Gani Fawehinmi, the legendary Nigerian lawyer and human rights activist was a beacon of justice and an unyielding voice against oppression. He attacked any cause he believed in with tenacious relentlessness, bold fearlessness and remarkable doggedness.
If he were alive today, witnessing the current Nigerian protests and everything around them, he would have called for protests, certainly earlier than now, bellowing out those powerful and electrifying jibes at the government that would have won those sitting on the fence to his side.
“Arise, Nigerians! The time has come to reclaim our nation from the clutches of corruption and tyranny!” Fawehinmi would roar, his fiery spirit igniting the hearts of millions. He would march alongside the protesters, “the peoples president” standing as the veritable conscience of the nation and the champion of the interests and causes of the masses.
Fawehinmi, known for his relentless pursuit of justice, would have been at the vanguard of demanding accountability from those in power.
“Our leaders must understand that their duty is to serve the people, not to exploit them. We will not be silenced; we will not be broken!” he would declare, his words a rallying cry for the oppressed and the marginalised.
If cases ever got into courtrooms, his voice would thunder as he fought tirelessly for the rights of those unjustly detained during the protests. “Every Nigerian has the right to express dissent, to demand a better future. It is not a crime to seek justice; it is a duty!” he would argue, his legal acumen and passion shining through.
Fawehinmi’s unwavering commitment to truth and justice would add more fire to an already inspired generation of activists. “We must educate ourselves, arm ourselves with knowledge, and use it as our weapon against the forces of oppression,” he would advise, emphasising the power of an informed and united populace.
In the face of adversity, Gani Fawehinmi’s spirit would remain unbowed. “We have faced darker times, and we have triumphed. This struggle is our legacy, and we will persevere until we achieve the Nigeria we dream of,” he would proclaim, his faith in the resilience of the Nigerian people unshakeable.
Gani Fawehinmi’s legacy as a champion of human rights and justice would resonate deeply in the current protests, a guiding light for those fighting for a brighter, fairer Nigeria. His presence, though sorely missed, would be felt in every chant, every march, and every demand for a better future.