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From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
Former National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) activist and pro-democracy advocate, Chief Ralph Obioha, has declined the national honour conferred on him by President Bola Tinubu, citing the continued detention of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu and the worsening insecurity across the country as reasons for his decision.
In a statement yesterday, Obioha thanked President Tinubu and the Federal Government for considering him worthy of the honour but said accepting the award would contradict the democratic principles that guided his struggle during the military era.
“I wish to express my sincere appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government of Nigeria for considering me worthy of a national honour as announced during the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations.
“I do not take this recognition lightly. Any honour conferred by the Federal Republic of Nigeria is significant and deserving of gratitude. However, after careful reflection and in fidelity to the principles that guided our struggle for democracy under NADECO, I have decided, respectfully but firmly, to decline the award.”
Obioha recalled his role in the pro-democracy movement alongside other patriots, including Tinubu, during the military regime, noting that the struggle was anchored on justice, freedom, rule of law and protection of fundamental human rights.
“As a senior citizen and a prominent participant in the pro-democracy movement, I stood alongside many patriotic Nigerians, including President Tinubu, during the dark years of military rule. We risked our liberty and our lives in the struggle to actualise the June 12 mandate of Chief MKO Abiola because we believed in a Nigeria founded on justice, freedom, the rule of law, and respect for fundamental human rights,” he said.
The former lawmaker said one of the major pillars of the June 12 struggle was the defence of freedom of expression, stressing that democracy cannot thrive where citizens are unable to freely criticise those in authority without fear.
“One of the cardinal principles of that struggle was the defence of freedom of expression. Democracy thrives where citizens are free to express their views, including criticism of those in authority, without fear of persecution. Throughout history and across established democracies, leaders have been subjected to criticism and dissent. Such expressions are not threats to democracy; they are among its defining features.
“It is, therefore, difficult for me to reconcile acceptance of this honour with the continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. While opinions may differ regarding his methods, rhetoric, or political objectives, the broader issue remains one of justice, due process and the protection of fundamental freedoms,” he said.
Obioha further argued that President Tinubu, having been part of Nigeria’s democratic struggle, is in a unique position to pursue national reconciliation by addressing the Kanu issue in a manner that promotes justice and constitutional rights.
Beyond Kanu’s detention, the elder statesman expressed serious concern over the worsening security situation in Nigeria, lamenting the daily killings, kidnappings and violent crimes across different parts of the country.
“Beyond this matter, I remain deeply troubled by the worsening state of insecurity across our country. Nigerians continue to lose their lives daily to terrorism, banditry, kidnappings and other violent crimes. Families are displaced, communities devastated, and citizens increasingly uncertain about their safety.
“The primary responsibility of any government is the protection of life and property, and many Nigerians continue to look to their leaders for more decisive action in addressing these challenges.”
Obioha clarified that his decision should not be interpreted as a personal attack on President Tinubu or a rejection of the institution of national honours but rather a principled stand rooted in the ideals that inspired the June 12 democratic struggle.
“My decision should not be interpreted as a personal attack on President Tinubu or a rejection of the institution of national honours. Rather, it is a principled position rooted in the ideals that inspired the June 12 struggle and the sacrifices made by countless Nigerians in pursuit of democracy.
“To accept this honour at a time when many of the values for which we fought remain insufficiently realised would, in my view, be inconsistent with those convictions. My conscience therefore compels me to respectfully decline the award.”
He reaffirmed his commitment to democracy, justice, national unity, freedom of expression and the pursuit of a Nigeria where every citizen enjoys equal protection under the law and lives in peace, dignity and security.
