‘What have you contributed? – Nigerians fire Keyamo, others over CON national award

Minister of State for Labour and Employment, and spokesperson for the defunct Bola Tinubu/Kashim Shettima President Campaign Organisation of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Festus Keyamo SAN, has come under fire barely hours after receiving the National Award of the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) conferred on him by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Keyamo is among a host of Nigerians government functionaries and businessmen and women who recently bagged national awards, including president-elect, Bola Tinubu and his vice, Kashim Shettima, last weekend, in Abuja.

Former Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola, Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom, Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa, Oluremi Tinubu, Philip Aduda, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, Yahaya Bello, and others, make the list roll call of awardees.

The CON list also includes serving ministers like; Rauf Aregbesola, Paullen Tallen, Geofrey Onyeama, Clem Agba, Mustapha Shehuri, Gbemisola Saraki, Chris Ngige, Sadiyya Umar Farouq, Sunday Dare, Suleman Adamu,   Mohammed Adamu, Olamilekun Adegbite, Isa Ali Pantami, George Akume, Adeleke Mamora, Hadi Sirika, and others.

However, while appreciating the government and President Muhammadu Buhari for conferring on him the national award, Mr. Keyamo, also a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) was asked what he has contributed to merit the honour, even as others described the roll call of awardees for the national award as a ‘Nigerian Hall of Shame,’ which included other ‘failed APC ministers.’

However, some also congratulated the junior minister on the national honours, describing the feat as ‘deserving.’

Taking to his Twitter handle (@fkeyamo), Sunday, to appreciate the national honours, Keyamo wrote: “I was very delighted to wake up this morning to the news of the conferment on my humble self of one of the highest National Honours of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) (No. 15 on the list). I was conferred along with other deserving and distinguished Nigerians.

“I had no single inkling this was coming and for this I am grateful to the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR. His style is to give honours and privileges to those deserving of them and not those who lobby for them.

“Thank you, Mr. President and may God Almighty continue to honour you even as you have honoured others,” Keyamo said.

However, barely hours after his post, Nigerians besieged his social media handle to call out the Minister of State, as they asked him what he has contributed to the development and growth of the country through his ministry, as some 

Below are some of the replies from Nigerians to the acknowledgement Keyamo post, Sunday.

Ifeanyi onuoha ((@ImIfeanyionuoha) wrote:

Festus Keyamo @fkeyamo while it is understandable that you may feel a sense of personal delight upon receiving the conferred national honor, it is essential to address the prevailing circumstances surrounding this honor.

The past eight years have brought immense hardship and allegations of looting by your government, leaving many Nigerians disillusioned and disheartened.

In this context, the conferment of such a prestigious title raises questions about its credibility and true merit.

The recent forceful selection of a drug baron as the next president, coupled with the allegations of rigged elections and an inability to fulfill the mandatory 25% FCT requirements, further erodes the legitimacy of the conferment process.

It is disconcerting to witness the erosion of democratic principles and the compromising of the judiciary, as it undermines the very fabric of governance and the rule of law.

As concerned citizens, it is our duty to hold our leaders accountable and demand transparency, fairness, and adherence to constitutional norms.

Honors and privileges should be bestowed upon individuals who embody integrity, demonstrate exemplary leadership, and genuinely contribute to the betterment of society.

It is crucial that we advocate for a just and inclusive system that upholds the principles of democracy, respects the will of the people, and ensures the constitutional process is strictly followed.

Harry O’Ofidonof Milan (@harryofido) wrote:

In times like these, it becomes imperative for citizens to voice their concerns and demand a more accountable and responsible leadership.

Let us strive for a future where national honors truly reflect the values and aspirations of a united and prosperous Nigeria.

This should be the list of the “Nigerian Hall of Shame”. Take a good look at this list and you will notice all Ministers failed woefully in their various ministries. Especially you and your senior colleague Ngige. Shame

Nafiu Muhammed (@nafiumuhammed) wrote:

Congratulations sir, you deserved it

Olasupo Jakes-Bsc (Hons), RPN (@OlasupoJakes)  wrote:

This is the “APC National Award.” Nigeria National Award has become meaningless and worthless. Liars and dishonest people are celebrating their nomination for the award. Honourable Nigerians refused the award.

Proudly Edo Woman. Ready for all (@Angela201045315) wrote:

What a reckless nation!! What have you contributed? This Nation is a joke!!!

Mr Sam (@UkachukuSamuel) wrote:

These national awards were once highly revered. But now…..just take a look at the list of awardees and see what the awards have become

Jeremiah Adetunji (@jeremiadetunj) wrote:

Congratulations to you if it makes you happy. But how honourable are you deep down when you’re in your closet and no one is watching?