Martha Kaltho, wife of the late investigative journalist, Bagauda Kaltho, has thanked President Bola Tinubu for awarding her husband a posthumous honour.

In a statement on Thursday, Ms Kaltho described the honour as a validation of the journalist’s unwavering commitment to truth, justice and the defence of democratic ideals.

“For me, this is the greatest source of joy, knowing that truth has finally prevailed and his legacy has been vindicated,” the widow said. “As the Wife of the late journalist, Bagauda Kaltho, my family and I wish to express our profound gratitude to His Excellency, President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, for the posthumous national honour conferred on him.”

She added, “My family recall the renaming of the Lagos state press centre in 1999 to ‘Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre’ by the president when he was Governor of Lagos state. These actions will remain engraved in our hearts.”

Noting that her husband “disappeared” sometime between late 1996 and early 1997 in the line of duty, Ms Kaltho stated that the national honour also served as a powerful reminder that the sacrifices of those who speak truth to power are never forgotten.

“Though he paid the ultimate price in the line of duty, today’s gesture by the Nigerian government restores a measure of justice to his memory and reminds us all of the enduring value of courageous journalism. 

“Also, with this honour, all lingering negative speculations surrounding his death have been effectively laid to rest, and those who once peddled falsehoods have been silenced,” she said. 

Mr Kaltho suffered the brutal effect of Gen Sani Abacha’s dictatorship. The journalist went missing in 1996 and his disappearance sent shockwaves across the media community.

On Thursday, Mr Tinubu conferred national honours on scores of Nigerians, dead and alive, noting that their sacrifices “weaved the culture of democracy into the very fabric of our nation.”