Ex-APC Spokesman Slams GCON Award to Chagoury, Sparks National Debate

A former spokesman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has strongly criticised the decision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to confer the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on billionaire businessman Gilbert Chagoury, describing the honour as controversial and damaging to public trust.

In a statement issued on Monday, Frank, who served as Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the APC, said the award represents a “sad moment for Nigeria’s national honours system,” arguing that it undermines the principles of transparency, integrity and accountability that such honours are meant to uphold. Frank questioned the criteria used in selecting Chagoury for one of the country’s highest national honours, insisting that the decision sends the wrong signal to Nigerians, especially at a time when the government claims to be fighting corruption. He recalled reports linking Chagoury to a 2000 Swiss conviction over money-laundering connected to the Abacha loot, during which fines were reportedly paid and funds returned to Nigeria According to Frank, conferring a GCON on an individual with such a background “normalises impunity” and weakens Nigeria’s moral authority in the global fight against corruption. He also raised concerns about perceived conflicts of interest, citing Chagoury’s close business and personal ties to President Tinubu, as well as his involvement in major real-estate and infrastructure projects in Lagos. The national honours system should inspire confidence and unity, not controversy and suspicion,” Frank said, calling on the presidency to review the award and make public the justification for the decision. Despite the criticism, the presidency has defended the honour. President Tinubu formally conferred the GCON on Chagoury earlier in January, citing his “outstanding virtues and services to the country.” The award places Chagoury among a select group of Nigerians who have received the second-highest national honour, after the GCFR Reactions to the award have been mixed. While opposition figures and civil society voices have echoed Frank’s concerns, prominent business leaders have come out in support of Chagoury. Billionaire investor Femi Otedola publicly congratulated him, describing the honour as well-deserved and praising his contributions to landmark projects such as Banana Island and Eko Atlantic City, which he said have created jobs and boosted Nigeria’s profile. The controversy has reignited a broader national conversation about how Nigeria’s honours are awarded, the balance between economic contributions and ethical considerations, and whether reforms are needed to restore public confidence in the system.