BREAKING: Tinubu Honours Joe Igbokwe, Others in Democracy Day Broadcast
President Bola Tinubu has bestowed national honours on 51 distinguished Nigerians, including prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) figure Joe Igbokwe, renowned media practitioners, pro-democracy campaigners, and retired military officers who played key roles in resisting military rule during the June 12 democratic struggle.
In a nationwide address commemorating the 2026 Democracy Day and celebrating 27 consecutive years of democratic governance, the President paid tribute to the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola, widely regarded as the winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, alongside other heroes of democracy. He noted that although Nigeria’s democratic journey remains a work in progress, democracy continues to be the most effective pathway to national growth and development.
Among those honoured alongside Igbokwe were leading members of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), including Chief Ayo Opadokun, Chief Ralph Obioha, and the late Dr. Arthur Nwankwo. Also recognized were veteran journalists Lade Bonuola, Femi Kusa, Sir Ademola Osinubi, and Dele Alake, as well as notable activists Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, Richard Akinnola, and Prof. Sylvester Odion-Akhaine.
The President also acknowledged a group he described as “soldier-democrats” for their opposition to military dictatorship. Those recognized include retired Colonels Sambo Dasuki and Lawan Gwadabe, Major-General Ishola Williams, and the Etsu Nupe, Brigadier Yahaya Abubakar.
As part of the Democracy Day celebrations, Tinubu approved the renaming of the Institute of Petroleum Studies in Kaduna to General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology.
Speaking on national security concerns, particularly the recent abductions of students in Oyo and Borno states, the President stressed that democracy cannot thrive without security. He disclosed that the 2026 budget allocates a record ₦5.41 trillion to defence and security while providing for the recruitment of more than 50,000 police personnel. Tinubu warned bandits, kidnappers, and terrorist sponsors to lay down their arms or face decisive action from the government, adding that opportunities for surrender would not remain available indefinitely. He further stated that terror-related fatalities have declined by 81 percent since 2015, with over 13,000 terrorists reportedly eliminated within the last year.
On the economy, the President defended his administration’s reform agenda, describing it as essential for restoring fiscal stability. He explained that the next stage of governance would focus on ensuring that the benefits of democracy are reflected in the daily lives of Nigerians through lower inflation and increased domestic production.
To address persistent challenges in the power sector, Tinubu announced that the Presidential Power Sector Task Force has been empowered to raise a ₦4 trillion bond aimed at settling longstanding debts within the electricity value chain. He added that the implementation of the Electricity Act, which grants states greater authority over power generation, is already producing positive outcomes.
Reiterating his commitment to grassroots development, the President emphasized efforts to guarantee full financial autonomy for Nigeria’s 774 local government councils. He argued that the weakening of local governance structures has contributed significantly to rising insecurity in rural communities.
Looking ahead to the forthcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states, Tinubu urged political leaders and democratic institutions to safeguard the nation’s democratic values. He stated that while Nigeria’s founding generation secured independence and the June 12 generation fought for democracy, the present generation bears the responsibility of delivering prosperity to the Nigerian people.