Opposition Slams Tinubu’s GCON Award To Chagoury, Alleges Cronyism And Erosion Of National Values
Major opposition parties have criticised President Bola Tinubu over his decision to confer the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on billionaire businessman and longtime associate Gilbert Chagoury, describing the honour as a symbol of cronyism and a degradation of Nigeria’s national values.
The parties, speaking separately on Tuesday, questioned the timing, optics and justification of the award, which is Nigeria’s second-highest national honour, arguing that it reflects the politicisation of the national honours system.
The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) said the decision aligned with what it described as the President’s governing style, accusing Tinubu of indifference to public opinion and accountability.
According to the party, the conferment underscored concerns about the President’s priorities, particularly in light of his close personal and business ties with the Chagoury family and recent controversies surrounding major infrastructure contracts.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) also faulted the award, stating that while the President has the constitutional authority to confer national honours, the decision exposed what it described as the reduction of the honours system to the settlement of personal and political obligations.
The party warned that the practice undermines the credibility of national honours and diminishes their symbolic value.
Similarly, the Labour Party (LP) raised questions about whether Chagoury’s contributions to Nigeria justified the conferment of such a prestigious honour, insisting that national awards should be based on demonstrable national impact rather than proximity to power.
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The party noted that previous recipients of the GCON were individuals whose contributions to employment, economic development and national growth were widely acknowledged.
President Tinubu recently approved the conferment of the GCON on Chagoury, citing his contributions to Nigeria’s development.
In a letter dated January 8, the President said the honour was awarded in recognition of Chagoury’s services to the country, in line with the powers vested in him under the National Honours Act.
The award has, however, continued to generate debate, particularly against the backdrop of controversy surrounding the $11 billion Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway project, which was awarded to Chagoury’s company, Hitech, in 2024 amid concerns over transparency and the absence of a competitive bidding process.
Supporters of the honour, including billionaire businessman Femi Otedola, have defended the decision, citing Chagoury’s role in major infrastructure and real estate developments such as Eko Atlantic City and Banana Island, and their impact on job creation and urban development.
Chagoury, a Lebanese-Nigerian businessman born in Lagos, co-founded the Chagoury Group in 1971. The conglomerate has interests across construction, real estate, manufacturing, insurance, hospitality, telecommunications, information technology and international finance.