By Omoniyi David
A pro-democracy group, Quintessential Professionals, has urged President Bola Tinubu to extend national honours to more individuals who contributed significantly to Nigeria’s democratic journey but have yet to be formally recognised.
In a statement on Saturday, the group’s coordinator, Stanley Dunia, commended the president for honouring notable democracy icons during the National Assembly’s joint session on June 12 but called for a broader and more inclusive review.
Dunia urged the presidency to revisit the list and consider both living and deceased patriots who made sacrifices in the fight against military dictatorship.
President Tinubu had earlier conferred national honours on several individuals for their roles in promoting democracy, including journalists Dapo Olorunyomi and Kunle Ajibade, who received the Officer of the Order of the Niger, and Bayo Onanuga, who was awarded the Commander of the Order of the Niger.
Also honoured were Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, civil society leader Ayo Obe, and the late journalist Bagauda Kaltho.
However, the group expressed concern that several others who played crucial roles remain unrecognised.
It specifically highlighted the contributions of the late United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Walter Carrington, who used his diplomatic influence to support Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement during the military era.
Dunia noted that Carrington, who was married to a Nigerian, stood courageously with local activists and advocated for the revalidation of the annulled June 12, 1993 election. Carrington died in August 2020.
The group called for national recognition of key figures from Afenifere and the National Democratic Coalition, NADECO, who were at the forefront of resisting military rule and advancing democratic values.
Among them are Ayo Opadokun, Olanihun Ajayi, Cornelius Adebayo, Olabiyi Durojaiye, Adedayo Adeyeye, Jonathan Zwingina, Kofo Akerele-Bucknor, Kayode Fayemi, Babafemi Ojudu, Reverend Adebiyi, Chidi Odinkalu, Olisa Agbakoba, Innocent Chukwuma, Mike Ozekhome, Yinka Odumakin and Joe Okei-Odumakin.
Dunia stressed that many of these individuals were imprisoned, exiled, or endangered in their pursuit of democratic freedoms, and deserve national acknowledgement.
He noted that honouring them would not only preserve the legacy of Nigeria’s democratic struggle but also serve as inspiration for future generations.
