Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has recalled the struggle for multi-party democracy as championed by late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, a renowned lawyer, human rights and pro- democracy activist as well as late Alhaji Balarabe Musa among others.
The Governor posted on Facebook, his reflections after attending a book launch on the era saying: “I seized the opportunity provided by the Book Presentation and Launching of the Book “Gani Fawehinmi and the Nigerian Press” in Lagos to recall our long drawn out battle for expansion of democratic space in Nigeria. Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN, GCON, Alhaji MD Yusufu, Alhaji Balarabe Musa (all of blessed memory), my humble self, Lanre Banjo, and other comrades took the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to court for deregistering the National Conscience Party (NCP) and other political parties. A Federal High Court in Lagos ruled against us. The Court of Appeal ruled in our favour but the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) appealed the judgement. We eventually secured victory at the Supreme Court. That victory resulted in the expansion of the political space and the strengthening of our multiparty democracy.
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In a post earlier Uba Sani said, “It was a profound honour to attend the launch and public presentation of the book, “Gani Fawehinmi and the Nigerian Press” in Lagos, an occasion that also marked the 88th posthumous birthday of the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN. This thoughtful and timely work by Basirat Fawehinmi-Biobaku not only preserves his legacy, but also deepens our understanding of a life defined by courage, intellect, and an unyielding commitment to justice.
“In addressing the distinguished gathering, I reflected on my personal journey with Chief Fawehinmi. His mentorship, generosity of spirit, and abiding faith in the transformative power of knowledge helped shape both my intellectual formation and my approach to public service. He was not only a towering figure in the legal profession, but also a resolute defender of civil liberties and a principled ally of the Nigerian press, which he saw as indispensable to democracy and public accountability.
“I also recalled the difficult years of the June 12 struggle, when many of us endured detention and repression in pursuit of democratic ideals. Throughout that period, his courage never faltered. His vision, anchored in justice, equity, and national unity, continues to inspire. It was during this time that I had the privilege of working alongside him in the effort to expand Nigeria’s political space. That struggle, which involved a protracted legal battle lasting over three years, culminated in a landmark outcome that paved the way for the registration of multiple political parties in Nigeria.
“I further reflected on how, having observed the low turnout of beneficiaries from Northern Nigeria in the existing Gani Fawehinmi Scholarship Scheme, I was motivated to take a more active role by chairing its Northern Nigeria component. Through this effort, over 400 indigent but exceptionally talented students from the region were fully sponsored. Many of these beneficiaries have since distinguished themselves across various professions. This experience informed my decision to establish the Uba Sani Foundation, aimed at sustaining and expanding access to education for the less privileged.
“I paid tribute to the journalists, lawyers, and activists, many of who were present at the event, whose sacrifices secured the freedoms we enjoy today.
This book is more than a tribute; it is a call to conscience. The values he embodied; truth, accountability, and justice, must continue to guide us. I remain steadfast in advancing these ideals in service to a stronger, more just Nigeria.
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