June 12: Buhari Approves Honours For More Nigerians

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, on Tuesday disclosed that President Muhammadu Buhari has approved of some other Nigerians to be conferred with national honours for their contributions to democracy.
Mustapha spoke at the Presidential Villa, Abuja venue of the post-humous investiture of Chief Moshood Abiola as Grand Commander of the Federal Republic; his running mate, Babagana Kingibe as Grand Commander of the Order of Niger and later human rights activist, Gani Fawehinmi, also as GCON.
Mustapha said the conferment of honours on Abiola and others was to further establish the fundamental principles of the Buhari administration.
“Nation building requires the sacrifice of all citizens, we must therefore imbibe the moral rectitude to embrace our past,” he said.
“We must, therefore, recognise the heroes of our democracy.
“Further announcement on this will be made shortly,” Mustapha said in his welcome address at the ceremony attended by dignitaries across the country.
“June 12, more than any other events in Nigeria’s history symbolises strong democratic principles and experience,” he said, adding that the president has placed history in the right perspective by recognising declaring June 12 as a Democracy Day and recognising its key figures.
Kola Abiola, first son of M.K.O., and Abba Kyari, the chief of staff to the president, are amongst those present taking seats at the front row.
Ganiyat Fawehinmi, wife of the late rights activist, will be receiving the national honours on behalf of the family, coming nearly nine years after his death.