gani in black maria

He was said to had died last night. Ganiyu Oyesola Fawehinmi was born in April, 1938, he dedicated his whole life to the defence of human rights and condemnation  of all ill government polices, fought the military junta with all that he had.

Here are 20 facts about Gani’s life, background, and travails as an activist.

1. Gani was forced by financial circumstance to drop out of the Holborn College as a full time student while studying Law. He then took a full time job as a Toilet Cleaner in Russell Square Hotel in Southampton Row, London. 
2. Gani Fawehinmi has 14 children from 2 wives. 
3. Gani’s biography is the most voluminous for any Nigerian dead or alive with over 4,300 pages. 
4.  A site has been dedicated to Gani. http://www.ganifawehinmi.com/. This site was built while he was alive.
5.  During Abacha’s regime, Gani was deported from PortHarcourt back to Lagos. This is the first of its kind when someone was deported from a state back to his home state.
6. His international passport has been siezed 7 times by security agents.
7. Gani has been detained 40 times by security agents.
8. Gani was an only son of out of six children born to his mum. He was the first child.
9. Gani Fawehinmi was the only person who on sympathizing with President Olusegun Obasanjo on Stella’s death,  blamed him and Nigeria’s health system for her demise. He said 

“The events of Saturday and Sunday the 22nd and 23rd October, 2005 which have thrown the country into mourning should never be allowed to repeat themselves. We do not want another plane crash and if you bring in another wife before you constitutionally quit office on 29th May, 2007, please do not allow her to go for a cosmetic surgery for beautification again. We cannot afford another death of the President’s wife in Aso Rock”.  Read full letter.

10. Gani was famous worldwide for his blunt and sharp words. Some of his memorable quotes are:

 “The disappearance of Charles Taylor from Nigerian soil is a humiliating disgrace to Nigeria. Obasanjo must explain why this happened.” – Gani Fawehinmi

“There is nothing new in the speech. It is the same old wine in new bottles. It’s a disappointing statement. In fact it is a disastrous speech.” – Gani Fawehinmi 

“I’m not surprised at this result, I’m saddened, not surprised. This government will do anything to keep its power by deceiving the people.” – Gani Fawehinmi 

 “This is incredible. This is fantastic. This gives us hope that something good will begin to happen soon.” – Gani Fawehinmi 

Like any other Nigerian election 2011 will come with its own usual bickering, racketeering, landslide wins and lawsuits; but one thing will change – Nigerians (lots of youth included) will vote based on well informed choices. I will make a prediction here, 2011 is the year when “Nigeria truly decides”.

A quick disclaimer, Alhaji Musa Yaradua is still Chairman of Aso Rock and he is doing ‘well’ at that. I do not need a seer to tell me that he is a top contender in 2011. Mr. President has said we should judge him only after his tenure (laughs). A point there, but no good point. Mr. President had better perform the same magic he did in Katsina then now.

For me as a typical Nigerian (that has stopped hoping for what Nigeria can do for me long ago), I expect the contenders for Nigeria’s No. 1 seat to come out again with ambiguous  agenda.

I overheard that all a south-west governor (names witheld) could do in 2 years was plant trees (no be lie). It is sickening. Such laziness in power takes the shine out of the everyday Nigerian who toils hard to put food on his/her table and live the ‘good’ life they have always dreamt about.

I quote from Genesis 1 of the Holy Bible – “And God said let there be light and there was light”. It’s a simple truth. It’s been so from the beginning. When there’s no light, nothing can happen.

In Nigeria, light will go a long way to make life easy. In fact, I am sure it will increase life expectancy. Don’t ask me where I got that info, ask the old men and women who cringe and blink at the dim lights shining from ever reliable kerosen lamps.

My candid opinion to all aspiring presidential candidates: Me will vote for the (wo)man who promises to give Nigeria uninterrupted power supply. I do not want my children to know what “UP NEPA” is or was. I believe I am not the only one who will do this (#lightupnigeria). We are spreading this crusade to as far as I can get it spread, using all means I can get hold of.

And to the rest of the politicians who will contest for the thousands of positions all over the country, God dey. Me don’t have your time now. Nigeria needs one man. A man who will think different. A man who would give us light. Not a 15-point agenda. Whoever you are, promise and deliver to us these three things, and you will be the hero of the new Nigeria. Wallahi.

P.S. I am happy for Rita Igbenidion of Koko Mansion. Had she won (in my own opinion), it would have been bad news for Naija, and her self. Good advice, dear Rita, you have a wonderful future in modelling and acting. This you can do while in school without the unnecessary title of the Ideal Kokolette. Ask Ebuka Obi Uchendu,Dare Art Alade and Omawunmi, the “winner” does not necessary become the winner on the long run.

Congrats to Bola, you try. You bad o.