Timi Frank, former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the APC, has criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to confer the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on businessman Gilbert Chagoury. Frank called the move a dark moment for Nigeria, arguing that it signals that corruption and conflicts of interest are being normalized at the highest levels of power.

Frank highlighted Chagoury’s past, noting his 2000 conviction by a Swiss court for laundering funds linked to the late General Sani Abacha. The businessman reportedly paid a fine and returned about $66 million to Nigeria, yet the award seems to disregard these allegations, according to Frank.

The former APC official questioned the criteria for giving Chagoury one of Nigeria’s highest national honors, asking the public to demand clarity on the recipient’s contributions to national development. He raised concerns over what tangible projects, such as hospitals, schools, or scholarships, Chagoury has supported to merit such recognition.

Frank warned that honoring individuals publicly linked to corruption sends a dangerous message about Nigeria’s national values. He stressed that the decision undermines anti-corruption efforts, public trust, and has broader implications for Nigeria’s governance and international perception.