President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has awarded the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) to Colonel Abubakar Dangiwa Umar (Rtd), known for his role in the June 12 pro-democracy struggle.
The announcement was made on Thursday during the commissioning of a 300-bed hospital and vocational training institute in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Colonel Umar was not included among those recognized during this year’s Democracy Day event, which led to public criticism.
Addressing the issue, President Tinubu said: “I want to specially recognise Colonel Abubakar Umar (Rtd), who stood firm for democracy when it mattered most. He was not just a voice, he was a soldier of democracy. It was an unfortunate oversight that his name was not included among the June 12 honorees. Today, I correct that by conferring on him the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR).”
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, in a statement, said the move was intended to address a historical omission.
“Colonel Dangiwa Umar played a pivotal role in defending democracy at a time when the country was being plunged into political darkness. President Tinubu’s decision to honour him reflects his commitment to acknowledging all who sacrificed for the restoration of civilian rule,” Onanuga said.
Colonel Umar, a former Military Governor of Kaduna State, left the military after the annulment of the June 12, 1993, election and became an outspoken critic of military rule.