan Suleiman, Chief Abraham Adesanya, Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Balarabe Musa, Ganiyu Dawodu, the journalist Bagauda Kaltho, and Commodore Ndubuisi Kanu. I mention these names not to exclude or degrade the profound contributions of anyone else, but to illustrate, through these few heroes, the universality of our pursuit of democracy.
“I also confer national honours on Prof. Wole Soyinka (GCON), Prof. Olatunji Dare (CON), the journalist and journalism teacher; 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), Sen. Abu Ibrahim (CFR), and Sen. Ame Ebute (CFR).
“Additionally, I confer the national honour of CON on Uncle Sam Amuka Pemu, a legendary journalist and publisher who remains true to his lifetime calling as he marks his 90th birthday tomorrow, June 13.
“Furthermore, I also confer posthumous national honours on Ken Saro Wiwa (CON), the leader of the Ogoni Nine and his fellow travellers, Saturday Dobee (OON), Nordu Eawo (OON), Daniel Gbooko (OON), Paul Levera (OON), Felix Nuate (OON), Baribor Bera (OON), Barinem Kiobel (OON), and John Kpuine (OON). I shall also exercise my powers under the prerogative of mercy to grant these national heroes a full pardon, together with others whose names shall be announced later in conjunction with the National Council of State.”
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