National Honours Awards And Professor Achebe’s 2nd Rejection

The national honour is one of the awards prominent Nigerians look forward to. But it has suffered from numerous credibility issues and subsequent rejections that have befell it. Even the gale of celebration couldn’t have stopped another rejection from happening to it again.

While in 2004, the renowned novelist Prof. Achebe rejected the award thereby drawing the irritation of the government of the day, this time it wasn’t different. Even the President has lamented his refusal, trying hard to tell everyone who cares how much electoral reforms he has brought and the impact it has had on the electoral process.

Specifically, in 2004, Prof. Chinua Achebe rejected the award on the way the former president handled the crisis that led to the abduction of former governor, Dr. Chris Ngige.

As celebration balloons, all is not well as Prof. Achebe’s rejection has saddened the president thereby inviting the reaction of the president’s spokesman who had said that he is surprise at Prof. Achebe’s claim that the issues that prompted his rejection the last time remains unresolved.

While the award has been described as a political settlement for government loyalists, it more than anything calls for a moment of deep reflection. It is one that throws up flashes of government disappointing delivery in security, anti-people policies and saddening events that have left a soured taste our lips. Recent activities, has painted the government as an anti-people government. This award certainly fills our heart with pains of needless violence, losses, damaged national psyche and a nation on the throes of divisive forces.

For the president next time, they should contact potential awardees to confirm by writing whether they wish to be put forward for an award before any public pronouncement is made. Those who reject award use it to voice political aspiration and reservation. Prof Achebe is unhappy with the way governance has been and what we demand is a positive  change.

One Comment

1. 

   Maroty

   November 15, 2011 at 10:17 am

   Thats very honorable of Chinua Achebe