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"National Honour Sparks Controversy: PDP Slams Tinubu for Conferring GCON on Indian PM Modi"

By Achimi Muktar

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to bestow Nigeria’s second-highest national honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), on visiting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ignited heated debate across political lines.

During the Nigeria-India bilateral meeting in Abuja, Tinubu praised Modi for his leadership and the robust partnership between the two nations, declaring the award a gesture of Nigeria’s appreciation. “Nigeria values its excellent relationship with India,” Tinubu said. “This honour signifies our commitment to deepening our ties for the mutual benefit of our friendly countries.”

Modi, on his part, commended Nigeria for the warm reception and pledged support for flood-affected communities, announcing 20 tonnes of relief materials. “We had productive discussions,” Modi said, highlighting opportunities for collaboration in sectors like trade, defence, energy, and technology.

PDP Criticizes the Award as Misplaced Priority

However, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was unimpressed. Timothy Osadolor, the PDP’s Deputy National Youth Leader, called the gesture unnecessary and out of touch with pressing national challenges.

“While the President has the prerogative to confer national honours, there should be clear criteria,” Osadolor argued. “What has Modi done to deserve GCON? Nigerians are hungry and grappling with harsh realities, yet Tinubu is handing out awards that hold little relevance.”

Osadolor questioned why Tinubu didn’t use the visit to draw lessons from India’s economic transformation. “India has moved from being the poverty capital to becoming one of the fastest-growing economies. Its citizens lead global tech giants. Instead of seeking actionable insights, Tinubu opts for photo ops and empty gestures,” he said.

APC Defends Tinubu’s Actions

In contrast, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) defended Tinubu’s decision, dismissing the PDP’s criticism as baseless. Nze Chidi Duru, APC’s Deputy National Organising Secretary, emphasized that the President acted within his constitutional rights.

“Such awards are at the discretion of the President,” Duru said. “Rather than criticizing every move, the opposition should focus on presenting constructive solutions to Nigeria’s challenges.”

Duru also highlighted the significance of strengthening diplomatic ties with India, a strategic partner in trade and technology.

A Broader Perspective on Nigeria-India Ties

Amid the controversy, experts highlighted the potential benefits of Modi’s visit. Dr. Sylvester Okere, a Nigerian security expert based in the U.S., described the visit as pivotal for fostering collaboration in security, trade, and education.

“This visit paves the way for high-level discussions on strategic areas of mutual interest,” Okere said. He is set to address the Central Association of Private Security Industry in India on enhancing partnerships between the two nations.

Public Reaction Divided

The conferment of GCON on Modi has polarized public opinion. While some Nigerians see it as a diplomatic move to strengthen ties with India, others view it as symbolic excess at a time when the nation faces pressing economic and social challenges.

As the debate unfolds, one thing is clear: the scrutiny on Tinubu’s decisions reflects the growing expectation for meaningful leadership amidst Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.