Pro-Chancellor and chairman of the Governing Council, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Dr. Mohammed Kudu Santuraki, has commended President Bola Tinubu for the national honour recently given to some pro-democracy activists in the North in recognition of their roles during the June 12 struggles.
He said the national honour on personalities, such as the military officers who stood firm for justice and democracy during the June 12 struggle, demonstrates President Tinubu’s dedication to promoting national unity and commitment to recognising and rewarding contributions to Nigeria’s democracy and nation-building.
President Tinubu had on June 12 conferred national honours on 84 prominent Nigerians, including retired military officers.
Santuraki, who is Santurakin Nupe and secretary-general of the Niger-South Senior Stakeholders’ Forum, in a statement on Tuesday, noted that Col. Abubakar Dangiwa Umar’s (rtd) acceptance speech of the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) honour highlighted the significant roles some military officers played during the June 12 struggle.
Col. Dangiwa (rtd) had in his acceptance speech on Sunday, praised Tinubu for the award, and listed Sultan of Sokoto, Etsu Nupe, Dasuki, Oyinlola, MA Garba, among June 12 ‘unsung heroes’, who “risked their careers and even lives” during the June 12 struggle.
In his tribute to General Garba and others, Santuraki said the retired army General stood tall as Dangiwa’s deputy and stood firm for justice and democracy.
Santuraki noted that the HRH Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, whom Dangiwa identified as one of the unsung military officers who risked their careers to support the June 12 struggle, continues to champion peace, development, and democratic governance as a leading royal father.
He is a modern monarch with a good heart and open hands.
He said: “Col. Dangiwa Umar’s (rtd) moving CFR acceptance speech reminds us of the selfless and quiet courage of many officers who stood firm for justice and democracy during the June 12 struggle.
“Among those gallant patriots, our own, Major General MA Garba (rtd) stands tall. As Col Dangiwa’s trusted deputy at the Armoured Corps Centre and School, Gen. Garba carried the torch when others were arrested or forced out.
“His unwavering commitment helped keep the hope of democratic restoration alive — at great personal risk.”
He said that, just like Dangiwa, who was recognised with a national honour, history will not forget other officers who stood for democracy.
“You are celebrated today not only for your loyalty and patriotism, but for your enduring humility,” he said.
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