Presidency Issues Apology For Error In Democracy Day Honours List.
The Nigerian Presidency has issued a formal apology after mistakenly including two prominent living figures, Pa Reuben Fasoranti and Dr Edwin Madunagu, in the posthumous honours category during President Bola Tinubu’s Democracy Day address. The blunder, which caused widespread confusion, occurred during a televised speech at the National Assembly, where the President announced national honours for pro-democracy activists and national figures for their contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey.
In a statement released by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency acknowledged the error and expressed regret for the oversight. “During his Democracy Day address at the joint session of the National Assembly, President Bola Tinubu announced a list of pro-democracy activists and national figures to be honoured for their significant contributions to the restoration of democratic governance in Nigeria,” the statement read. “Under the Posthumous Award category, the names of Pa Reuben Fasoranti, the Afenifere leader, and Dr Edwin Madunagu were incorrectly included. Both distinguished individuals are very much alive and, therefore, should not have appeared in the posthumous category.”
Pa Reuben Fasoranti, 98, is the respected leader of Afenifere, a prominent Yoruba socio-political group, and a key figure in Nigeria’s democratic history. Dr Edwin Madunagu, a renowned Marxist intellectual and human rights advocate, is also widely recognised for his activism and writings on social justice. The erroneous inclusion of their names in the posthumous category sparked immediate public reaction, with many expressing shock and amusement on social media. “Yeye people,” quipped one user, while another praised the Presidency for its swift apology, calling it “a necessary step to correct the mistake.”
The Presidency assured Nigerians that the error would be rectified across all official State House digital platforms. “We sincerely regret this oversight. We shall make the necessary corrections across all State House digital platforms. We appreciate your understanding,” Onanuga added. The statement also highlighted that the Democracy Day honours included posthumous recognition for other notable figures, such as Chief Kudirat Abiola, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, and Ken Saro-Wiwa, for their sacrifices in Nigeria’s fight for democracy.
As Nigeria commemorates 26 years of uninterrupted democratic rule, the incident has not overshadowed the significance of the honours, which celebrate the nation’s democratic heroes. The Presidency’s apology and commitment to correcting the mistake have been met with understanding from many, ensuring that the focus remains on honouring those who have shaped Nigeria’s democratic landscape.
