President Bola Tinubu has conferred national honours on no fewer than 1,112 Nigerians and foreign nationals in his first three years in office, a figure that surpasses the total number of recipients honoured during the eight-year administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari and triples the number recognised by former President Goodluck Jonathan in his major 2014 investiture.

The latest additions to the growing honours roll are 50 pro-democracy activists, journalists, lawyers, labour leaders and retired military officers recognised for their roles in Nigeria’s struggle against military rule and their contributions to the restoration of democratic governance.

Announcing the honours during his Democracy Day address on Friday, Tinubu said the awardees paid significant personal and professional sacrifices in the fight for freedom, justice and constitutional rule, with many enduring detention, imprisonment, exile and other forms of persecution under successive military regimes.

Among those honoured is former Managing Director of PUNCH Nigeria Limited, Sir Ademola Osinubi, whose newspaper remained a critical voice against military dictatorship during the regimes of Generals Ibrahim Babangida and Sani Abacha despite government intimidation, advertising boycotts and security threats.

Also recognised are former Editorial Board Chairman of the defunct Concord Newspapers, Segun Babatope; Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Oladele Alake, a former editor of Sunday Concord and National Concord; and Olatunji Bello, former editor of Sunday Concord and past Chairman of the Editorial Board of THISDAY.

Others on the list include Chairman of The Nation Editorial Board, Sam Omatseye; former editors of The PUNCH, Bola Bolawole and Gbemiga Ogunleye; and former media adviser to ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, Muyiwa Adekeye.

Several journalists who suffered imprisonment during the Abacha era were also honoured. They include Ben Charles-Obi of Weekend Classique, George Mbah of Tell Magazine, Osa Director of Tell, and Niran Malaolu of The Diet.

Veteran journalist and lawyer Richard Akinnola, former Editor of Vanguard Newspaper, was recognised alongside pro-democracy figures such as Dr Arthur Nwankwo, who received a posthumous award, Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, Chief Ayo Opadokun, Prof Sylvester Odion-Akhaine, Debo Adeniran, Femi Aborisade and several others who played prominent roles in the struggle for democratic rule.

Tinubu also honoured 17 retired military officers whom he described as “soldier-democrats” for standing against the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election and for supporting democratic ideals from within the armed forces.

Among them are Major General M.A. Garba, Brigadier General Lawal Jaafaru Isa, Colonel Lawan Gwadabe, Major General Chris Eze, Major General Harris Dzarma, Colonel Emmanuel Ndubueze, Brigadier Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe, and former National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki.

The President said the recognition was intended not only to honour the sacrifices of the awardees but also to remind Nigerians of the collective responsibility to strengthen democratic institutions.

“I salute labour leaders, journalists, activists, students, women, professionals, political leaders and soldiers, both those who have passed and those still with us, for their patriotic contributions,” Tinubu said.

“As beneficiaries of their struggle, we have a duty to strengthen and deepen the democratic institutions for which they fought. The greatest tribute we can pay is to build a Nigeria where freedom is protected, justice is upheld, opportunity is expanded and government is accountable.”

He disclosed that a comprehensive honours list, including the specific award categories for each recipient, would be released in the coming days by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

The latest conferment further expands the number of national honours awarded under the Tinubu administration to more than 1,100 recipients, making it one of the most extensive recognition exercises since Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999.

A civil society organisation, the Centre for Security and Peace Advancement (CSPA), has called on Nigerians to appreciate the operational complexities confronting security agencies during rescue missions involving kidnapped victims held in remote forest camps across the country.

The group cautioned against public pressure for immediate large-scale military offensives against kidnappers, warning that such actions could endanger the lives of hostages.

Speaking on behalf of the organisation, its Executive Director, Abdul Ganiyu, said demands for swift assaults on identified criminal hideouts often overlook the difficult realities faced by security forces tasked with rescuing victims alive.

According to him, military operations are guided primarily by the need to safeguard lives, including those of captives who are frequently used as human shields by kidnappers.

“The public must understand that rescue missions are not as simple as sending troops into a forest and engaging criminals. In many cases, victims are surrounded by heavily armed kidnappers who may kill hostages at the slightest indication of an approaching military force,” Ganiyu said.

He explained that abductors often disperse victims across multiple locations within dense forests, making direct military assaults highly risky and potentially fatal for those being held captive.

Ganiyu noted that security agencies typically depend on painstaking intelligence gathering, surveillance, negotiations and carefully coordinated operations to create opportunities for successful rescues while minimising casualties among both victims and security personnel.

He further observed that many forests serving as criminal enclaves are vast, rugged and difficult to navigate, while kidnappers often possess extensive knowledge of the terrain.

Such conditions, he said, require detailed planning to avoid ambushes, friendly-fire incidents and unintended harm to civilians.

Drawing lessons from counter-terrorism and anti-banditry campaigns across the world, the CSPA director stressed that hasty military offensives have, in some instances, resulted in the mass killing of hostages — outcomes security commanders are keen to prevent.

While acknowledging public frustration over the growing incidence of kidnapping, Ganiyu maintained that operational decisions must be driven by intelligence, professionalism and the safety of victims rather than emotional reactions or public pressure.

The organisation commended the Armed Forces of Nigeria, intelligence agencies and other security services for their continued efforts to secure the release of abducted persons under difficult and often life-threatening conditions.

It also urged communities to support security agencies by providing credible intelligence capable of exposing criminal hideouts, movement patterns and logistical networks.

“Every rescue operation must balance speed with caution. The ultimate objective is not merely to neutralise criminals but to ensure that innocent Nigerians return home alive.

This is why security forces must carefully assess every situation before launching kinetic operations,” Ganiyu added.

Seven years after his election into the House of Representatives, Dr. Alex Egbona, who represents Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency of Cross River State, says his focus remains on delivering impactful projects and quality representation to his constituents.

Dr. Egbona, who currently serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Specialty Healthcare, has also secured the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket to seek another term in the National Assembly.

In this interview with journalists, the lawmaker reflects on his journey in the House of Representatives, outlines key constituency projects and interventions he has facilitated over the years, and expresses concern over the performance of the local government system, urging councils to become more responsive to the needs and aspirations of the people. Justifying his quest to return to the Green Chamber, he tasked his challengers to show their records.

Excerpts:

You have been in the House of Reps for seven years now and this week marks your third year in the National Assembly as a second term member. How has the journey been?

I must appreciate you guys for finding time to sit with me at this time. Yes, this is my seventh year as member of the House. Yes, this week marks my third year after I was re-elected in 2023. If you have been following my activities in the last seven years, you would have observed the mixed grill that has characterised my journey into and in the House of Reps.

Note that I have not truly spent seven uninterrupted years on the seat. In 2019, I was distracted by court and rerun election matters respectively and these lasted for close to two years. let me also refresh your memory, that as at 2019, I was the only member of the APC who won an election in Cross River State. The legal battles came from all fronts: I was dragged to court by a fellow APC member who felt he was the proper candidate of the party. He lost and I won.

At that time, John Gaul, who, incidentally, is the current candidate of the APC, was my major challenger. I was in the APC while he was in the PDP, the ruling party in the state at the time. He had the support of the state government. At the tribunal, I lost and had to challenge the judgement in the court of appeal, where a rerun was ordered to be conducted in the two wards of Ekureku, where I come from.

I defeated him during the rerun. Mind you, while the case lasted at the tribunal and at the court of appeal, I was practically out of office. It was only after the rerun that I returned to my seat. During this period, I was not at my best as a legislator and my constituency suffered in some way, because I had lost focus as a result of the legal battle and the rerun election.

In 2023, a similar thing happened. I was also dragged before the election tribunal by my Labour Party opponent, John Ifere. Can I shock you? Today, John Ifere and I are under the same umbrella-the PDP- as we prepare for the 2027 election. He is contesting the senate seat for Cross River central, while I am seeking a fresh term to continue representing the people of Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency. And, on the flip side, John Gaul is now in the APC, the party I helped to build, as their candidate. That is how wonderful the game of politics can be, sometimes.

So, as I was saying, John Ifere took me to the tribunal after I defeated him and that was where that phase of legal battle ended. The time and resources lost in 2023 and the distraction that followed was not as serious as it was in 2019.

But in all, you will agree with me that I lost some grounds. But let me shock you again: despite the distractions during and after the first and second term elections, Abi/Yakurr people saw what they had not seen in terms of projects and empowerment programmes since the advent of this democracy in 1999.

Really? But there are people who have said that you have not done anything for them since you got into office. There are people who have accused you of poor representation.

Facts are sacred. I believe that is not a strange axiom for those of you in the media. The things I have done are everywhere. At the risk of sounding immodest, I can say that if you put together, everything my predecessors achieved in 20 years, you will discover that my seven years have been much more impactful. I can also beat my chest and tell you that my footprints are in all the council wards of Abi/Yakurr.

Don’t forget that within my first few weeks in the House of Reps, I had undertaken a tour of the entire federal constituency, where I interacted with the people directly and took note of what their immediate needs were. Those who needed access to portable water have got it. Those who wanted better learning environments for their children were given new classroom blocks, while classroom blocks that were in very bad shape were rehabilitated. Desks, chairs, exercise books etc were provided for the various schools. Those who had challenges with electricity received attention, as transformers were provided and the people linked to the public grid.

During this period under review, I have facilitated the employment of scores of constituents into various federal government agencies and parastatals, including the Federal Polytechnic, Ugep, which establishment I played a very pivotal role.
The leather institute in Ekureku, a monotechnic, was attracted by me and many of our people are either employed or currently being trained in leather works under my scholarship. Many of our people are now in the police, the military, DSS and the Nigeria Civil Defence Corps, courtesy of me. I do not want to even talk of the solar powered street lights which I attracted to all parts of the constituency.

I have empowered scores across the constituency. many were trained in various vocations and were also assisted with funds to start their businesses. A lot of them were empowered with bikes and keke. Others were assisted to acquire skills in the areas of hair dressing, fashion design, photography and videography etc. Today, we have many of my constituents who are doing well in their fishing businesses, after they were trained through me and the necessary working tools and start up capital given to them.
In my constituency, there is no Primary Health Centre that is still in darkness.

There is none that has also not been equipped with functional facilities. I took advantage of my position as chairman of the House committee on specialty healthcare to attract health related projects to my constituency. Thousands of the people have been enrolled in the health insurance scheme, making it possible for the them to have access to medical facilities and drugs in selected hospitals in Abuja, Calabar, Abi and Yakurr.

Should I still go ahead? Health officials in all the health centres have been trained to enable them do their work perfectly. I undertook a comprehensive free medical outreach for my people in the two local governments. Surgical operations were undertaken for those who needed such services.

There was no segregation. You did not need to know anybody to be given attention. We spent days in the selected health centres across the constituency for this programme.
Please go and find out whether, in the history of this constituency, any legislator has commissioned projects; I mean people-oriented projects that the people are still enjoying till today. I am also the first legislator to have organized town hall meetings, where I interacted with the people to render the account of my stewardship. I am the first to have operated a functional liaison office. Please go and verify.
I do not even want to talk about the assistance I give to hundreds of people on a daily and weekly basis-for burials, school fees, food, house rent etc. Those who have not been enrolled in the health insurance still reach out to me for assistance to pay their medical bills.

Now, let me say this, that I have not neglected my core responsibilities as a lawmaker-lawmaking, oversight and representation. I have sponsored bills and moved motions on the floor of the House. A bill that I sponsored for the establishment of a federal medical centre at Itigidi has since been passed and awaiting the assent of Mr President. Time will fail me to read out all the bills and motions. But they are all captured in my report card. Copies will be given to you.

So, anybody who says they cannot see what I have done is either living in the moon for the past seven years, or is blind, or is just being petty. My works speak for me everywhere.

But let me use this opportunity to say this: the duty of the legislator is not to embark on projects. Legislators do not control votes. We don’t have executive powers over funds. We don’t have security votes. Governors control funds for their states. Local government chairmen control funds for their LGAs. But people expect legislators to do all the projects. This is a wrong mindset.

I come from Abi LGA. Look at what is happening in the local government system. In Abi for example, a whooping N5.57billion was received from the federation account in 2025. This year, between January and March, Abi LGA has received in excess of N1.5 billion. This is outside the IGR. What has been done with the money? Yet, everybody is looking at my direction, to provide water, electricity, build schools, do roads etc. What is the LG doing? Regardless though, I am doing and will continue to do my best for my people.

You said you were the one that built the APC in your state and you were even the only one that won an election under the APC. So, why did you leave for the PDP? And which faction of the PDP do you belong?

Let me answer from the second leg of your question. There are no two factions of the PDP. INEC is the electoral umpire. What you should ask is, where does INEC stand?

Or, was INEC present during the primary election where we emerged as the party’s candidates? The answer is yes. I think you should exercise a bit of patience to see those whose names will be published by the commission.

Now, why did I leave the APC? Many people have asked this question and the answer I have always given is that the events that led to my exit from the APC must have been allowed by God, otherwise I would have remained in the APC. It was a painful decision but I had to take that decision, especially when my people gave me the go ahead to quit. I belonged to a party that used to be one indivisible family but just about when we were preparing for the 2027 elections, I began to notice strange occurrence in the party. I noticed fragmentation in the party and I could not bear it. So, I had to quit.

So, you are more comfortable in the PDP than you were in the APC?

I have not seen toxicity in the current PDP. But I have seen a family that is welcoming. I have seen a political family that has the interest of my people at heart. Politics is all about the people. And a political party is that vehicle that takes you and your people to El Dorado. So, right now, my people are comfortable with the PDP because, like I said, there is no toxicity and there is peace.

If you win in 2027, what new things would you be do for Abi/Yakurr?

I will like to rephrase that question, partly. Let’s say it like this: when you win… I say so because I am certain that Abi/Yakurr people know that I have served them well, with all my heart, for the past seven years and so they will willingly give me their mandate for a fresh term. Like I have said in various fora, this will be my last term in the House of Reps. After 2031, I will vacate the seat for my Yakurr brothers or sisters to take over. By the time I return in 2027 therefore, I will, as usual, consult widely with the royal fathers, the women, the youths, political leaders and everybody in the constituency.
I do not walk or work alone. I am one person who deliberately carries my constituents along in all that I do. So, they will make inputs at every point in time and what they need is what I would send to the national budget. But you can be sure that more people will gain employment through me, more people will have access to more good things of life. They will enjoy a higher level of representation and access to the government and offerings by the government.

And what if you do not win?

That question is just like saying ‘what if there is no sunlight when day breaks.’ I am so certain that I will win. It will not be by my might or by my power. I will win because I have served the people well for the past seven years. I will win because God is involved in this project. I will win because my people cannot cope with stinginess and an impactful representation. They would not want to be sent to Egypt after they have tasted life in paradise for the past seven years.
Please do your job as reporters-go and ask what my main challenger did when he was speaker in the state house of assembly. He was in the House for eight years. For four years, he was speaker. Please go to his village and ask. Start from there. Tell them to show you what he did as a legislator that was in the government and had access to the governor for a whole four years in his capacity as speaker. I mean the fourth most influential person in the state, after the governor, the deputy governor and the chief judge; and in fact, the head of the third arm of government at the time. I have told you a few of the things I have done in seven years. Please tell him to show you what he did when he was in power. That is where the referendum will start from. The 2027 election in Abi/Yakurr will be a referendum on performance. Two of us have been in the legislature. I have used my seven years to touch lives and attract federal government projects to all parts of the federal constituency, including Adadama. Please meet my opponent and tell him to show you his score card. That is how you will know who is genuinely interested in service to the people.

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has said construction work on the 3.75-kilometre Okrika-Borikiri Road and bridge project in Rivers State will gather momentum following the payment of compensation to affected property owners at the Borikiri axis of the project.

Speaking during an inspection of the project site in Okrika, the NDDC Assistant Director, Utilities, Infrastructure Development and Waterways (UIDW), Martins Isichei, disclosed that compensation issues that had stalled progress on the Borikiri alignment had been resolved.

According to him, the Commission has settled compensation claims for property owners affected by the project corridor and is awaiting the evacuation of residents before commencing demolition of structures within the right of way.

“The NDDC has paid compensation to property owners along the Borikiri alignment, and we are expecting the evacuation of residents there before we commence demolition of structures in the right of way,” he said.

Isichei noted that work on the Okrika section of the project had recorded significant progress despite challenges encountered on the waterways.

He explained that shortly after work resumed, a vessel collided with an existing pile, forcing engineers to redesign part of the bridge structure.
“When we resumed work on the site, a vessel collided with an existing pile. We had to re-profile the bridge and develop a new design to circumvent the damaged pile,” he said.

The NDDC official expressed optimism that the project would ease traffic congestion along the refinery road corridor and significantly reduce travel time between Okrika and Port Harcourt upon completion.

He explained that the project comprises three major bridge structures: the 180-metre Kolabi Bridge at Etche Waterfront, the 1,120-metre Abotoru Bridge, and the 490-metre Okpoka Bridge.

While acknowledging that progress on the Borikiri alignment had lagged because of compensation-related issues, Isichei said construction activities would commence there shortly.

Also speaking, the Project Consultant, Azu Chukwuma, said the scope of the project was reviewed following its revival to align with present realities and engineering requirements.

He noted that efforts were underway to accelerate construction, particularly the launching of bridge beams, despite the high cost of marine logistics associated with the project.

“Our intention is to determine how quickly we can proceed with launching the first sets of beams. The work is mainly on the river, and much of the marine logistics involved is costly. I am in touch with the appropriate officials of the NDDC to determine the best way forward,” Chukwuma stated.

He commended host communities for their cooperation, noting that the absence of major disputes had contributed to the project’s steady progress.

A representative of the construction company, Maroun Kassouf, said fabrication of bridge beams had advanced considerably and that installation would begin soon.

“The project is progressing well. Once people evacuate at the Borikiri end, we will demolish the structures there and move to that site immediately. That end would be much easier, as the river is shallower than the Okrika end,” he said.

The Vice Chairman of the Okrika Community Development Committee, Minengibi Ferdinand, lauded the NDDC for undertaking the project, describing it as a critical infrastructure that would improve connectivity and stimulate economic growth.

He said the road and bridge network would provide an alternative route to Okrika, ease pressure on the East-West Road and open up communities for greater socio-economic development.

“This is a laudable project that will ease traffic on the East-West Road and provide an alternate route to Okrika. We are hopeful that once it is completed, it will attract socio-economic development to our community,” Ferdinand said.