Apparently reacting to the criticism that the National Honours are losing their credibility, the Federal Government vowed yesterday to withdraw the awards from individuals found to be of questionable character.
According to President Goodluck Jonathan, all holders of the National Honours must not fall short of the people’s expectation. Honoured in the past are former police chief Tafa Balogun, former Oceanic Bank CEO Mrs Cecilia Ibru and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain Bode George, They have all been convicted for various offences.
President Jonathan spoke at the 2012 National Honours Award Investure for 155 eminent Nigerians.
The categories of the awards are: The Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), which had only one recipient – frontline businessman Dr. Mike Adenuga.
Other categories are Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR), with 11 recipients; Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) had 25; Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR) 24; Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) 38; Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) 38 and Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) with 18.
The six Paralympics gold medallists stole the show at the event. Though they were not on the original list of awardees, their heroic performance in the just-concluded London 2012 Paralympics where the country won 13 medals, fetched them the honours.
They were applauded all through for redeeming Nigeria’s image in the sporting arena.
The name of Alhaji Sani Abubakar Danladi, the deputy governor of Taraba State, who is facing impeachment, was struck off the list. Danladi, who was listed for the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR), was believed to have fallen apart with his principal, Governor Danbaba Danfulani Suntai, who got Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
Danladi’s name, which was number 51 on the list, was skipped. It was also not known if he was informed before the ceremony or if he was present.
Justice Kayode Eso and Justice Andrews Obaseki, both retired jurists were absent at the event. Also absent was Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi, but unlike the retired jurists, Ninge was represented by his wife.
Jonathan said he had directed the National Honours committee to compile a list of peoples honoured but, have been found to be of questionable characters.
He said the honours would be withdrawn from such individuals.
The President argued that as an important part of the country’s symbols of value and pride, all holders must not fall short of collective expectations.
The President also reminded the people that there were many more Nigerians who deserve the recognition.
He said: “I have directed that the National Honours Committee compile a list of persons conferred with National Honours but that their current credibility is questionable. If they are found wanting, our prestigious Honours will be withdrawn.
“This is essential in ensuring that holders of National Honours are truly worthy representations of our national values and honour, and especially are patriotic Nigerians or real friends of Nigeria,” he said.
Dr. Adenuga got the Grand Commander of the Order of Niger (GCON) this for his contribution to the growth and development of the economy over the years.
President Jonathan said of him: “Mike Adenuga Jnr. has contributed immensely as a businessman and entrepreneur to the growth and development of our economy. He worked hard to establish Globacom as an international communications company which provides means of livelihood to over 100,000 Nigerians.
“Today, across Ghana and Benin Republic, he has built a formidable brand, and is expanding footholds in Cote d’Ivore and Senegal. We will continue to honour our businessmen who do us proud in the world of international business while creating jobs at home.”
The President also praised Muhammad Tahir Zakari, a Level 10 Officer in the office of the Accountant General of the Federation, who showed “remarkable honesty in returning an error payment to him of over N6 million in November 2011”. “This is a commendable behaviour that should be emulated,” he said.
Jonathan lauded the six paralympians who won gold medals at the 2012 Paralympics Games in London. He told them: “Your achievement is a clear demonstration that hard work, determination, tenacity and resilience are building blocks for greatness.”
President Jonathan also spoke on the need to reposition the country by engaging in value re-orientation and confidence building in the nation’s polity, stressing that the country needs to urgently “embrace positive attitudinal change in our collective resolve to make Nigeria a great nation.
“Nation building requires the sacrifice of all citizens. On our part, we shall remain committed to promoting good governance, respect for the rule of law, due process, transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.”
The President congratulated the awardees and told them to see such honours as “a privilege and not a right”.
His words: “I urge you to be beacons of hope and inspiration for Nigerians. You must continue to exemplify a distinct sense of responsibility and a commitment to the community that makes for a great nation.
“A national award is among the greatest Honours a country can bestow on her citizens. A national honour carries with it a unique responsibility. While the honour recognises your unique contributions to Nigeria, let me state that it is also a call for greater commitment and sacrifice for furtherance of the development of our dear country.”
Jonathan urged the awardees to sustain the tempo as it will provide hope for youths who look up to them as mentors and role models.
With the honour, he said, the awardees have confirmed that success is possible with determination.
He praised the chairman and members of the Committee and the event’s organisers for a job well done, urging them to continue “to be guided by the principle of faithfulness and integrity as well as the pursuit of excellence during the screening of prospective awardees”.
Noting that the number of the awardees was small, compared to the size and population of the country, Jonathan was of the opinion that many more Nigerians deserve the recognition. He urged Nigerians to participate in the nomination and also expand the search processes to include all levels of the society.
Earlier, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Chief Anyim Pius Anyim, had in his welcome address, noted that the National Award was informed by the need to recognise success, achievement , gallantry, honesty, and exemplary character in the life of every nation.
The Award Committee, he said, worked tirelessly for two months to identify NIgerians who have demonstrated exemplary contributions to national development and growth.
The Chairman of the 2012 National Award Committee, Justice Alfa Belgore, said 4,425 had so far been recognised and honoured since inception in 1963. They include the 155 that were honored yesterday.
He noted that the awardees had in one way or the other touched the lives of some Nigerians.
He pleaded that the present standards put in place be maintained so as to restore the glory of the award.
While congratulating the awardees for their individual achievements, which brought them the honour, Justice Belgore urged them to see the honours as a call to higher dedication to the nation.
He stressed the need to allow peace to reign in the country, saying our mission of becoming a great nation can only be achieved if we have more men and women living by example.
The chairman enjoined Nigerians to support President Jonathan. “Let every Nigerian rededicate himself to the service of this nation,” he said, adding that we need a stable nation to progress positively.
Responding on behalf of the entire awardees, Justice Mary Odili appreciated the president and government for considering them worthy of the honours.
She also promised that they will work harder in their various fields to justify the honour done to them.
She said: “Words are inadequate to capture this moment. We are grateful for what has happened today. We appreciate what you have done. We are, indeed, grateful and cannot forget this moment.”
