Outspoken critic and social commentator, Mahdi Shehu, has taken to his official X handle to express his disapproval of recent honors conferred by President Bola Tinubu. Citing a powerful line from a South African poem, “Men Shaved of All Human Honor,” Shehu likened the award of national honors to undeserving individuals as a gross misrepresentation of true merit.
In his post, Shehu boldly stated, “Let Tinubu confer ‘honor’ on anybody he wants, including villa dogs, ducks, crocodiles, soothsayers, and busybodies. All we know is that there is no amount of honor given to a criminal or fraudster that will make him honorable.”
Shehu’s pointed remarks appear to criticize Tinubu’s recent decisions regarding national awards, implying that even those with questionable pasts have been elevated to positions of honor. He further argued that the President’s actions mock the justice system, pointing out the hypocrisy of honoring individuals with dubious reputations while many convicts and detainees remain imprisoned for lesser offenses.
He added, “There are thousands of convicts and detainees in prisons or police stations on account of trading in hard drugs. Such people should also be considered for the honor of GCON and released immediately so that they can prepare for the 2027 elections.”
Mahdi Shehu’s fiery post reflects growing discontent among some Nigerians who believe that national awards are being diluted and given out indiscriminately, without proper regard for integrity and moral standing. His remarks have sparked significant debate online, drawing attention to the broader issue of how national recognition is granted and to whom.
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