Ex-APC spokesman slams GCON award to Chagoury

A former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Timi Frank, has criticised the conferment of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger on billionaire businessman Gilbert Chagoury.

Frank described the decision as a disappointing moment for Nigeria and questioned the criteria used in granting the national honour.

PUNCH Online had reported that President Bola Tinubu conferred the GCON honour on the businessman, and it was confirmed on Monday by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.

According to a copy of the instrument of conferment sighted by PUNCH Online, the honour was given at Abuja on January 8, 2026, the same day Chagoury marked his 80th birthday.

The document, signed by Tinubu, stated that the honour was conferred “In recognition of your outstanding virtues and in appreciation of your services to our country, Nigeria.”

Reacting in a statement on Monday, Frank said the award, which is Nigeria’s second-highest national honour, has raised concerns about transparency and national values.

Frank stated that the decision to honour the entrepreneur has weakened public confidence in the national honours system.

“Today ranks among the saddest days of my life as a Nigerian. There are reports that a Swiss court convicted Chagoury in 2000 in connection with laundering Abacha loot, after which he allegedly paid a fine of one million Swiss francs and returned about $66 million to the Nigerian government.

“To bestow one of our highest national honours on a person publicly tainted by allegations and judicial findings of corruption sends a deeply troubling message about our national values,” he said.

He stated that national honours should reflect clearly defined contributions to national development and inspire public trust, warning that any perception of inconsistency in the process could undermine the credibility of the awards.

Frank also raised concerns about what he described as the optics surrounding the award, particularly given reports linking Chagoury to major infrastructure projects and business interests within Nigeria.

“A national honour of this magnitude should be conferred in a manner that leaves no room for public doubt or controversy,” he said, stressing that transparency must guide both the selection process and the justification for such recognitions.

He further questioned the timing and broader implications of the award, arguing that government decisions should align with public expectations of accountability and ethical leadership.

Frank also cautioned international partners, including the United States, to remain attentive to public perceptions in Nigeria, noting that actions viewed domestically as controversial could have broader governance implications.

According to him, Nigeria must avoid situations where public honours become sources of division or distrust rather than national pride.

The former APC spokesman questioned the specific contributions that qualified Chagoury for the GCON, urging authorities to clearly outline the achievements that warranted the honour.

“Nigerians deserve to know the concrete contributions to national development that justified this award,” he said, calling for greater openness in the honours selection process.

Frank urged citizens and opposition groups to remain vigilant in promoting transparency, accountability and the rule of law, stressing that national institutions must reflect the aspirations of the people.

“Nigeria deserves a system where honours are symbols of unity, excellence and service,” he said.(Punch)