- Safiu Kehinde
Former Special Adviser to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari on Political Matters, Sen. Babafemi Ojudu, has broken silence over his omission from President Bola Tinubu’s June 12 Honour’s List
NPO Reported that Tinubu had on Thursday conferred honourary awards on notable politicians, pro-democracy activists who were believed to have played very prominent roles in the campaigns for the actualisation of the annulled June 12 presidential election.
Many were also people who were believed to have contributed to the battle to drive the military back to the barracks after about 16 years interregnum.
The President conferred posthumous honours on late political actors and activists such as Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, wife of the late Chief Moshood Abiola, human rights lawyer, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Dr. Ken Saro-Wiwa a writer, environmentalists and Ogoni peoples’ rights agitator and members of the Ogoni Nine amongst others.
While some members of the public commended the President for the recognition of the individuals, some faulted the selection process as they noted prominent public figures were omitted from the list.
Amongst the June 12 and pro-democracy activists considered deserving of national honour but who were omitted include Ovation Magazine publisher, Aare Dele Momodu; activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore; and journalist, Senator Babafemi Ojudu amongst others.
Reacting to the the omission of his name from the list, Ojudu, in a statement issued on Saturday, congratulated the honourees while recalling his contribution during the pro-democracy struggle alongside those who made the list.
He maintained that his involvement was never motivated by the expectation of a national honour.
Ojudu further noted that he was never expecting recognition from President Bola Tinubu-led administration which he strongly criticises.
“Let me begin by extending my heartfelt congratulations to my colleagues—Dapo Olorunyomi, Bayo Onanuga, Kunle Ajibade, Seye Kehinde, and many others—who have been deservedly recognized for their courage and contribution to the fight for democracy.
“Their recognition is also, in many ways, recognition of all of us who walked that difficult road. Any honor extended to them is an honor I proudly share.
“That said, I feel compelled to clarify that my involvement in the pro-democracy movement was never motivated by the expectation of a national honour.
“I did what I did—risking my life, enduring imprisonment, torture, and other deprivations—not for reward, but out of conviction and in obedience to my conscience.
“I believed then, as I still do now, that the Nigerian people deserve freedom, dignity, and the right to determine their future.
“It would be unrealistic, especially in the African political context, to expect magnanimity from a sitting President toward individuals who have been openly critical of his policies or withheld support for his political ambitions.
“I did not vote for this President in 2023 and have remained vocal about the direction of his administration. I understand, therefore, the political nature of recognition and take no offense in being omitted from the list.
“As a matter of fact, I remain grateful to the previous administration under President Muhammadu Buhari, which honoured me with the national award of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) in 2023.
“While I did not set out in search of accolades, I accepted that honor in the spirit of national unity and recognition of a shared history.” Ojudu wrote.
The former lawmaker however called on the President to bestow the greatest honour to Nigerians which is good governance.
He noted the challenges currently facing the country.
“As we celebrate our colleagues who have been recognised, I believe we should collectively call on President Tinubu to bestow the greatest honour possible—not just on individuals, but on the entire Nigerian populace. That honour lies in good governance.
“Nigerians today are facing hardships that, in many cases, rival or even surpass the difficulties experienced under military rule. From economic instability to growing insecurity, from lack of access to basic services to a feeling of disenfranchisement, the promise of democracy seems distant for many of our fellow citizens.” He said.
While stressing that true dividend of democracy goes beyond symbolic recognition, Ojudu highlighted areas Tinubu can display his democratic principles.
“The true dividend of democracy must go beyond symbolic recognition. It must be seen in:
• A free and fair electoral process where every vote counts;
• Strong and accountable political institutions;
• An economy that allows citizens to live with dignity;
• A society where life and property are secure;
• And a government that listens and responds to the people it serves.
“This, I believe, is the legacy that those of us who fought for democracy envisioned. And this, I hope, is the path the current administration will embrace.” He added.