Former military governor of Kaduna State, Abubakar Umar, has dedicated his national honour of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR), conferred on him in recognition of his efforts to validate the annulled 12 June 1993 presidential election won by Moshood Abiola to June 12, to patriots of the struggle.
Penpushing reports that Umar made the declaration in a statement, however, pointed out the awards conferred on him and other Nigerians by President Bola Tinubu would be incomplete without recognizing the numerous unnamed and often forgotten participants who stood firm during one of Nigeria’s darkest moments in its democratic journey.
The retired military officer known for a reputation for speaking truth to power, and widely regarded as a courageous voice within the military during the turbulent 1990s in a personal statement released following the announcement disclosed that President Bola Tinubu personally informed him of the recognition.
Penpushing further reports that he described the award as a gesture linked to his much-advertised role in the struggle for the validation of the June 12th election and affirmation of Chief Moshood Abiola’s mandate, however, expressed discomfort at being singled out.
The former military governor insisted that the honour ought to be shared with the numerous unnamed and often forgotten officers and men within the Armed Forces who stood firm during one of Nigeria’s darkest moments in its democratic journey.
“Although I was one of the leaders of that movement within the military, my contribution was by no means bigger than theirs. While I have been recognised and celebrated… they have remained anonymous’, he wrote
Penpushing also reports that Umar went on to reveal the names of several serving and retired officers who played crucial roles in the resistance against the military annulment of the 12 June mandate—a landmark election widely considered to be the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history.
The names include Col. M.A. Garba, his deputy at the Armoured Corps Centre and School, who reportedly continued executing their pro-democracy plans even after Umar and others were arrested and retired in 1993.
Penpushing reports that notable names such as Lt Col Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Lt Col Yahaya Abubakar (now the Etsu Nupe), and Major Sa’ad Abubakar (now the Sultan of Sokoto) also featured on his extensive list.
The fearless retired military officer in total, named over 40 officers from various ethnic and regional backgrounds, calling them patriots who contributed to the democratic dispensation Nigeria enjoys today.
Penpushing further reports that Umar emphasised that the award would only be truly meaningful if the democracy they fought for delivers tangible dividends to the Nigerian people, and called on leaders to uphold democratic values and govern with the fear of God, warning that sycophancy has eroded political accountability in Nigeria.
“Sycophancy everywhere has become the scourge of selfless and accountable leadership. It is the reason for the arrogance and vanity we see in our leaders at all levels,” he lamented.
FOOTNOTE: You want to share story with us? You want to advertise with us? You need publicity for product, or service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348073463653 or email penpushing@yahoo.com
