As Nigeria commemorates 26 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, OrderPaper Nigeria has launched the ICONS of the Fourth Republic—a landmark initiative aimed at celebrating distinguished public figures who have made significant contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey through roles in both the legislative and executive arms of government.
Announced on Monday, the ICONS programme seeks to honour individuals whose service has helped shape the country’s governance and democratic development. At the heart of the initiative is the Book of Records, a premier legacy publication that will feature data-driven profiles of confirmed ICONS, documenting their legislative achievements and executive impact. It will be accompanied by a digital archive chronicling 25 years of governance transitions and institutional service.
Both the Book of Records and the archive will be officially presented during an exclusive gala and award night scheduled for August 2025.
Among those shortlisted for the inaugural edition are President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and First Lady Senator Remi Tinubu. Eleven state governors also made the list, including Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Bassey Otu (Cross River), Mohammed Bago (Niger), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Hope Uzodimma (Imo), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Uba Sani (Kaduna), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), and Monday Okpebholo (Edo).
Also recognised are 21 serving senators such as Orji Uzor Kalu, Ibrahim Dankwambo, Yahaya Abdullahi, Adams Oshiomhole, Seriake Dickson, Aliyu Wamakko, Gbenga Daniel, Abdulaziz Yari, Enyinnaya Abaribe, and Aminu Tambuwal. From the House of Representatives, the Leader of the 10th Assembly, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, is also among the honourees.
In addition, 22 members of President Tinubu’s cabinet, many of them former lawmakers, are being considered for inclusion. Leading the list are Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume. Cabinet members like Senators David Umahi, Heineken Lokpobiri, Abubakar Kyari, John Owan Enoh, and Abubakar Bagudu, alongside Ministers Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Yusuf Tuggar, and others, are also under consideration.
Several heads of government agencies, parastatals, and former top public officials are on the list, including Sen. Ken Nnamani, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Sen. Bukola Saraki, Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim, and former Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
OrderPaper noted that over the last 25 years, Nigeria has witnessed a unique pattern of leadership movement between legislative and executive roles—governors who became senators, ministers who were once lawmakers, and vice versa. This dynamic, known as the Facility for Legislative Executive Exchange (FLEX), inspired the ICONS programme.
The FLEX model is prominently reflected in the current administration. President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima both served as senators, and 22 of Tinubu’s cabinet members are former lawmakers—making it the highest such transition under any administration in Nigeria’s history.
Examples of prominent ICONS include:
- Sen. Godswill Akpabio, who rose from commissioner to governor, senator, minister, and now Senate President.
- Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso, a former governor, minister, and deputy speaker of the House of Representatives.
- Sen. Aminu Tambuwal, who has served as Speaker of the House, two-term governor, and currently as senator.
- Sen. Bukola Saraki, who transitioned from special assistant to governor, senator, and President of the Senate.
Speaking on the vision behind the initiative, Oke Epia, Chief Executive Officer of OrderPaper Nigeria and Convener of ICONS, said the project was designed to “honour the best of the best—leaders whose work has deepened our democratic experience and strengthened national development.”
According to Epia, all nominees have undergone a rigorous, non-partisan, and evidence-based vetting process, rooted in OrderPaper’s decade-long focus on legislative performance, transparency, and civic engagement.
He added, “ICONS of the Fourth Republic is more than a celebration—it is a national chronicle of excellence, service, and leadership. It ensures that the contributions of these statesmen and women are not only acknowledged but preserved for posterity.”
The ICONS programme is expected to set a new benchmark for how Nigeria recognises political leadership and documents democratic legacies in the Fourth Republic.
