Sani, Mimiko, Falana honour Gani, defend democracy at book launch
Leading political figures, renowned lawyers, and civil rights advocates gathered in Lagos on Wednesday to celebrate the lasting legacy of late human rights advocate, Gani Fawehinmi, during the launch of
Leading political figures, renowned lawyers, and civil rights advocates gathered in Lagos on Wednesday to celebrate the lasting legacy of late human rights advocate, Gani Fawehinmi, during the launch of the book ‘Gani Fawehinmi and the Nigerian Press.’
The gathering which held at the Nigerian Law Publications House, Ikeja, attracted notable personalities from Nigeria’s political and legal circles. It was both a celebration of Fawehinmi’s lifelong fight for justice and a fresh appeal for the protection of democracy and civil liberties.
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, recounted his personal experiences with Fawehinmi during Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggles, highlighting the late lawyer’s commitment to equality and education.
The Governor revealed how Fawehinmi once approved scholarships for indigent Northern students without hesitation, noting that many beneficiaries have since become professionals across Nigeria and abroad.
“He didn’t care about tribe or religion; he cared about character,” Sani said.
READ ALSO; Nnezi Uduma-Olugu: Meet first female Professor of Architecture at UNILAG
Sani also cautioned against calls for military intervention in Nigeria’s governance, describing such advocates as threats to free speech and democratic progress.
He credited Fawehinmi’s legal battles for expanding Nigeria’s political space, particularly the emergence of a multi-party system.
Former Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko, examined Fawehinmi’s political philosophy through the ideals of his National Conscience Party (NCP).
Mimiko highlighted the party’s slogan, “Abolition of Poverty,” saying Fawehinmi opposed temporary palliatives and instead pushed for lasting solutions.
He also maintained that Fawehinmi would have questioned current economic arguments surrounding subsidy removal, insisting that poor governance, rather than subsidies, is Nigeria’s real challenge.
Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Femi Falana, who chaired the event, commended the author, Basirat Fawehinmi-Biobaku, for preserving her father’s legacy through literature.
Falana stressed that Fawehinmi’s life continues to challenge Nigerians to pursue justice and accountability.
Blending humour with criticism, Falana lamented Nigeria’s persistent infrastructure challenges, joking that electricity issues might have been resolved if the country experienced harsh winters.
He, however, became serious, stressing that the struggle for a better Nigeria must continue through the bravery of journalists and members of the legal profession.
In a keynote lecture, Professor Akin Ibidapo-Obe delivered a critical analysis of the 1999 Constitution, arguing that it places heavy responsibilities on the press without adequate legal safeguards.
According to him, while the Constitution mandates the media to act as a watchdog over the government, it fails to provide the necessary teeth for effective oversight.
“If you assign responsibility without empowerment, that duty becomes meaningless,” he said.
He pointed out that Section 39 guarantees freedom of expression but does not explicitly recognise the press within its main provisions, limiting its legal strength.
Ibidapo-Obe recalled how the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights played a crucial role during military rule, enabling journalists to challenge oppressive decrees in court.
He also cautioned against the growing influence of privately owned media controlled by political and commercial elites, describing it as “mogul media,” which could place profit and influence above public interest.
“The danger is that media ownership is shifting away from practitioners to powerful interests seeking government patronage,” he noted.
In a sombre reflection, the professor referenced the assassination of Dele Giwa via a parcel bomb, describing it as the ultimate form of censorship and a stark reminder of the risks faced by journalists.
He concluded that although the Freedom of Information Act 2011 represents progress, Nigeria’s constitutional framework still falls short in fully protecting press freedom.
He called for stronger legal reforms to empower the media as true custodians of democracy.
