Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has voiced strong criticism of the Federal Government’s tradition of granting national honours to politicians.
Speaking on Thursday in Abuja during the public launch of The Chronicles of a Legend—a biography of renowned businessman and philanthropist Gabriel Igbinedion—Obi called for reforms in the way Nigeria’s prestigious awards are distributed.
Obi stated, “The Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) and Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) should be reserved for entrepreneurs and productive citizens, not politicians. We must change how we honour people.”
The ex-Governor of Anambra State lauded Igbinedion’s impactful contributions to aviation, education, and cultural preservation, insisting that achievers like him deserve more national recognition.
“We live in a country where we often celebrate the wrong people. If we truly valued achievers like Igbinedion, he would be celebrated even more,” Obi added.
Highlighting Igbinedion’s role as a major employer, Obi pointed out, “If Nigeria were genuinely productive, over 20 million people would be employed considering Igbinedion alone has employed more than 17,000 Nigerians.”
Obi’s comments come amid public debate following the recent national honours and rewards given to the Super Falcons after their victory at the African Cup of Nations. Many Nigerians have called for broader recognition of individuals contributing significantly to sectors such as education, health, and national security.
In July, President Bola Tinubu awarded national honours to various Nigerians, both living and posthumous, for their contributions to the country’s developmentba move that sparked mixed reactions nationwide.
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