The President also asks the awards committee to widen the scope of search for worthy candidates

President Goodluck Jonathan, on Monday, said his administration will strip people of “questionable credibility” of any national honours bestowed on them.

Speaking at the 2012 National Honours Award Investiture, held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, Jonathan said he had directed the National Honours Award Committee (NHAC) to compile the list of such people.

“We are convinced that the National Honours Award is a very important part of the symbols of the country’s values and pride,” he said. “Whilst government is always pleased to admit deserving persons into the ranks of those honoured by Nigeria, all holders must not fall short of our collective expectations. The dignity, honour and respect of the National Honours must never be tarnished.

In light of the foregoing, I have directed that the National Honours Committee compile a list of persons conferred with the National Honours but that their current credibility is questionable. If they are found wanting, our prestigious Honours will be withdrawn. This is essential in ensuring that holders of National Honours are truly worthy representations of our nation, chains of values and honour, and especially are patriotic Nigerians or real friends of our dear land.’’

Jonathan also directed the award committee to expand the scope of the search for recipients to include all strata of the society. He noted that the total of 4430 recipients of categories of the award since inception in 1963 was not enough, adding that many more Nigerians deserved the recognition.

Speaking on the recipients, Jonathan said they cut across far and wide and had distinguished themselves as icons and examples to all. He singled out Muhammad Zakari, a senior information officer on in the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation for his honesty.

Zakari, who was decorated with the Members of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) medal, was honoured for returning a N6 million payment made to him in error in November 2011.

Mike Adenuga, the CEO of Globacom, was decorated with the highest honour among all the recipients; Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON).

“He worked hard to establish Globacom as an international communication company which provides means of livelihood to over 100,000 Nigerians,” said Jonathan. “Today, across Ghana and Benin Republic, he has built a formidable brand and is expanding footholds in Cote d’Ivoire and Senegal.’’ 

A total of 155 recipients were decorated with six of the eight statutorily recognized categories of honours.

 The National Honours Award was established by the National Honours Act No 5 of 1964 but took retrospective effect from October 1, 1963.

The Act empowers the President to honour deserving citizens who have contributed to the development and progress of the country in any field of human endeavour.

1supremo: Why not confirm their characters before the conferment of the national chieftaincy titles in the first place

1supremo: Why not confirm their characters before the conferment of the national chieftaincy titles in the first place. I attest to the questionlessness of my character, when's my award to be expected? Just gimme the monetary rewards attached and keep the trophies.

SEEMESEEMEO: I think good luck should strip himself off the presidential sit first

SEEMESEEMEO: I think good luck should strip himself off the presidential sit first

GARRI (x7):
Sack Okukpe..
Sack Diezani...
Sack Ngozi...
Sack all the rogues in your govt....
Tell ur puppet in Bayelsa to sack the GHOST PM (Mrs Fellow Widows)

Long live Garri Republic!
Long Live Nairaland!
Long Live Seun!
Long Live Federal Republic of Nigeria!
God Bless GEJ......

All Enemies of the Nigerian Masses....DIE!!!!!
All Corrupt Office Holders............DIE!!!!!

okpara ugo: Its one of those usual presidential comments. If you happen to strip the person of the award, will you ask him to return the monetary aspect

''When a man wakes from sleep in a haste and mutters some words, he usually isnt accountable for such comments''.

misreal: u r sounding like an educated illiterate.i wonder if na u really write dis tin

1supremo: Why not confirm their characters before the conferment of the national chieftaincy titles in the first place. I attest to the questionlessness of my character, when's my award to be expected? Just gimme the monetary rewards attached and you can keep the trophies.

Ojuju Calabar: Who will head the committee or taskforce?