President Tinubu Conferes National Honour on Retired Col. Abubakar Dangiwa

Strategic Insights -

President Bola Tinubu has acknowledged the significant role of retired Colonel Abubakar Dangiwa in Nigeria's democratic journey, correcting an oversight made during his June 12 Democracy Day address. Tinubu publicly awarded Dangiwa the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) award, recognizing his contributions to the country's transition from military to civilian rule. This announcement was made during a one-day working visit to Kaduna State, where the President inaugurated a 300-bed hospital and vocational training institute. Dangiwa's name was notably missing from the list of national honourees read out during the Democracy Day celebration, prompting Tinubu to extend a public apology and reaffirm his administration's commitment to acknowledging patriotic service.

Key Takeaways:

  • President Tinubu conferred the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) national honour on retired Colonel Abubakar Dangiwa, a former military Governor of Kaduna State.
  • Dangiwa played a significant role in Nigeria's democratic journey, particularly during the transition from military to civilian rule, earning him recognition as a "soldier of democracy".
  • He was a prominent critic of authoritarian governance after retiring from the Nigerian Army in 1993 and later founded the Movement for Unity and Progress (MUP), a political platform that campaigned for national unity, justice, and inclusive democratic governance.
  • Dangiwa governed Kaduna State from August 1985 to June 1988, known for his courage, discipline, and progressive stance, which earned him admiration both within and outside military circles.
  • Tinubu acknowledged an oversight made during his June 12 Democracy Day address, where Dangiwa's name was notably missing from the list of national honourees.
  • The conferment of the CFR award is seen as a long-overdue recognition of Dangiwa's efforts and a reaffirmation of his place in Nigeria's democratic history.
  • The President's spokesperson, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the award in a statement on Thursday.
  • Dangiwa's contributions to Nigeria's political evolution have been widely documented and appreciated by civil society and pro-democracy advocates across the country.

Statistics:

  • 300-bed hospital: Tinubu inaugurated a 300-bed hospital during his visit to Kaduna State.
  • 1985: Dangiwa governed Kaduna State from August 1985 to June 1988.
  • 1993: Dangiwa retired from the Nigerian Army in 1993.
  • 2025: President Tinubu awarded Dangiwa the CFR national honour in June 2025.
  • CFR: The Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) is a national honour conferred by the President of Nigeria.

Sources:

  • News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) - 19 June 2025