Kaduna, Nigeria – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) on Colonel Abubakar Dangiwa Umar (Rtd), a distinguished figure in Nigeria’s democratic struggle and a vocal advocate for justice.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that the honour was officially announced during the commissioning of a 300-bed hospital and vocational training institute in Kaduna on Thursday.
Speaking at the event, President Tinubu praised Colonel Umar for his historic stand in defence of the June 12, 1993, presidential mandate and described him as a “Soldier of Democracy.”
“Colonel Abubakar Umar stood firmly on the side of justice when it mattered most,” the President said. “His courage in defending the June 12 mandate and his unwavering commitment to democratic ideals deserve our nation’s deepest gratitude.”
Colonel Umar, a former military governor of Kaduna State, gained national prominence for openly opposing the annulment of the June 12 election, which was widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest.
He also supported the mandate of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, the presumed winner of that historic election, at a time when many were silent.
Despite his key role in the democracy struggle, Colonel Umar’s name was omitted from the list of honorees during the recent June 12 Democracy Day celebrations.
President Tinubu addressed the oversight directly, offering a public apology.
“I deeply regret that his name was not included among the June 12 honorees earlier this month. That omission has now been corrected,” he stated.
The conferment of the CFR on Colonel Umar has been widely welcomed by civil society groups, pro-democracy activists, and political commentators as long overdue.
The newly commissioned hospital and vocational centre in Kaduna also marks a milestone in the administration’s drive to expand healthcare services and empower Nigerian youth through skills training and economic development.