Kaduna: President Bola Tinubu has conferred the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) on Col. Abubakar Dangiwa (retired). This recognition was officially confirmed by a statement from the President's spokesperson, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dangiwa, a former military Governor of Kaduna State, has been a staunch advocate for democracy, particularly noted for his contributions during Nigeria's transition from military to civilian rule. The honour was announced by Tinubu during the inauguration of a 300-bed hospital and vocational training institute in Kaduna, which was part of his one-day working visit to the state.
During the event, President Tinubu addressed an oversight from his June 12 Democracy Day address to the National Assembly. He used this occasion to correct the omission by acknowledging Dangiwa's significant role in fostering Nigeria's democratic journey. Tinubu stated, "Some individuals were left out in my June 12 address. Colonel Dangiwa was one of them. Let me now honour him with the CFR award."
The News Agency of Nigeria also reports that Dangiwa is recognized nationally as a "soldier of democracy" during a pivotal time in Nigeria's history. His absence from the list of honourees during the Democracy Day celebration at the National Assembly complex was notable. The President issued a public apology for this oversight, emphasizing his administration's dedication to acknowledging patriotic service, especially from unsung democratic champions.
Dangiwa's tenure as the Governor of Kaduna State, from August 1985 to June 1988, under the military regime of Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, was marked by his courage and progressive stance. His leadership earned him respect both within and outside military circles. After retiring from the Nigerian Army in 1993, Dangiwa became a vocal critic of authoritarian governance, transitioning into public commentary and social advocacy.
He later founded the Movement for Unity and Progress (MUP), a political platform aimed at promoting national unity, justice, and inclusive democratic governance. Dangiwa's contributions to Nigeria's political evolution have been extensively recognized and appreciated by civil society and pro-democracy advocates across the nation. The conferment of the CFR award is seen as a long-overdue acknowledgment of his efforts and reaffirms his place in Nigeria's democratic history.