Buhari pays tribute to Fawehinmi on 80th posthumous birthday

President Muhammadu Buhari has paid tribute to Nigeria’s
foremost social critic and selfless legal luminary, Chief Abdul
Ganiyu Fawehinmi (SAN), on his posthumous 80thbirthday.

He described the late legal icon as ‘‘a true conscience of the
nation, defender of democracy and people’s rights advocate.’’

As the world posthumously marks the 80th birthday of the man
popularly called Gani, President Buhari fondly remembered the
legendary patriot for his altruistic services to the nation, which
continue to be sorely missed.

In a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and
publicity, Garba Shehu, the President said ‘‘The late Senior
Advocate of the Masses 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.

“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,” the
President said in his tribute.

Although the fearless legal author and celebrated philanthropist
passed on nine years ago, President Buhari admonished 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.”

He noted 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 therefore urged 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.

President Muhammadu Buhari has paid tribute to Nigeria’s
foremost social critic and selfless legal luminary, Chief Abdul
Ganiyu Fawehinmi (SAN), on his posthumous 80thbirthday.

He described the late legal icon as ‘‘a true conscience of the
nation, defender of democracy and people’s rights advocate.’’

As the world posthumously marks the 80th birthday of the man
popularly called Gani, President Buhari fondly remembered the
legendary patriot for his altruistic services to the nation, which
continue to be sorely missed.

In a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and
publicity, Garba Shehu, the President said ‘‘The late Senior
Advocate of the Masses 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.

“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,” the
President said in his tribute.

Although the fearless legal author and celebrated philanthropist
passed on nine years ago, President Buhari admonished 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.”

He noted 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 therefore urged 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.