Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo whose open letter to the President almost tour the nation into pieces however stole the show, by hugging and bowing several times in a handshake to Jonathan after receiving his certificate of merit.
Others were General Muhammadu Buhari, who has always been absent from all Council of State meetings. General Yakubu Gowon, who is the closest to President Goodluck Jonathan, the generals from Minna, Niger State, Gen. Badamasi Babangida and Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar.
Also present were Chief Ernest Shonekan, who ruled Nigeria for only three months and was forced by General Sani Abacha to resign and the former civilian President, Alhaji Shehu Shagari. They were all conferred with certificate of merit at the ceremony which was broadcast worldwide.
Also honored were late former head of states, General Sani Abacha, Alhaji Musa Yar’ Adua, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 general elections, Chief MKO Abiola.
Former Commonwealth Secretary General Chief Emka Anyaoku and many who have distinguished themselves in business and academics like first female Vice Chancellor in Nigerian University (UNIBEN) Professor Grace Alele Williams, Professor Chike Obi, Professor Claude Ake and Aliko Dangote among others.
Queen of England, Queen Elizabeth and the late Human Right Activist, Chief Gani Fawehinmi were among those honoured at the event.
