Ojudu: It would be unrealistic to expect magnanimity from a sitting President toward individuals openly critical of his policies

Related stories

Ribadu, CDS Reel Out Laudable Achievements In Addressing Insecurity

The National Security Adviser to the President, Malam Nuhu...

Drama as Senate Insist NNPCL’s led Ojulari Must Explain N210 Trillion Audit Discrepancies

By Hamilton Nwosu  The Nigerian Senate’s Public Accounts Committee has...

2027: SGF Akume Begs Atiku, Kwankwaso, Other Northerners to Defer Ambitions Until 2031

By Hamilton Nwosu Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the...

Egypt’s Growing LNG Imports Could Reshape Global Markets

Egypt turned from a net LNG exporter to a...

Thailand accuses Cambodia of violating hours-old ceasefire

Thailand has accused Cambodia of "deliberately" violating a ceasefire...

*Democracy, Conviction and the True Meaning of Honour

In recent days, there has been considerable public reaction to the list of honorees announced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in commemoration of Democracy Day. Understandably, questions have been raised about the omission of some individuals who paid dearly in the struggle for democratic governance in Nigeria.Investment opportunities

Let me begin by extending my heartfelt congratulations to my colleagues—Dapo Olorunyomi, Bayo Onanuga, Kunle Ajibade, Seye Kehinde, and many others—who have been deservedly recognized for their courage and contribution to the fight for democracy. Their recognition is also, in many ways, recognition of all of us who walked that difficult road. Any honor extended to them is an honor I proudly share.

That said, I feel compelled to clarify that my involvement in the pro-democracy movement was never motivated by the expectation of a national honor. I did what I did—risking my life, enduring imprisonment, torture, and other deprivations—not for reward, but out of conviction and in obedience to my conscience. I believed then, as I still do now, that the Nigerian people deserve freedom, dignity, and the right to determine their future.

It would be unrealistic, especially in the African political context, to expect magnanimity from a sitting President toward individuals who have been openly critical of his policies or withheld support for his political ambitions. I did not vote for this President in 2023 and have remained vocal about the direction of his administration. I understand, therefore, the political nature of recognition and take no offense in being omitted from the list. As a matter of fact, I remain grateful to the previous administration under President Muhammadu Buhari, which honored me with the national award of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) in 2023. While I did not set out in search of accolades, I accepted that honor in the spirit of national unity and recognition of a shared history.Investment opportunities

As we celebrate our colleagues who have been recognized, I believe we should collectively call on President Tinubu to bestow the greatest honor possible—not just on individuals, but on the entire Nigerian populace. That honor lies in good governance.

Investment opportunities
Nigerians today are facing hardships that, in many cases, rival or even surpass the difficulties experienced under military rule. From economic instability to growing insecurity, from lack of access to basic services to a feeling of disenfranchisement, the promise of democracy seems distant for many of our fellow citizens.

The true dividend of democracy must go beyond symbolic recognition. It must be seen in:
• A free and fair electoral process where every vote counts;
• Strong and accountable political institutions;
• An economy that allows citizens to live with dignity;
• A society where life and property are secure;
• And a government that listens and responds to the people it serves.

This, I believe, is the legacy that those of us who fought for democracy envisioned. And this, I hope, is the path the current administration will embrace.

Investment opportunities

Thank you.

Senator Babafemi Ojudu

The New Diplomat
The New Diplomathttps://newdiplomatng.com/
At The New Diplomat, we stand for ethical journalism, press freedom, accountable Republic, and gender equity. That is why at The New Diplomat, we are committed to speaking truth to power, fostering a robust community of responsible journalism, and using high-quality polls, data, and surveys to engage the public with compelling narratives about political, business, socio-economic, environmental, and situational dynamics in Nigeria, Africa, and globally.

Subscribe

- Never miss a story with notifications

- Gain full access to our premium content

- Browse free from up to 5 devices at once

Latest stories

NDN
Latest News
Ribadu, CDS Reel Out Laudable Achievements In Addressing InsecurityDrama as Senate Insist NNPCL's led Ojulari Must Explain N210 Trillion Audit Discrepancies2027: SGF Akume Begs Atiku, Kwankwaso, Other Northerners to Defer Ambitions Until 2031Egypt’s Growing LNG Imports Could Reshape Global MarketsThailand accuses Cambodia of violating hours-old ceasefire(VIDEO) Anxities as Ghanaians Ask Nigerians to leave Ghana in Viral VideoPeter Obi Warns, Says FG's Borrowing 'll Mortgage Nigerians future, debt Nearing ₦200 TrillionTinubu’s $3m Cash Reward to Super Falcons is Profligacy By Yemi AdebowaleArtificial Intelligence and God’s Plan for Humanity: A Case for Hope, Progress, and PurposeWhen Will This Call to Service End? By Johnson Babalola(VIDEO) Why I Didn’t Watch WAFCON Final– Tinubu Reveals God says, let there be movement, Nigeria Police says no! By Owei LakemfaOil Prices Climb as U.S. and EU Reach Historic Tariff AgreementBreaking! Tinubu Bestows National Honours on Super FalconsEkiti Guber: Fayose Backs Oyebanji, As Ekiti topshots throw Weight Behind State Governor's Re-Election 
X whatsapp