Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, says the late human rights lawyer and pro-democracy activist, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, played a significant role in keeping Nigeria’s political space open for opposition parties and political associations.
Governor Sani stated this in Kaduna at the presentation of the book, Gani Fawehinmi and Uba Sani: A Tale of Mentor and Mentee, authored by Basirat Fawehinmi-Biobaku.
The book chronicles the relationship between Gani Fawehinmi and Governor Uba Sani, highlighting their mentor-mentee bond against the backdrop of Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle, social justice, education and leadership.
It also reflects on Fawehinmi’s influence on a younger generation of activists and his commitment to defending democracy, the rule of law and the rights of ordinary Nigerians.
Speakers at the presentation described the book as a reminder that Nigeria’s democratic freedoms were secured through years of struggle and sacrifice.
They called for the preservation of this history and urged present and future generations to uphold democratic values, accountability, justice and responsible leadership.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Uba Sani recalled Fawehinmi’s legal battle against stringent conditions imposed on political associations seeking registration as political parties.
He said Fawehinmi and former Kaduna State Governor, Balarabe Musa, pursued the matter through the courts, with the eventual Supreme Court victory helping to open the political space and pave the way for the emergence of more political parties.
Participants at the event said the book presentation was an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices that helped shape Nigeria’s democratic journey and the responsibility of preserving those gains.
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(Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie)
