Dele Momodo: I would have been embarrassed to be recognized by a regime that dangerously guides Nigeria along the slope of the dictatorship, full tyranny

*Re: dispute of national honors of 12 June

I would like to be humbly disagreed with all those who contacted me to protest or complain about the fact that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu “deliberately” has lost my name on the list of honors of June 12 published today. I’d like to make the following observations:
1. It is the prerogative of each government to determine those who want to recognize and honor.
2. Honorary prizes are infinite and can be given now, later or never. There are deserving heroes whose names have been clearly omitted.
3. 12 June 1993 was extremely kind to me by offering me the opportunities to fight for democracy in various skills. I was widely compensated by the collective sacrifices made by the Nigerians. I returned from exile with so many goodies ordered by Almighty God, including the global brand, Ovation International, a second address and citizenship in the United Kingdom, a third address in Ghana, fame and consents all over the world and so on.
4. I would have been embarrassed to be recognized by a regime that is not apologically trampled on the principles of democracy and dangerously guiding our dear beloved nation along the slope of the dictatorship and full tyranny. On the other hand, it would have been considered rude and impudent on my part rejecting a national honor by a man who still consider my older brother and friend, despite my disagreement vehement and the displeasure with him for issues of political opinions … I wish to sincerely thank the president for having saved me from what could have been misunderstood as a compromise, arrogance or dispersion …
Massive congratulations to all honors …

– Dele Momodu
Accra, Ghana