Sources: FG to amend leaked national honours’ list after backlash

The federal government is set to amend a list of persons nominated for national honours, TheCable understands.

A source told TheCable that an adjustment of the list will be done following concerns over inconsistencies, errors, and the absence of notable names for the awards.

Over the weekend, TheCable reported that a total of 437 persons were nominated by the federal government to receive national honours.

The awards will be presented by President Muhammadu Buhari on October 11, at an event scheduled to hold at the state house in Abuja.

According to the list seen by TheCable, five persons — Senate President Ibrahim Lawan, Olukayode Ariwoola, chief justice of Nigeria (CJN); Tanko Muhammad, former CJN; Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, director-general of the World Trade Organisation (WTO); and Amina J. Mohammed, deputy secretary-general of the United Nations — are nominated for grand commander of the order of the Niger (GCON).

Those listed for the award of commander of the order of the federal republic (CFR) are the late Abba Kyari, former chief of staff; the late Ibrahim Attahiru, former chief of army staff; Monica Dongban-Mensem, president of the court of appeal; Oladayo Amao, chief of air staff, among others.

However, TheCable observed that former Senate President Bukola Saraki is missing from the list of persons nominated for the awards.

On the list, Bayo Ogunlesi, founder of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), is also erroneously described as the owner of Gatwick Airport.

Ogunlesi is the chief executive officer and founder of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), a global infrastructure fund management company.

Gatwick Airport, England, was initially owned by the British Airports Authority (BAA) until 2009 when it was acquired by a GIP-led consortium.

Gatwick Aiport announced in 2019 that VINCI Airports, a leading private airport operator, acquired a 50.01 percent stake in the airport, making VINCI the majority stakeholder, and leaving GIP with 49.99 percent interest in the airport.

TheCable had also reported that Kayode Fayemi, governor of Ekiti, was again nominated to receive the award of commander of the order of the Niger (CON).

In 2014, Fayemi received the same award under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Meanwhile, TheCable understands that the federal government is also considering an upgrade of category for some persons who are currently on the list.

Reacting to the list in circulation in a statement issued on Monday, the federal ministry of special duties and inter-governmental affairs said the list of nominees will be made available to the public at the appropriate time.