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Tag: Fawehinmi

  • New UNIABUJA VC, Fawehinmi, targets renewable energy, higher standards

    New UNIABUJA VC, Fawehinmi, targets renewable energy, higher standards

    The newly appointed Vice-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University, Professor Hakeem Fawehinmi, has unveiled an ambitious agenda anchored on renewable energy, academic excellence, and improved welfare, as he moves to reposition the institution for higher global visibility and relevance.

    Speaking shortly after an interactive session with the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, Fawehinmi said his administration would prioritise the creation of an enabling academic environment driven by research productivity, inclusivity, and effective management of diversity.

    According to him, harmony among staff and students, coupled with improved safety and welfare, is central to delivering quality graduates and raising the university’s ranking.

    A major pillar of his vision is the deployment of renewable energy solutions to tackle power challenges on campus and beyond.

    The Vice-Chancellor disclosed that the university is working out modalities to generate sustainable power through solar farms and hydro-related solutions around the Giri River axis.

    He said the plan is not only to meet the university’s energy needs but also to extend electricity to surrounding host communities as part of its corporate social responsibility.

    Fawehinmi explained that the renewable energy initiative would also serve as a practical laboratory for students, boosting experiential learning, tech entrepreneurship, and innovative research.

    He added that the project is expected to stimulate agriculture and tourism, with plans to site solar farms on elevated areas and explore floating solar systems alongside agricultural activities.

    On the contentious issue of declining educational standards amid the proliferation of universities, the Vice-Chancellor expressed concern, noting that unchecked expansion has diluted regulatory oversight and eroded quality manpower.

    He argued that many private universities operate far below capacity and are unable to cater to the broader Nigerian population, describing the Federal Government’s recent move to halt the establishment of new universities as a necessary corrective step.

    Addressing security and industrial harmony, Fawehinmi said his administration is strengthening surveillance through community policing and closer collaboration with local vigilantes to secure the expansive campus.

    To curb incessant industrial actions, he pledged an inclusive and transparent management style that prioritises staff welfare, open communication, and participatory decision-making.

    “Our approach is simple,” he said. “Carry everyone along, be transparent, and ensure that staff and students feel secure, valued, and heard. That is how to build a stable university system.”

    With these measures, Fawehinmi said Yakubu Gowon University is poised to emerge as a model public university that combines academic excellence with innovation, sustainability, and community impact.

  • Developers accused of endangering Fawehinmis’ lives: we followed due diligence

    Developers accused of endangering Fawehinmis’ lives: we followed due diligence

    The landowners and developers of a four-storey apartment alleged to be endangering the lives of the family of late legal luminary, Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAN), has denied the allegations, insisting that their building followed the standards and procedures approved by regulatory authorities.

    A coalition of family members and close friends of the late Fawehinmi at the weekend demanded the demolition of the property in front of Gani’s building on Ademola Close, off Remi Fani Kayode Street, Ikeja GRA.

    In the statement, the coalition alleged that the property was a hotel, adding that a 1,000-litre water tank mounted in the premises had collapsed three times into the late sage’s property, endangering the lives of his family members.

    They alleged that property violated Lagos State Urban Planning Laws, particularly the mandatory three-metre setback between structures.

    The group raised significant safety and privacy concerns, claiming that the building not only looms over the Fawehinmi compound but also poses a security risk, potentially serving as a surveillance or access point for criminal elements.

    Read Also: FG, states set for direct revenue allocation to LGs

    But at a news conference yesterday, the land owners and developers described the allegation as untrue.

    Head of Projects, Morakinyo Abolude, said they got the building permits and ensured that the authorities visited the site at every stage for compliance.

    “It is a fact that building permits can only be granted by the state government through relevant agencies. They determine the type of building/structure approvable in a particular location and the limit in terms of height.

    “An individual cannot be the one to decide what he/she wants to be built around his/her house simply because he/she is a senior citizen.

  • Fawehinmi left a legacy of justice, says Keyamo

    Fawehinmi left a legacy of justice, says Keyamo

    The late Chief Gani Fawehinmi( SAN) left a legacy of commitment to justice for the common man.

    Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN) stated this in his goodwill message  delivered at the 21st Chief Gani Fawehinmi Annual Lecture (Fawehinmiism 2025), with the theme: “Nigeria, 15 Years After Gani.”

    It was organised by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja Branch in Lagos.

    Keyamo said of Fawehinmi: “His legacy is one of courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to justice for the common man.”

    The minister was represented by Dr. Henry Agbebire, a Director in Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

    He described the late Fawehinmi, “as a man whose indelible mark on human rights advocacy, public service, and the legal profession continues to inspire all of us.”

    Read Also: FG assures Nigerians of economic recovery, growth

    Keyamo recalled that his journey as a human rights activist began in his formative years under the mentorship of the legendary Fawehinmi.

    “ I take great pride in the continued relevance of the issues that shaped my early legal career, including the protection of citizens’ rights, the importance of accountable governance, and the advocacy for equitable public policy.

    “These same principles fuel my work today as the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.”

    He commended the NBA Ikeja Branch for ensuring that the spirit of Fawehinmiism lives on, and for focusing this year’s lecture on the crucial topic of “Bretton Woods and the African Economies: Can Nigerians Survive Another Structural Adjustment Programme?”

    He said that the insightful discussions would serve as a platform for generating ideas that can guide the nation towards sustainable economic progress and social justice.

    He promised to  support initiatives that promote the values of fairness, human rights, and socio-economic advancement.

  • ANA Lagos hails honour for Abiola, Fawehinmi

    THE Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Lagos Chapter, has lauded the posthumous national honours conferred on Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola (MKO), the late human rights activist, Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAN) and Babagana Kingibe.

    The group, in a statement signed by the Chairman, Publicity Sub-Committee, ANA 2018 International Convention, Feyi-Abiodun Samson Oyeniyi, described the move by President Muhammed Buhari in resuscitating the issues of June 12 and efforts to right the wrongs of the era as a step in the right direction.

    “The announcement of June 12 as the new democracy day as against May 29 is courageous and symbolic of empathy with an average Nigerian, who have lost faith in the nation’s leadership particularly, at the centre, as well as in our electoral system since the annulment of the June 12 election in 1993 by Gen. Ibrahim Babangida and the eventual murder of the symbol of the epoch-making electoral exercise.

     

     

     

  • UPDATED: Tinubu, Alaafin of Oyo, others in Aso Rock for Abiola’s investiture

    The national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Senator Jonathan Zwingina were among the early arrivals at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Tuesday.

    They were in the State House for the investiture ceremony of the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, late Chief Moshood Abiola and other heroes of democracy.

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Adeyemi Lamidi, also arrived the old Banquet Hall of the State House at 8: 50 a.m

    The Federal Government will confer a posthumous award of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) on Abiola.

    The late foremost human rights activist, Chief Gani Fawehinmi and Abiola’s running mate in 1993, Amb. Babagana Kingibe, will also receive the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) award.

    Fawehinmi will be conferred with a posthumous GCON award.

     

  • ‘Buhari deserves commendation for honouring Abiola, Fawehinmi’

    The Centre Against Injustice and Domestic Violence (CAIDOV) has expressed satisfaction over the posthumous honour bestowed on the late Chief M.K.O Abiola and the human rights activist, the late Gani Fawehinmi (SAN).

    A statement made available to journalists by Comrade Gbenga Soloki, the Executive Director of the organisation, said: “Today, June 6, is one of the happiest days of my life. And the reason for this is that a sitting president of Nigeria honoured these great men and recognised June 12 as the real Democracy Day.

    “No doubt, President Buhari deserves commendation. We have had a president in this country who should have honoured his kinsman but played politics with it. “

    The organisation called on Nigerians to see this federal government gesture not as a bait or trick towards the 2019 general election but an honour delayed for too long.

    Soloki also berated the National Assembly leadership for constituting itself as a rival against the executive.

    He said: “We have never had it this bad. Our current National Assembly leadership does not mean well for this country. It politicizes every good intention of the executive to sanitise the system.”

  • Nigerians react to presidential honour for Abiola, Fawehinmi

    Olusegun Osoba

    Two-time Governor of Ogun State Aremo Olusegun Osoba said: “I am very happy and highly elated. It is a major thing to accept Abiola as the president of Nigeria that was not sworn in. The honour of GCFR is reserved for presidents. Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who was the best president we never had, got it also without being president. I salute the President for the honour given to Alhaji Baba Gana Kingibe. The GCON is always given to vice presidents.

    “The acceptance of June 12 as the ‘Democracy day’ is in recognition of the supreme price that Abiola paid. It has elevated Abiola to the status of an international figure like Martin Luther King, who fought for justice and liberation in the United States.”

    Balarabe Musa

    “The decision is commendable and proper. I hope Nigerians will learn from it. June 12 was a watershed. We were united as a country to end the military rule. We shunned our differences to vote for Abiola. The election was peaceful. Buhari has the courage to do the right thing, which some thought was difficult. June 12 is the proper “Democracy Day” in Nigeria when people put their differences away.

    “MKO Abiola sacrificed himself for the country. The chairman of the electoral commission at that time admitted that Abiola actually won the election. Therefore, I support the president on this. It is commendable because June 12 was a watershed.”

    Mr. Wale Oshun

    A former Chief Whip of the House of Representatives Mr. Olawale Oshun applauded the president, saying he had succeeded where former President Olusegun Obasanjo failed.

    Oshun, a former Secretary of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) and Afenifere: “It is a great day for democracy. Giving Chief MKO Abiola and Chief Gani Fawehinmi the highest honours is in appreciation of the sacrifices made by the members of the civil society groups. It is a honour for the people who were shot along Ikorodu Road, Lagos by the military during the protests against the annulment. It has been late in coming. The first civilian president in this dispensation ought to have taken the decision. But, we are grateful that Buahri has done it.”

    Chief Deju Fasuan

    To the Chairman of the Committee for the Creation of Ekiti State, Chief Deji Fasua, the president had wormed himself into the hearts of democracy-loving people, who had anticipated the immortalisation for a long time.

    He said Abiola should now be properly recognised as a president-elect, adding that his portrait should be accorded its proper place among past Nigerian leaders.

    Fasua said: ”At last, President Muhammadu Buhari has become a politician. He has caught the nation completely unawares. Declaring June 12 as a ‘Democracy day’ is a monumental breakthrough in the history of Nigeria. It means that everything that was done to abort the wishes of the people have been erased from our political lexicon and history.

    “I urge Nigerians to observe, gratify and reward Buhari for his position in Nigeria’s politics. Considering the present circumstances, Buhari’s name should be written in gold.”

    Joe Okei-Odumakin

    Pro-democracy activist and leader of ‘Women Arise’ Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin said: “The decision is accepted, 24 years after the annulment. We have always clamoured that June 12 should be the ‘Democracy Day.’ We have been marking it every year. The honours to Abiola and Fawehinmi are good.

    “The greatest post-humus recognition is that Abiola should be treated as a past president and we want his portrait to be included among past presidents. Also, in memory of June 12, the president make a commitment to free and fair elections in 2019.

    Chief Ayo Adebanjo

    “It is a welcome development, but belated. It does not put food on the table now. He should go and restructure the country. What he has done now is a palliative. It cannot erase the problem in the country.”

    It’s ironic Buhari is doing this, says Yakassai

    Former Second Republic Specail Adviser Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, said it is ironic that President Muhammadu Buhari who did not at any point speak against the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election would suddenly declare it as the freest and fairest in Nigerian democratic history.

    Yakasai described what President Buhari did as “his power of incumbency to seek for support of the electorate

    “The implication of his action today is that the election was free, fair and credible and therefore the annulment of the election was unjustifiable and illegal. Since he has gone to the extent of rewarding the late Abiola and his running mate for not being allowed to enjoy their mandate, it is an open admission that the annulment was illegal.

    “The honest thing Buhari could have done was to revalidate the result of that election, by asking the electoral commission to officially announce the result and declare the winner. The fact that Abiola is dead does not make any difference, because his running mate is still alive.

    “So, the election can still be made valid and since Abiola is not alive, his running mate can take over the reins of government, having been declared the winner of that election. Therefore, Buhari should have handed over power to Babagana Kingibe, who was the running mate of Abiola.”

    It’s welcome , says Afenifare

    Afenifere leader Pa Rueben Fasoranti said: “It is a welcome development. But, it is too late. The president ought to have done it before. Abiola deserves it. It is a welcome news.

    Second Republic Senator Ayo Fasanmi thanked the president for immortalizing Abiola, urging the political class to emulate the symbol of June 12.

    Fasanmi said: “The election of June 12, 1993 was the fairest election ever. Abiola won convincely. But, Babangida did not allow it to materialise. Democracy was murdered by Babangida. Democracy was crucified through the annulment of June 12, 19993 poll. Therefore, what the president has done is a right step in the right direction.

    “On June 12, 1993, it was a Muslim/Muslim ticket. It was a clean and clear election. It is better to make June 12 the ‘Democracy Day;’ the day democracy was murdered. Things were orderly when I was in the House of Representatives in the First Republic and when I was in the Senate in the Second Republic. Some people have made the Federal Republic of Nigeria to a Republic of corruption. This is what Buhari is trying to end. I support Buhari’s decision to honour Abiola.”

    Olorunimbe Mamora

    Former Senate Deputy Minority Leader Senator Olorunimbe Mamora hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for recognising Abiola and the honour done him.

    Mamora said the President has done something his predecessors failed to do by righting the wrong of the past. According to him, this singular act of President Buhari is commendable. Though Abiola is no more but his legacy lives on. I join millions of lovers of democracy in commending President Buhari for that singular act.

    “One of the greatest acts of leadership is recognising what is good in others, that is what Buhari has done. He had written his name in gold in the political history of Nigeria”.

    Joe Igbokwe

    The Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Mr Joe Igbokwe was excited by President Buhari  decision to adopt June 12 as Democracy Day and the post humous award of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic for Abiola.

    Igbokwe said Buhari had healed the wound that has been hunting Nigeria since 1993. “Abiola won the election but he was denied victory by Ibrahim Babangida, Sani Abacha and Olusegun Obasanjo. This great injustice is what has been holding Nigeria down. Buhari has achieved what the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) failed to do while in power for 16 years. With this act, PDP has been buried.

    “I want President Buhari to go a step further by paying compensation to Abiola‘s family because the June 12 saga had ruined Abiola’s chain of business. Abiola died in the struggle for his mandate, the Concord newspapers, the bookshop, Concord Airline and many others have gone under.

    Monday Ubani

    Lawyer and human rights activist Monday Ubani, said this is what he expected from President Buhari immediately he assumed power in 2015. It is better than never, he said.

    Ubani said President Buhari deserved commendation for having courage to revert the manifest injustice meted to Abiola.

    Niyi Akintola

    A senior advocate Chief Niyi Akintola, described the declaration of June 12 as Democracy Day and the post humous award for Abiola as a welcome development. “It is a good way of immortalising the winner of the June 12poll. We have been clamouring for it in the South West”.

    Femi Okurounmu

    “It is a good one, though it is belated. We appreciate it that it is coming from him. The conferment of GCFR on Abiola is also welcome, it is commendable.

    “Having said that, I think these are all desperate moves to woo the votes of the Southwest. It is like someone setting a trap and placing some very delicious food on the trap so that you swallow it and get caught.

    “He wants to catch us once again in 2019. We have always demanded for the recognition of June 12, he has given them to us now, so that he can catch us again by the neck in 2019.

    “What I will say is that we should play smart, we should thank him for it and show appreciation. These are things that Abiola deserved, so we appreciate it for doing him the honour.

    Chief Chekwas Okorie

    The National Chairman of the United Progressives Party (UPP), Chief Chekwas Okorie, said President Buhari’s action is nothing but high wire politics. He said: “I must tell you that this is high wire politics. Our president is waxing stronger politically. It has been a long time that many discerning Nigerians, including my humble self, had thought that the late Chief M.K.O Abiola, who died to uphold democracy should be honoured. He had opportunity to sellout; he had the opportunity to avoid the discomfort of incarceration, if only he could renounce the mandate. He did not yield to that rather he defended the mandate.

    “I want to say June 12 will be an appropriate day to mark democracy. That argument has been put up for a long time. If by this time, President Buhari has decided to do the right thing, he should be commended. Though I said it was high wired politics, but it is politics in the right direction. It is politics that is induced in political savvy, it is a welcome development. There is nothing sacrosanct about May 29. It was the creation of Obasanjo and because of Obasanjo’s hostilities the man acted this way.”

  • Draw strength from late Fawehinmi’s legacies, Ambode, others urge Nigerians

    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Sunday urged Nigerians to draw strength from the legacies and exemplary life of the late human rights lawyer,  Chief Gani Fawehinmi.

    He urged them to do so in fighting poverty and improving the society for the benefit of generations to come.

    Ambode, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr Idiat Adebule, made the call at the unveiling of the remodelled statue of late Fawehinmi at Liberty Park in Ojota area of Lagos.

    The unveiling of the statue was in commemoration of the late activist’s 80th posthumous birthday.

    Fawehinmi died on Sept. 5 2009 after a prolonged battle with lung cancer.

    Fawehinmi set up the National Conscience Party (NCP) and contested in the Presidential election in the 2003.

    Gov. Ambode, at the unveiling the 44-feet high statue, described the late legal luminary as a relentless human rights lawyer, social critic and a towering figure in human rights activism.

    ”This event is a celebration of the life and times of Chief Gani Fawehinmi as well as his contributions to the pursuit of the ideals of democracy and human rights.

    ”Chief Fawehinmi remains a hero and a role model to many till date.

    “His memory would remain evergreen in our minds while his lifetime should encourage us to seek for greater good of the people in the society.

    ”As a government, we draw inspiration from his struggles and ideals as we strive to make life meaningful for our people.

    “We will continue to keep his ideals alive and pass it on to the next generation,” he said.

    According to him, ‘the monument stands as a testimony of Fawehinmi’s strength and courage.

    “He will continue to inspire us as we forge ahead with the mission of building a better society,” Ambode said.

    The governor commended late Fawehinmi’s family sustaining his legacies..

    A legal practitioner, Mr Femi Falana (SAN) described the new Fawehinmii statue as the best monument in the country.

    Falana said Fawehinmi was a thorn on the flesh of dictators as he was totally committed to fundamental change — Change from poverty to prosperity.

    He appreciated Gov. Ambode for investing in the remodelling of the statue in honour of Gani and his legacies.

    ”It is a mark of greatness to honour great people like Gani who stood for justice, accountability, transparency and equity.

    ”I want to appeal that the streets named after British administrators who carted away with our country’s resources should be changed to names of our countrymen who have contributed positively to good governance,” Falana said.

    Mr Ayodele Akele, Secretary, National Conscience Party (NCP), who also expressed happiness over the remodelling of the statue, said it was a birthday gift to the family, friends and associates of Fawehinmi.

    Also speaking, Mr Isa Aremu, Vice President, Nigeria Labour Congress described Fawehinmi as defender of the masses who was always on the street to protest against bad governance.

    Aremu said Fawehinmi also fought a legal battle to ensure that the Independent National Electoral Commission could register as many political parties as possible.

    ”Gani is our mentor because he was with us totally on the street during protests.

    “The best way we can all honour him is to sustain his legacies,” Aremu said.

    The Convener of the Women Arise for Change Initiative, Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, said Fawehinmi gave all his resources, time and energy to defend human rights.

    ”We should imbibe all he lived and died for — justice, good governance, equity, accountability, adherence to rule of law.

    “Gani will continue to live in the sub-consciousness of all Nigerians,” she said

    The international Coordinator of Concerned Human Rights – Nigeria, Mr Declan Ihekaire, who spoke on behalf of the civil society groups, said Gov. Ambode had respected the interest of the civil society organisations.

    ”When the old statue of Gani was being dismantled, we were not happy and we protested, but now we are very happy with the new statue.

    ”This statue represents all that Gani lived and died for. He will continue to live on,” he said.

    Responding, the first son of the late Fawehinmi, Mr Mohammed Fawehinmi, who spoke on behalf of the family, thanked the state governor.

    ”I’m overwhelmed seeing this statue and I’m saying a massive thank you to Gov. Ambode for honouring our father with this statue.

    ”It is an indelible work of Art that will place the name of Gani in the global map and it will go into the Guinness book of records no doubt  — a statue of 44-feet, it is unbelievable.

    ”I have a feeling that I will dream about this because when I attended the last unveiling of the old statue, for about three months consecutively I was dreaming of my father telling me things.

    “So, I think with this one he will still speak to me.” he said.

    Mohammed appealed to Gov. Ambode to listen to the yearnings of the residents of Lagos by scrapping the Land Use Charge.

    ” We appreciate the Governor’s efforts in driving development and making Lagos a megacity, but he needs to listen to the yearnings of the people, ” he said.

    Mohammed also urged the Federal Government to intensify its efforts to address the challenges facing the country, especially the herdsmen killings.

    According to him, the nation’s natural resources can be utilised to take the country out of its current challenges.

    Earlier, the Sculptor of the statue, Mr Olurotimi Ajayi of Modupe Studio appreciated Gov. Ambode for the opportunity to use creative arts to develop tourism as well as create employment for artistes.

    Ajayi also commended the state government for investing in the statue of Fawehinmi, a promoter and defender of the rights of the citizens, as it would serve as an inspiration to the younger generation.

    ”Visual arts feeds on perception. This statue will sell our local creativity and skills, and investors would be attracted.

    ”A society that values its heritage and culture is educating and counselling the younger generation on positive pathway, ” he said.

    In his address,  Mr Steve Ayorinde, Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture said that the remodelling of the Gani Fawehinmi statue was part of the State’s strategy to enhance the aesthetic beauty of open public spaces and parks across the state.

    Ayorinde said the remodelling of monuments across the state was to celebrate and immortalise worthy icons that contributed immensely to the development of Lagos State.

    He said the statue was also informed by the desire of  the state government to project and entrench the enduring legacy of the country’s foremost human right lawyer.

    Fawhinmi, he said, was also an activist, philanthropist and one of the icons of pro-democracy movement in Nigeria. (NAN)

  • Fawehinmi, a champion of participatory democracy — NCP

    THE Lagos State chapter of the National Conscience Party (NCP) yesterday said the contributions of the late human rights activist, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, to the growth of democracy is immeasurable.

    The state chairman of the party, Mr. Fatai Ibu-Owo, made the statement in Lagos at a symposium to commemorate the 80th post- humous birthday of Fawehinmi.

    According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the symposium, organised by the NCP, had the theme: “Gani Fawehinmi, the man, his principles, his struggles and lessons for generation today.”

    The fiery lawyer, who always stood against misrule by government in his days, was born on April 22, 1938 and died on Sept. 5, 2009.

    During his lifetime, he was in and out of detention due to his uncompromising stance in fighting injustice and defending the poor.

    Ibu-Owo described Fawehinmi as a champion of democracy, saying his struggles led the birth of the multi -party democracy the country was now practising.

    “Fawehinmi was a champion of democracy and its ideals. Through his struggles, he fought for the registration of not only the NCP which he founded, but the other parties.

    “He was an advocate of participatory democracy and that the country’s democratic institutions be strengthened,” he said.

    The party chairman said Fawehinmi was a lover of the masses, as he dedicated his life to their cause, sometimes inconveniencing himself.

    Ibu-Owo said the present generation of leaders had a lot to learn from Fawehinmi’s leadership by example and love for the poor.

    He said Fawehinmi was a believer in human capacity development, as he awarded scholarships to people who could not afford education.

    Also speaking, another chieftain of the NCP, Mr. John Ntang, extolled the virtues of Fawehinmi.

    Ntang, a presidential aspirant of the party, said the life and times of Fawehinmi are replete with lessons for new generation of leaders.

    He described Fawehinmi as a man of integrity, whose high moral standing was shaped by proper upbringing.

    Ntang said the legal icon was incorruptible, adding he never had any case of corruption against him when he was alive.

    “Fawehinmi was a reason every parent should ensure proper upbringing of their children. His upbringing helped to shape his integrity. He was a man of honour. He loved the masses and the poor,” he said.

    Ntang said it was Fawehinmi’s democratic ideals that inspired him to join politics.

    Another chieftain, Mr Lanre Adeleke, said Fawehinmi was a good example of selflessness.

    The former student leader said the late lawyer helped to secure his release and others when they were detained by the police over agitation for students’ rights.

    “When I was the SUG president of OAU, the government detained me and some other students over agitations for the rights of students.

    “It was he who helped to secure our release after several weeks in detention and even got a judgement for us against the Federal Government of then,” he said.

    The activist’s giant statue which was reconstructed by the lagos State government is to be unveiled today at the Gani Fawehinmi Park, Ojota.

     

  • Buhari pays tribute to Fawehinmi on 80th posthumous birthday

    President Muhammadu Buhari has paid tribute to Nigeria’s foremost social critic and selfless legal luminary, Chief Abdul Ganiyu  Fawehinmi  (SAN),  on his posthumous 80thbirthday.

    He described the late legal icon as ‘‘a true conscience of the nation, defender of democracy and people’s rights advocate.’’

    As the world posthumously marks the 80th birthday of  the man popularly called Gani, President Buhari fondly remembered the legendary patriot for his altruistic services to the nation, which continue to be sorely missed.

    In a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, the President said ‘‘The late Senior Advocate of the Masses was not an arm chair-critic, nor a rabble rouser who fomented trouble for its sake; but a serious minded, articulate, cerebral and compassionate promoter of fundamental human rights, social justice, equity, fair play and national development.

    “Gani was an extraordinary human being and a great reference for all progressive elements in society. He dared death and incarceration and was forced into prison 40 times without bowing to intimidation and molestation.

    ‘‘He fought for and stood by democracy with every ounce of his blood and immense intellect. He deserves a lingering respect,” the President said in his tribute.

    Although the fearless legal author and celebrated philanthropist passed on nine years ago, President Buhari admonished Nigerians, young and old, to imbibe the good deeds of the Ondo State born, detribalised, learned man and Muslim leader (the Seriki Musulimi of Ondo town), “for his doggedness, incorruptibility and fervent belief in the unity and progress of Nigeria as an entity.”

    He noted that Chief Fawehinmi who would have been 80 years old on 22 April 2018, will never be forgotten as a committed pace setter and pathfinder for the democracy that we practise today.

    The President therefore urged contemporary civil rights activists and human rights advocates in the country to emulate the late icon, through constructive criticism and useful suggestions as partners in the pursuit of national peace, unity and development.