Thursday, former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan called for the revocation of national honors from those of doubtful character.
He stated that prizes should be given to deserving individuals, but thieves and criminals should be disgraced.
Jonathan proposed a proposal that would allow the federal government to revoke national honors from deserving individuals.
Jonathan spoke during the ceremony in Abakaliki when he was awarded the Grand Commander Ebonyi Hall of Fame (GCEHF). “Talking about awards, I want to say, probably, when we are making laws, at the federal level, there should be an amendment empowering the president or the governors to strike off such honors.”
According to Jonathan, the honor bestowed upon him will improve the relationship between Bayelsa and Ebonyi.
300 notable Nigerians from throughout the nation were honored at the occasion.
Among those honored on Thursday evening at the Christian Ecumenical Centre in Abakaliki was the late Nigerian head of state, General Sani Abacha.
In October 1996, he was the driving force for the foundation of the Ebonyi State, for which he was awarded the GCEHF posthumously.
Other recipients were the Chief of Staff for President Muhammadu Buhari, Ibrahim Gambari, the Chief of Defence Staff for Nigeria, General Lucky Irabor, two former governors of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi and Ayodele Fayose, and the former governor of Abia State, Chief Theodore Orji.
Governor Umahi also honored his predecessors, including Chief Martin Elechi, Senator Sam Egwu, and the first Military Administrator of the State, Navy Commander Walter Feghabor.
The president of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, was the honored guest and praised Umahi on his successes in the state.
Buhari was represented at the occasion by his Chief of Staff, Ibrahim Gambari, who stated that the policies of the Ebonyi State Governor are in line with the three pillars of his administration: the economy, security, and anti-corruption efforts.
He continued by stating that Umahi has made his state one of the country’s greatest rice producers.
