Former National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) activist and prominent pro-democracy advocate, Chief Ralph Obioha, has declined a national honour conferred on him by President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement released yesterday, Obioha expressed his gratitude to President Tinubu and the Federal Government for the recognition but explained that accepting the award would conflict with the core democratic principles he fought for during Nigeria’s military era.
”Accepting this honour while these critical issues remain unaddressed would compromise the very principles of justice I have fought for throughout my life,” Obioha stated.
Obioha highlighted the ongoing captivity of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) as a key factor and he pointed to the volatile security situation across the country as incompatible with the celebration of national honours.
Obioha, who was a key figure in the struggle against military dictatorship in the 1990s, maintained that his stance aligns with his lifelong commitment to justice, human rights, and the rule of law. The presidency has yet to issue an official response to his rejection of the award.
