President Muhammadu Buhari has said that Chief Abdul Ganiyu ‘‘Gani’’ Fawehinmi, who died on September 5, 2009, 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.
In a tribute to mark his posthumous 80th birthday today, Saturday, the President described Gani Fawehinmi as Nigeria’s foremost social critic and selfless legal luminary, adding that the late legal icon ‘was a true conscience of the nation, defender of democracy and people’s rights advocate’’.
President Buhari fondly remembered Gani whom he said was a legendary patriot, for his altruistic services to the nation, which continue to be sorely missed.
“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.”
President Buhari advised 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.”
The President said 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 asked the 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. [myad]
