“I Would Have Been Embarrassed” – Dele Momodu Says Tinubu Rescued Him From National Honour Dilemma

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dele Momodu, has said that he would have been embarrassed if his name was included in the national list of honours released by President Bola Tinubu.

In commemoration of the annulment of June 12 Presidential election, the President honoured some activists for the roles played within the period.

Reacting to the non-inclusion of his name, Momodu, said, ”I would have been embarrassed to be recognised by a regime that’s unapologetically trampling on tenets of democracy and dangerously leading our dear beloved nation down the slope of dictatorship and full-blown tyranny.

”On the other hand, it would have been considered rude and impudent of me to reject such a National honour from a man I still consider my Big Brother and friend, despite my vehement disagreement and displeasure with him over matters of political views.

”I wish to sincerely thank the President for rescuing me from what might have been misconstrued as compromise, arrogance or disrespect,” he stated.

Momodu further explained, ”I wish to humbly disagree with all those who have reached out to me protesting or complaining that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu “deliberately” missed out my name in the June 12 Honours’ list released.

”I will like to make the following observations:

”It is the prerogative of every government to determine those it wishes to recognise and honour.

”Honorary awards are endless and can be given now, later or never. There are well-deserving heroes whose names were clearly omitted.

”June 12 1993 has been extremely kind to me by offering me the opportunities to fight for democracy in various capacities. I was amply compensated by the collective sacrifices made by Nigerians.

”I returned from exile with so many goodies as ordained by Almighty God, including the global brand, Ovation International, a second address and citizenship in the UK, a third address in Ghana, worldwide fame and acclaim, and so on,” the Ovation magazine publisher stated.

”Massive congratulations to all the honorees,” he added.