Garb receiving his award from Buhari (Image: FIJ)
Pastor Kunle Garb, who was jailed by Benin Republic in June for defending the sovereignty of Nigeria’s sovereignty, has been honored by President Muhammadu Buhari. The ceremony was held on September 30 in commemoration of Nigeria’s Independence Day celebration.
Garb, who is also a field missionary, was honored at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa with a Special Award for Patriotism and Bravery. Apart from the cleric, 59 other Nigerians got special recognition awards. Initially, 405 persons were nominated for the award. However, the Federal Government later selected 60 persons after series of screening.
(Image: FIJ)
The categories of persons considered for the award belonged to areas such as Education, Arts, Community, Healthcare, Business, Sports, International Achievement, Entertainment, and Industry. Also, there was the Life Time Award category.
Garb was arrested by Beninese Gendarmes on June 24 after he personally stood against the infringement into the country’s territory by Benin Republic, through Igbokofi, a border town in Yewa North Local Government, Ogun state.
Garb read about a book on Nigeria’s judicial system while he was awaiting trial. This made him take a decision to represent himself in court although the Nigerian Embassy in Benin and the Ogun State Government offered to help him.
(Image: FIJ)
On July 14, he won the case and reclaimed his freedom.
His act of bravery made government institutions like the office of the Surveyor General of Nigeria and the National Boundary Commission to review the activities of Benin Republic in Igbokofi.
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