Senator Emma Nwaka has expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for conferring the National Honour of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) posthumously on Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Godwin Kanu (Rtd) during the 2025 Democracy Day celebrations.
In a statement made available to Newsmen, Senator Nwaka described the award as a “richly deserved” recognition of the late naval officer’s fearless and active role in the struggle to actualise the presidential mandate freely given to the late Chief MKO Abiola in the historic June 12, 1993 election.
“The award, which was in recognition of the active and fearless role played by R. Adm. Kanu—not Navy Commodore as erroneously stated in the citation—during the struggle for the actualisation of the presidential mandate which the people of Nigeria gave to the late Chief MKO Abiola on June 12, 1993, is richly deserved”, Sen Nwaka said.
He recalled that at great personal risk and despite his illustrious career as a top military officer and seasoned administrator, Rear Admiral Kanu courageously joined fellow compatriots in the streets to protest the annulment of what is widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and most credible election.
Sen. Nwaka further commended President Tinubu for recognising Rear Admiral Kanu’s sacrifices and contributions to Nigeria’s democracy, adding that the honour is a fitting tribute to a patriot who gave so much for the country’s progress.
Rear Admiral Kanu, it would be recalled was the first military administrator of the old Imo State.
The blueprint he crafted is what is guiding the development of Imo State to date. He also served as military governor of Lagos State and was, at one time, the youngest member of the Armed Forces Ruling Council of Nigeria. Like Senator Emma Nwaka, R. Adm Kanu, hailed from Isuikwuato in Abia State
