Timi Frank criticises the conferment of GCON on Gilbert Chagoury, calling it a dark moment for Nigeria and raising concerns over corruption and public trust

Timi Frank, former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, has condemned the conferment of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on businessman Gilbert Chagoury, describing it as a dark moment for Nigeria.

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Frank warned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that the award sends a dangerous signal, suggesting that corruption and conflicts of interest are being normalised at the highest levels of power.

The former APC official noted that Chagoury’s widely reported involvement in money-laundering cases linked to the late General Sani Abacha regime undermines public trust and Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts.

A Swiss court convicted Chagoury in 2000 over laundering Abacha loot, after which he allegedly paid a fine of one million Swiss francs and returned about $66 million to the Nigerian government.

“Today ranks among the saddest days of my life as a Nigerian,” Frank said.

“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.”

Frank questioned the criteria for awarding the GCON, urging Nigerians to seek clarity on Chagoury’s contributions to national development.

“What hospitals, schools, or scholarships has he built or funded to merit this honour?” he asked.

He added that the decision has broader implications for governance and international perception of Nigeria’s integrity.

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The remarks followed a congratulatory post by Nigerian billionaire Femi Otedola to Chagoury on social media.