Tinubu Confers National Honours On Fasoranti, Soyinka, Onanuga, Afikuyomi, Kehinde, Ayo Obe, Others + Full List
ADDRESS BY PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR AT THE JOINT SESSION OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY IN COMMEMORATION OF DEMOCRACY DAY, 2025 THURSDAY, 12TH JUNE 2025
Protocol:
With profound honour, I stand before this joint session of our National Assembly; a parliament that embodies the will of the Nigerian people.
2. Today, as I entered this grand edifice built from the sweat and toil of our democratic yearning, my heart stirred. It was a blend of accomplishment and resolve.
3. I felt a sense of collective accomplishment when I realised how far wehad come as a nation. Since 1999, democracy has risen from the ashes anddestitution of military rule to take its rightful place as the only mode ofgovernance of our resilient and beloved people.
4. With every footstep I took through these hallowed halls up to themoment I now stand before you, I remembered that we still have muchfurther to go.
5. To achieve this progress, we sought an elective office to lead thisnation forward. Thus, I hereby affirm before our Merciful and Almighty Godand all men my resolve to do all that I can to safeguard and build ourdemocracy as the Divine hand intends for us to do.
6. Since 2018, we have celebrated Democracy Day on this day; tocommemorate the sacrifices of the men and women who fought to restoredemocratic governance to Nigeria.
7. Let me pay tribute to former President Muhammadu Buhari forreaching back into history to rectify a national misdeed by making June 12Democracy Day and by officially acknowledging Chief Moshood KashimawoOlawale Abiola and his running mate, Babagana Kingibe, as the victors andthus duly elected President and Vice President respectively of Nigeria afterthe June 12, 1993 elections.
8. Year by year, election after election, every time we debate instead ofbattle, discuss instead of fight, and argue instead of destroy, we preservethe institutions of democracy. More importantly, we weave the culture ofdemocracy into the very fabric of our nation.
9. Whilst Chief MKO Abiola is June 12’s central figure, we must not forgetthe long list of those who equally deserve to be called heroes of Nigeriandemocracy.
10. We must celebrate the courage of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola and Pa AlfredRewane, both of whom were murdered by agents of military repression. Wealso remember the many civil rights activists, journalists, and politiciansimprisoned, exiled, tossed aside, tortured and beaten by the military regime.
11. We remember Chief Anthony Enahoro, Commodore Dan Suleiman,Chief Abraham Adesanya, Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, BalarabeMusa, Ganiyu Dawodu, the journalist Bagauda Kaltho, and CommodoreNdubuisi Kanu. I mention these names not to exclude or degrade theprofound contributions of anyone else, but to illustrate, through these fewheroes, the universality of our pursuit of democracy.
12. The struggle was never the province of any one group or section of thecountry, it was pan-Nigerian in its conception and will be even more pan-Nigerian as we strive to perfect it.
13. It is fitting that I come to this chamber. You are the authors of thepeople’s law, and I must be their faithful implementer. While we may notalways agree, we must forge a way to work together because this is whatdemocracy demands of us. I pledge myself to this cooperation and ask thatyou do the same for the good of our people.
14. Mr. Chairman, the National Assembly has acted to uphold democraticideals at every critical moment in our national history. In 2006, the 5th National Assembly protected our democracy against an unseemly third-termbid that would have ripped our constitution apart. In 2010, the NationalAssembly, through the doctrine of necessity, opened the door for then-VicePresident Goodluck Jonathan to become the acting President following theillness of his predecessor.
15. Even under the military, the National Assembly tried to protect ourdemocracy. After General Abacha took over power on November 17, 1993,and dissolved the National Assembly, some of us, led by Senator AmehEbute, the Senate President in the 3rd Republic, defied the General and hisgoons to reconvene in the Old Parliament Building in Lagos. We were jailedfor our defiance.
16. On behalf of a grateful nation, I commend your invaluable role inlawmaking, oversight, and constituency representation.
17. At this point, I plead for your indulgence so that I may put a terrible rumour to bed.
18. To those who ring the alarm that the APC is intent on a one-party state,I offer you a most personal promise. While your alarm may be as a result ofyour panic, it rings in error. At no time in the past, nor any instance in thepresent, and at no future juncture shall I view the notion of a one-party stateas good for Nigeria. I have never attempted to alter any political partyregistration with INEC. Equally, my friends, we cannot blame anybodyseeking to bail out of a sinking ship even without a life jacket.
19. Look at my political history. I would be the last person to advocate sucha scheme. In 2003, when the then-governing party tried to sweep the nationclean of political opposition through plot and manipulation, I was the last ofthe progressive governors standing in my region.
20. In all their numbers and false grandeur, they boasted of ruling, notgoverning, Nigeria for the next half century or more. Where are they now?
21. Yet, I stood alone. My allies had been induced into defeat. Myadversaries held all the cards that mortal man could carry. Even with all ofthat, they could not control our national destiny because fate is written fromabove. A greater power did not want Nigeria to become a one-party stateback then. Nigeria will not become such a state now.
22. The failed effort to create a one-party state placed progressive politicalforces on a trajectory to form the APC. It put me on the trajectory which hasbrought me before you today. I dare not do such a favour to any politicaladversary by repeating the same mistake of political overreach.
23. A one-party state is not in the offing. Nor should it ever be. That said,we would be guilty of political malpractice if we closed the door on those fromother parties who now seek to join the APC and I sincerely welcome ourparty’s newest members from Delta and Akwa Ibom States led by GovernorSheriff Oborevwori and Pastor Umo Eno and other members of this NationalAssembly.
24. Political parties fearful of members leaving may be better served byexamining their internal processes and affairs rather than fearfully conjuringup demons that do not exist. For me, I would say try your best to put yourhouse in order. I will not help you do so. It is, indeed, a pleasure to witnessyou in such disarray.
25. We must welcome and accept the diversity and number of politicalparties just as we welcome and embrace the diversity of our population. Ourefforts must never be to eliminate political competition but to make thatcompetition salutary to the national well-being by working across the politicalaisle whenever possible.
26. One area in which democracy calls us to work together, whether in thelegislative or executive branch, whether in this or other political parties, isthat of economic and social development.
27. Upon assuming office, my team and I moved to reform our ailingeconomy. We introduced fundamental reforms to correct structuralimbalances that prevented maximum growth.
28. We are already seeing results. GDP grew by 3.4 per cent in 2024, withQ4 hitting 4.6 per cent, the highest quarter of growth in over a decade.Inflation is easing gradually, steadying the price of food staples like rice andbeans. Our net foreign reserves have increased fivefold, and the Nairaexchange rate has stabilised. Our balance of payments position is positive;our sovereign credit rating is improving as we continue to promote oil andnon-oil exports. States now do not need to go about borrowing to paysalaries.
29. In less than one year, over one hundred thousand Nigerians, including thirty-five thousand civil servants, have benefited from affordable consumer credit through the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP), enabling them to purchase vehicles, light up and improve their homes and purchase life essentials. This July, we will launch a bold new initiative to empower four hundred thousand young Nigerians, including youth corpers, with consumer credit.
30. We are committed to giving more opportunities to young people through job creation and skills development. Through such programs as NELFUND, we are investing in education, vocational training, apprenticeships, and internships to ensure our youth are job-ready andfuture-ready.
31. In addition, we have embarked on an ambitious project to lay fibre optic cables across the nation, a transformative step toward bridging the digital divide and fostering greater connectivity. This initiative promises not only to enhance the speed and reliability of internet access but also to revolutionize how businesses operate, how students learn, and how communities stay connected. By extending this critical infrastructure, we are empowering entrepreneurs, enabling digital education, and providing the tools for our youth to compete in a globalized world.
32. Our “Nigeria First” policy will further enhance progress as we consolidate market-driven growth. The improved economic performance is encouraging and validates the soundness of our policy measures. Our medium-term growth target remains an economy growing at a 7 per cent clip with a stronger manufacturing base. We must learn to produce and grow most of our food and we are on the path to achieving food sovereignty.
33. These and other reforms have placed the economy on a more rational footing where critical decisions regarding large-scale investment can now be made.
34. I ask you, the legislature, to join me as we enter the second half of our term to put forth innovative legislation that further encourages industrial development and job creation in our urban centres while also drafting laws that improve food security and production.
35. To further underpin our economic vision, we introduced a comprehensive Tax Reform Package, a vital component of our economic re- engineering. I am deeply grateful to both chambers for your thorough consideration and deliberation of these bills, and I look forward to signing them into law soon.
36. Again, your collaboration across party lines on these bills has been a model of democratic partnership.
37. As elected leaders, we must continue to do more to make real the dream of Nigeria’s political and economic democracy.
38. We must be vigilant in expanding the political space. We must always value dialogue over dictatorship, persuasion over suppression and rights over might. Be tolerant and broad-minded in your legislative action regarding speech and civil liberties.
39. Do not be afraid to hear an unkind word spoken against you. Some of the best advice a politician gets sometimes comes from his most ferocious opponents. We dare not seek silence because the imposed silence of repressed voices breeds chaos and ill will, not the harmonics of democracy in the long term.
40. While malicious slander and libel should not go unattended, no one should bear the brunt of injustice for merely writing a bad report about me or calling me names. Democracy requires a fair degree of tolerance for harsh words and stinging insults. Call me names, call me whatever you will, and I will still call upon democracy to defend your right to do so. Mr. Senate President, Mr. Speaker, Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members.
41. Our nation is not perfect, but it is strong. Our democracy is not invincible, but it is alive. And this means our dream of a prosperous, happy nation is still within reach and worth fighting for.
42. Mr. Chairman, Nigeria is at an inflexion point, undergoing structural and fundamental change toward a secure future.
43. Our administration is fully committed to boosting the economy’s productive base. Through investment in critical infrastructure, roads, expansion of port operations, rail, and power we are creating a new environment in which industry and manufacturing can thrive. Our tax and fiscal policy reforms will streamline tax administration and eliminate burdensome and multiple taxes enabling our industrialists and entrepreneurs to operate in a more conducive environment.
44. Governance must work and deliver value to the people. As part of our tax reforms, we have provided small businesses with an exemption and established the Office of the Tax Ombudsman to ensure transparency and protect taxpayer rights. Digital tools now help us track performance and reduce waste. The Diaspora Bond and Non-Resident BVN are bringingNigerians abroad into the national development fold.
45. In line with my promise during my New Year address to the nation, I recently appointed the board of directors of the newly established National Credit Guarantee Company. The company backed with 100 billion naira in initial capital; with BOI, which, by the way, is performing very well in supporting SMEs, NSIA, CreditCorp, and MOFI as stakeholders, will play a significant role in transforming the nation’s industrial landscape and reducingcorruption.
46. National Security is the foundation of peace and progress. We have intensified security operations to reclaim communities from criminals and terrorists. We are better at coordinating intelligence, and inter-agency cooperation has improved. Our highways are safer, and we invest in technology and training to secure every inch of this country.
47. Let us take this opportunity to thank the men and women of our Armed Forces for their bravery in service of the nation. Their selfless dedication to protecting our sovereignty and ensuring the safety of citizens should serve as an inspiration to us all. As we celebrate the progress of our democracy, we must not forget the pivotal role they play in safeguarding our freedoms. For their courage and commitment, they deserve not only our gratitude butalso our continued support, prayers and recognition.
48. Fellow compatriots, our achievements are not the work of one man. They are the result of a collective effort to make possible the Nigerian Dream. Yet, the journey is not over. We must work even harder to translate broad macroeconomic gains into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians. We must stay the course, reject cynicism, and believe Nigeria can and will rise again.
49. As we mark a twenty-sixth year of unbroken democracy, it is right to honour those who have made sacrifices in the past, braving all the odds and the guns to ensure we have a regime of democracy in our country.
50. In this light, I announce the conferment of the posthumous national honour of CFR on Kudirat Abiola, the heroine of the June 12 struggle.
51. I also confer posthumous national honours on 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).
52. 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).
53. 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.
54. 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 be exercising 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.
55. Finally, it is my great privilege to now decorate the presiding officers of the National Assembly with the National Honours earlier conferred upon them last year:Presiding National Assembly Officers Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON – SENATE PRESIDENT Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON – Speaker Senator Jibrin Ibrahim Barau, CFR – DEPUTY SENATE PRESIDENT Rt Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, CFR – Deputy Speaker
56. In conclusion, 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.
57. Happy Democracy Day, and may God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and protect our troops.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President, Commander-in-Chief of The Armed Forces,
Federal Republic of Nigeria
