Nnamdi Kanu, Insecurity; Elder statesman declines Tinubu’s national honour

Former National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) activist and prodemocracy 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 on Tuesday, the elder statesman 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 prodemocracy 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.