*As Lagos immortalises Gani with statue, garden

By Olasunkanmi Akoni, Kingsley Adegboye & Monsur Olowoopejo

LAGOS — GOVERNOR Babatunde Fashola, yesterday, urged Nigerians to rise up and defend the country’s democracy by actively engaging in governance and the forthcoming general elections in the interest of the masses.

Governor Fashola made the call while unveiling a garden at the triangular lay-by, opposite Owenna Motor Park, Ojota in Kosofe Local Government Area of the state constructed by the state Ministry of Environment, in commemoration of the first year remembrance of late legal icon and human rights activists, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN.

In his brief address, Fashola said the struggle that the late Fawehinmi fought for, such as corruption, abolition of poverty, good governance, and protection of fundamental human rights, strengthening of our economy among others, has just begun.

He said: “We should know that the task has not finished after the death of Gani. We all have a duty to get involved in governance and protect our democracy. The leaders are not repository of knowledge, therefore, we have to get involved.

“Gani’s patriotism was not one of the lip service. It was patriotism of noble deeds which put Nigerians and Nigeria ahead of his own needs or that of his family. Gani’s patriotism was not uttered, it was demonstrated, it was a devotion of a whole lifetime.

“It was an arduous devotion to a cause from which many have derailed or turned back. It is never easy to stand for principles, especially when you stand alone. The task is not completed. There is sweat and toil ahead. Our persistence and patience will be severely tested, but we are irrevocably committed to pursue our dream of a brighter rewarding future.”

Park dedicated as a token memorial —Fashola

Fashola explained that the park was dedicated as a token memorial and appreciation for a life of leadership through spartan service to humanity to demonstrate to others, “that we will not forget our heroes; in the belief that some leaders will hopefully be inspired to rise up and continue from where he left off.”

Falana lauds state govt

Femi Falana in his address commended the state government for the honour done to Fawehinmi even in death, saying the greatest honour Nigeria can bestow on him was to keep alive the virtue the late legal icon stood for.
He noted that Fawehinmi was being celebrated because throughout his life time he fought for the masses and identified with them, adding that Gani would forever live on the minds of the people.

Gani was on the side of the masses—Son

Alhaji Muhammed Fawehinmi who also spoke, described his father as a selfless, courageous and an unrepentant human rights activist, adding that he started his struggle way back before Ibrahim Babangida’s regime.

He added: “Gani, till he breathed his last, was on the side of the masses. We appreciate the contribution of Fawehinmi to this country.

We should imbibe Gani’s virtue —Odumakin

Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, in a similar call, urged Nigerians to stand up and get engaged in governance and emancipation of the masses.

She said: “We should all imbibe the virtue Gani lived and died for. In the coming election, the challenge is that we should get ourselves engaged. We should forget about money politics but focus on politics of issues, shun corruption and engage in constructive criticism.”

Earlier, the state Commissioner for the Environment, Mr Muiz Banire recounted many achievements of Fawehinmi, describing him as an outstanding social crusader, legal luminary, freedom fighter, philanthropist of note.

Choice of location

He explained that one of the reasons for the choice of location, Ojota, was because of its nearness to the masses, adding: “For over 40 years, Gani took on the mantle of activism; he was called the conscience of the nation. A principled Muslim, Gani devoted his lifetime to the freedom of the oppressed.”

Others at the ceremony included Commissioner for Justice, Edo State, Mr. Osagie Obayuwana; first wife and son of Chief Fawehinmi, Mrs Ganiyat Fawehinmi, and Alhaji Muhammed Fawehinmi respectively; National Publicity Secretary of Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, Alhaji Lai Muhammed and Lagos State Publicity Secretary ACN, Mr. Joe Igbokwe.

Others include, the Commissioner for Local Government, Prince Rotimi Agunsoye, white cap chiefs, representatives of Nigeria Bar Association, Ikeja branch, representatives of National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS among others.