The Presidency has admitted an embarrassing error in its Democracy Day honours list, where two respected Nigerians, Pa Reuben Fasoranti and Dr Edwin Madunagu, were wrongly listed under the posthumous awards category.
The mistake was made during President Bola Tinubu’s Democracy Day speech at a joint session of the National Assembly on Thursday, where several pro-democracy activists were recognised for their roles in restoring democratic rule in Nigeria.
Pa Fasoranti, the leader of Yoruba socio-political group Afenifere, and Dr Madunagu, a well-known leftist thinker and journalist, are both alive.
Presidential spokesman Mr. Bayo Onanuga issued a statement on Friday acknowledging the mistake.
“Both distinguished individuals are very much alive and, therefore, should not have appeared in the posthumous category,” Onanuga said. “We sincerely regret this oversight. We shall make the necessary corrections across all State House digital platforms.”
The Presidency’s quick apology helped calm concerns, but many Nigerians have called for more careful checks when handling national recognitions.
The Democracy Day event marked June 12, a date now celebrated in honour of the struggle for free elections and democratic governance in Nigeria.
