A former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has criticised the conferment of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on billionaire businessman Gilbert Chagoury, describing the decision as disappointing and damaging to public confidence in Nigeria’s national honours system.
Frank questioned the criteria used in granting the award, warning that it has raised serious concerns about transparency and national values.
President Bola Tinubu conferred the GCON honour on Chagoury earlier this month, a move confirmed on Monday by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga. According to the instrument of conferment seen by PUNCH Online, the award was presented in Abuja on January 8, 2026, the same day Chagoury marked his 80th birthday.
The document, signed by Tinubu, stated that the honour was conferred “in recognition of your outstanding virtues and in appreciation of your services to our country, Nigeria.”
Reacting in a statement on Monday, Frank said the decision had weakened public trust in the national honours system.
“Today ranks among the saddest days of my life as a Nigerian,” he said, alleging that a Swiss court had convicted Chagoury in 2000 in connection with laundering funds linked to the late military ruler, General Sani Abacha. He claimed the businessman paid a fine of one million Swiss francs and returned about $66 million to the Nigerian government.
“To bestow one of our highest national honours on a person publicly tainted by allegations and judicial findings of corruption sends a deeply troubling message about our national values,” Frank said.
He stressed that national honours should reflect clearly defined contributions to national development and inspire public trust, warning that any perception of inconsistency in the process could undermine the credibility of the awards.
Frank also raised concerns about what he described as the optics surrounding the award, particularly given reports linking Chagoury to major infrastructure projects and business interests in Nigeria.
“A national honour of this magnitude should be conferred in a manner that leaves no room for public doubt or controversy,” he said, adding that transparency must guide both the selection process and justification for such recognitions.
He further questioned the timing and broader implications of the award, arguing that government decisions must align with public expectations of accountability and ethical leadership.
Frank cautioned international partners, including the United States, to remain attentive to public perceptions in Nigeria, noting that actions seen domestically as controversial could have wider governance implications.
According to him, Nigeria must avoid situations where public honours become sources of division or distrust rather than national pride.
The former APC spokesman also challenged authorities to clearly state the specific contributions that qualified Chagoury for the GCON, urging greater openness in the honours process.
“Nigerians deserve to know the concrete contributions to national development that justified this award,” he said, calling on citizens and opposition groups to remain vigilant in promoting transparency, accountability and the rule of law.
“Nigeria deserves a system where honours are symbols of unity, excellence and service,” he added.
