Gani Fawehinmi, Nigerian Human Rights Activist, Dies At 71
by JEFF FOSTER, Contributing Writer, Stand-up Comedian and Editor of TheLean.org
The Nigerian human rights movement suffered the loss of activist, lawyer, and politician Chief Abdul-Ganiyu "Gani" Oyesola Fawehinmi on September 5, 2009. Widely regarded as a champion of the masses and democracy with even-handed justice, the outspoken critic of Nigeria’s military dictatorships lost a two-year battle with lung cancer at age 71.
Gani will be remembered for his legal representation of many marginalized people, vehement opposition to excessive government power, formation of the National Conscience Party, an unsuccessful presidential bid, and uncompromising espousal of his principles.
Since gaining independence from the United Kingdom in 1960, Nigeria’s government has been taken over by several oppressive military regimes. In 1999, military rule gave way to a Federal Republic that has been criticized as corrupt. The year before he died, Gani turned down the title of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic, one of the Nigerian government’s highest honors, because he disapproved of the government’s conduct.
You can honor Gani’s legacy by getting informed on the human rights situation in Nigeria at Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International.
- Posted by Causecast
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