President Tinubu Confers CFR on “Soldier of Democracy” Colonel Dangiwa Umar,Apologizes for June 12 Omission

Kaduna, Nigeria – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu today awarded the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) to retired Colonel Abubakar Dangiwa Umar, a revered figure in Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle. The announcement was made during the commissioning of a 300-bed hospital and vocational training institute in Kaduna, where President Tinubu publicly apologized for Umar’s earlier omission from the June 12 Democracy Day honorees.

Colonel Umar, widely known as the “Soldier of Democracy,” played a pivotal role in advocating for the actualization of the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election. His principled stance and vocal criticism against military rule, particularly following his resignation from the Nigerian Army in 1993, earned him national recognition and respect. He was a former Military Governor of Kaduna State, serving from August 1985 to June 1988.

President Tinubu acknowledged the oversight in his Democracy Day address, stating, “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).”

ADVERTISEMENT

The CFR is a prestigious national honour in Nigeria, recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to the nation. This award to Colonel Umar is seen as a fitting tribute to his unwavering commitment to democratic ideals and his sacrifices during a turbulent period in Nigeria’s history.

His inclusion among the national honorees rectifies what many considered a notable omission, further solidifying his legacy as a champion of democracy.