The Nigerian Presidency has issued a formal apology after an error was discovered in the recently announced Democracy Day National Honours list. The mistake involved the inclusion of two living pro-democracy activists, Pa Reuben Fasoranti and Dr. Edwin Madunagu, in the posthumous award category.
In an official statement released by the presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency clarified that both Fasoranti, a well-known Afenifere leader, and Dr. Madunagu are alive and should not have been listed among honourees recognized posthumously.
The statement read: “During his Democracy Day address at the joint session of the National Assembly earlier today, President Bola Tinubu announced a list of pro-democracy activists and national figures to be honoured for their significant contributions to the restoration of democratic governance in Nigeria.
“Under the Posthumous Award category, the names of Pa Reuben Fasoranti, the Afenifere leader, and Dr. Edwin Madunagu were incorrectly included.
“Both distinguished individuals are very much alive and, therefore, should not have appeared in the posthumous category.
“We sincerely regret this oversight. We shall make the necessary corrections across all State House digital platforms. We appreciate your understanding.”
The Presidency further assured Nigerians that the necessary corrections would be promptly made to all official platforms to accurately reflect the status of the honourees. This incident underscores the government’s commitment to properly honouring both living and deceased heroes of Nigeria’s democracy.