Presidential candidate of the second republic Nigerian Advance Party (NAP), prominent lawyer and human rights activist, Dr. Tunji Braithwaite, died at the age of 82 today after what was termed brief illness.
Dr. Braithwaite who reportedly died at St. Nicholas Hospital in Lagos, was not known to be suffering from any terminal disease.
The late statesman was an advocate of a new confederal constitution to replace the 1999 constitution. He had argued that the 1999 constitution encourages corruption by granting immunity to governors and presidents.
“Governors determine security votes which they do not account for. Since 1999, the military constitution clothes them [governors and presidents] with immunity against being arrested for criminal misdeeds,” he said.
Dr. Braithwaite believed that Nigeria should be reconstructed in such a way that gives greater autonomy to each State.
“The existing six geopolitical zones are uniquely different developmental problems for which a single ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution can never work in the reality of Nigeria’s diversity.”
Meanwhile, the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar says the death of Nigeria’s veteran lawyer and politician, Tunji Braithwaite, has robbed the country of one of its greatest giants not only in the field of law, but also in politics.
Atiku, in a statement by his media office in Abuja today, said that he particularly admired the late Braithwaite because of his unwavering commitment to constitutional reforms, especially his agitation for restructuring of the country.
The former Vice President explained that he shares in Braithwaite’s passion for creating a fairer federal system that would reduce the fear of too much power and resources at the centre at the expense of the federating units.
Atiku said that he was keenly following Braithwaite’s contributions on the issue when he was a delegate at the 2014 National Conference, adding that his consistency in the pursuit of his convictions was remarkable.
According to him, the late veteran lawyer and politician was not “your typical Nigerian politician that opportunistically changes his opinions to ingratiate himself with the new powers that be.”
According to the Turaki Adamawa, “these are extraordinary virtues for which I admire him deeply and regard him as a role model. May his soul rest in peace.”
The Pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, also mourned the passing away of Dr Tunji Braithwaite at the age of 82, describing him as an iconoclastic political leader and social activist.
This is contained in a statement signed by Mr. Yinka Odumakin, National Publicity Secretary of the group in Lagos.
The statement said that the deceased was known for his principled stance on national issues and consistent defence of the rights of the oppressed people of Nigeria throughout his lifetime.
“His last major outing was his membership of the 2014 National Conference where he stoutly canvassed a confederal arrangement as the best constitutional order for Nigeria.
“His death has brought a closure to a rich era of political sagacity and social crusading.
“He would always be remembered for his consistency, tenacity and intellectual fecundity.
“It is our prayer that God Almighty will protect the family he has left behind. “May his great soul rest in perfect peace.” [myad]
