Opinion
The Gani Phenomenon
Mercy Oke-Chinda
The inevitability of death dawned on so many Nigerians on Saturday, 5th September when Barr. Mohammed Fawehinmi, the eldest son of Chief Gani Oyesola Fawehinmi, announced the demise of his father. Though many knew he was down with cancer of the lungs they still believed that Gani’s legendary posture had clothed him with immortality.
About 40 years ago the Gani phenomenon hit our national consciousness when he took up a case against a military officer in Jos who took over the wife of a poor civil servant. Since then he adopted different legal means of ensuring that justice was done. He did so many pro bono cases for the poor and oppressed. His unrelenting stance on human rights earned him the title “Senior Advocate of the Masses” (SAM) even before he was made a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
I believe it was his propensity for ensuring that justice is done even at the risk being branded an extremist that informed his secondary school principal, late Rev’d Akinrele, to advise that Gani be encouraged by his parents to study law. The result of this counsel was his study of law in England and subsequent call to the Nigeria Bar on 15th Janary, 1965.
Gani Fawehinmi’s dogged determination led him to practice solely when he was barely three months post-call. From then he did not look back in his fight for justice and good governance.
He handled many landmark cases and opened new vistas in the administration of justice in Nigeria. It was in Fawehinmi Vs Abacha that the Supreme Court decided, for the first time, that the African Human Rights Charter is enforceable in Nigeria. Also, in Fawehinmi Vs. Inspector General of Police the Supreme Court decided that in spite of the immunity enjoyed by the President, Vice President, Governors and their deputies under Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution, they can be investigated though not tried.
Fawehinmi did not only litigate, he also published the Nigerian Weekly Law Reports (NWLR); “must have” for every serious legal practitioner in Nigeria. Today NWLR has over 780 parts with each part having over 300 pages weekly. The NWLR has been consistently published for 21 years. He also had 20 other books on different aspects of law to his credit.
In the dark years of military dictatorship when many receded, Gani Fawwhinmi was one of the few that stuck out their necks to seek justice, protest reckless use of power and abuse of human rights. Irrespective of the dire consequences, he frequently sought judicial review of governmental policies and actions. This landed him in prison several times that it became a way of life for him. But in his characteristic doggedness he remained undaunted. In fact, he was reputed to have kept a bag packed in case he was unexpectedly hauled off to jail.
His hard stance on Human Right issues is incontrovertible. This attracted accolades even beyond the borders of Nigeria. In 1998, he was awarded the Bernard Simons Memorial Award of the International Bar Association (IBA). The award is one of the highest distinctions that may be conferred on a lawyer across borders. The award was instituted in June, 1995 in honour of late London solicitor, Barnard Simon to reward outstanding achievements in Criminal Law Practice which promote, protect and advance human rights, especially the right to live in a fair and just society under the rule of law. By this he became the first Black African to be so honoured.
Gain, no doubt, lived a fulfilled and remarkable life devouted to the fight for good governance and justice. The tributes paid to him by Nigerians eloquently testify to this. But, as stated by the president of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN). “We are consoled by the quality of his consistent and persistent input to national development, Fawehinmi, a legal icon and public interest litigator par excellence, fought a good fight. His life is an enduring lesson”. Also, Gani’s like, Lagos lawyer, Femi Falana said “Indubitably, Nigeria has lost a dogged fighter par excellence, a social crusader of extra-ordinary moral fibre and public interest litigator of unequal dimension who consistently confronted the menace of institutionalised injustice, wanton official corruption and excruciating poverty unleashed on helpless Nigerians by a tiny rapacious ruling. Elite.”
After being imprisoned 32 times between 1969 and 1996 and detained in 12 jails with the accompanying brutality by security operatives; incessant searches and seizure of international passport Gani still ordered, on his sick bed, the filing of an appeal at the Court of Appeal, Abuja to challenge the ruling of a Federal High Court, Abuja over his suit in which he contended that the appointment of Mrs. Farida Waziri as chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was invalid as Nuhu Ribadu, the former EFCC boss has not been removed from office.
With the death of this legendary political activist and human rights crusader, it is obvious that we are “only remembered by what we have done” and that for positive change to occur we all have contributions to make. Change does not just happen, neither is it thrust or foisted on a people; it has to be made to happen. Gain did not just wait for it to happen, he did something to engender positive change. Let us quit the ignoble role of armchair criticism and impact on our society. We might not have the privilege or opportunity of doing it in large scale like Chief Gani Fawehinmi but we can do something to make a difference.
Opinion
Restoring Order, Delivering Good Governance
The political atmosphere in Rivers State has been anything but calm in 2025. Yet, a rare moment of unity was witnessed on Saturday, June 28, when Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, appeared side by side at the funeral of Elder Temple Omezurike Onuoha, Wike’s late uncle. What could have passed for a routine condolence visit evolved into a significant political statement—a symbolic show of reconciliation in a state bruised by deep political strife.
The funeral, attended by dignitaries from across the nation, was more than a moment of shared grief. It became the public reflection of a private peace accord reached earlier at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. There, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu brought together Governor Fubara, Minister Wike, the suspended Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, and other lawmakers to chart a new path forward.
For Rivers people, that truce is a beacon of hope. But they are not content with photo opportunities and promises. What they demand now is the immediate lifting of the state of emergency declared in March 2025, and the unconditional reinstatement of Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Dr. Ngozi Odu, and all suspended lawmakers. They insist on the restoration of their democratic mandate.
President Tinubu’s decision to suspend the entire structure of Rivers State’s elected leadership and appoint a sole administrator was a drastic response to a deepening political crisis. While it may have prevented a complete breakdown in governance, it also robbed the people of their voice. That silence must now end.
The administrator, retired naval chief Ibok-Ette Ibas, has managed a caretaker role. But Rivers State cannot thrive under unelected stewardship. Democracy must return—not partially, not symbolically, but fully. President Tinubu has to ensure that the people’s will, expressed through the ballot, is restored in word and deed.
Governor Fubara, who will complete his six-month suspension by September, was elected to serve the people of Rivers, not to be sidelined by political intrigues. His return should not be ceremonial. It should come with the full powers and authority vested in him by the constitution and the mandate of Rivers citizens.
The people’s frustration is understandable. At the heart of the political crisis was a power tussle between loyalists of Fubara and those of Wike. Institutions, particularly the State House of Assembly, became battlegrounds. Attempts were made to impeach Fubara. The situation deteriorated into a full-blown crisis, and governance was nearly brought to its knees.
But the tide must now turn. With the Senate’s approval of a record ?1.485 trillion budget for Rivers State for 2025, a new opportunity has emerged. This budget is not just a fiscal document—it is a blueprint for transformation, allocating ?1.077 trillion for capital projects alone. Yet, without the governor’s reinstatement, its execution remains in doubt.
It is Governor Fubara, and only him, who possesses the people’s mandate to execute this ambitious budget. It is time for him to return to duty with vigor, responsibility, and a renewed sense of urgency. The people expect delivery—on roads, hospitals, schools, and job creation.
Rivers civil servants, recovering from neglect and under appreciation, should also continue to be a top priority. Fubara should continue to ensure timely payment of salaries, address pension issues, and create a more effective, motivated public workforce. This is how governance becomes real in people’s lives.
The “Rivers First” mantra with which Fubara campaigned is now being tested. That slogan should become policy. It must inform every appointment, every contract, every budget decision, and every reform. It must reflect the needs and aspirations of the ordinary Rivers person—not political patrons or vested interests.
Beyond infrastructure and administration, political healing is essential. Governor Fubara and Minister Wike must go beyond temporary peace. They should actively unite their camps and followers to form one strong political family. The future of Rivers cannot be built on division.
Political appointments, both at the Federal and State levels, must reflect a spirit of fairness, tolerance, and inclusivity. The days of political vendettas and exclusive lists must end. Every ethnic group, every gender, and every generation must feel included in the new Rivers project.
Rivers is too diverse to be governed by one faction. Lasting peace can only be built on concessions, maturity, and equity. The people are watching to see if the peace deal will lead to deeper understanding or simply paper over cracks in an already fragile political arrangement.
Wike, now a national figure as Minister of the FCT, has a responsibility to rise above the local fray and support the development of Rivers State. His influence should bring federal attention and investment to the state, not political interference or division.
Likewise, Fubara should lead with restraint, humility, and a focus on service delivery. His return should not be marked by revenge or political purges but by inclusive leadership that welcomes even former adversaries into the process of rebuilding the state.
“The people are no longer interested in power struggles. They want light in their streets, drugs in their hospitals, teachers in their classrooms, and jobs for their children. The politics of ego and entitlement have to give way to governance with purpose.
The appearance of both leaders at the funeral was a glimpse of what unity could look like. That moment should now evolve into a movement-one that prioritizes Rivers State over every personal ambition. Let it be the beginning of true reconciliation and progress.
As September draws near, the Federal government should act decisively to end the state of emergency and reinstate all suspended officials. Rivers State must return to constitutional order and normal democratic processes. This is the minimum requirement of good governance.
The crisis in Rivers has dragged on for too long. The truce is a step forward, but much more is needed. Reinstating Governor Fubara, implementing the ?1.485 trillion budget, and uniting political factions are now the urgent tasks ahead. Rivers people have suffered enough. It is time to restore leadership, rebuild trust, and finally put Rivers first.
By: Amieyeofori Ibim
Amieyeofori Ibim is former Editor of The Tide Newspapers, political analyst and public affairs commentator
Opinion
Checking Herdsmen Rampage
Do the Fulani herdsmen have an expansionists agenda, like their progenitor, Uthman Dan Fodio? Why are they everywhere even the remotest part of other areas in Nigeria harassing, maiming, raping and killing the owners of the land?”
In a swift reaction, The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) decried and strongly condemned the invasion by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
In his denunciation, MOSOP President Fegalo Nsuke described the incident as very unfortunate and deeply troubling, warning against a recurrence of the violence experienced in Benue State. “The killing of yesterday is bad and very unfortunate. We are getting preliminary information about how the herders gained access to the farmland, and it appears some hoodlums may be collecting money and granting access illegally.”
He called on the Hausa community in Rivers State to intervene swiftly to prevent further attacks.
“We want the Hausa community in Rivers State to take urgent action to ensure these issues are resolved”.
But will such appeal and requests end the violent disposition of the Fulani herdsmen? It is not saying something new that the escalating threat and breach of peace across the country by the Fulani herdsmen or those suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, leaves much to be desired in a country that is bedevilled by multi-dimensional challenges and hydra-headed problems.
Some upland Local Government Areas of Rivers State, such as Etche, Omuma, Emohua, Ikwerre, Oyigbo, Abua, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, have severally recounted their ordeals, as herdsmen invaded farmlands, destroyed crops, raped female farmers and killed protestant residents.
Again the wanton destruction of lives and properties which no doubt has overwhelmed the Nigerian Police, makes the clamour for State Police, indispensable. The National Assembly should consider the amendment of the Constitution to allow States to have their Statutory policing agencies.
Opinion
Is Nigeria Democratic Nation?
As insurgency has risen to an all time high in the country were killings has now grown to be a normal daily activity in some part of the nation it may not be safe to say that Nigeria still practices democracy.
Several massacres coming from the Boko Haram and the herdsmen amongst all other insurgencies which have led to the destruction of homes and killing, burning of communities especially in the northern part of the country. All these put together are result of the ethnic battles that are fought between the tribes of Nigeria and this can be witnessed in Benue State where herders and farmers have been in constant clashes for ages. They have experienced nothing but casualties and unrest.
In the month of June 13-14, the Yelwata attack at the Guma Local Government Area by suspected gunmen or herdsmen who stormed the houses of innocent IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons) claiming the lives of families, both adults and children estimated to be 200 victims. They were all burnt alive by these unknown gunmen.
This has been recorded as one of the deadliest insurgencies that had happened in recent years. Some security personnel that were trying to fight the unknown gunmen also lost their lives.
Prior to the Yelewata attack, two days before the happening, similar conflict took place in Makurdi on June 11, 2025. 25 people were killed in the State. Even in Plateau State and the Southern Kaduna an attack also took place in the month of June.
All other states that make up the Middle Belt have been experiencing the farmers/herders clash for years now and it has persisted up till recent times, claiming lives of families and children, homes and lands, escalating in 2025 with coordinated assaults.
Various authorities and other villagers who fled for safety also blamed the herdsmen in the State for the attack that happened in Yelwata community.
Ehebha God’stime is an Intern with The Tide.
-
Sports1 day ago
Oyibu predicts success for Team Nigeria at Athletics Championships
-
Sports1 day ago
Former Champion Seeks Title Defence At Para Table Tennis Tourney
-
Rivers1 day ago
Don Sues For Leadership Assessment Centre In IAUE
-
Niger Delta1 day ago
Oborevwori Boosts Digitalisation With Ulesson 500 Tablets To Pupils, Students
-
Business1 day ago
Cassava Flour Initiative Revival Can Up Economy By ?255b – COMAFAS
-
Women1 day ago
What To Know About Fufu, Loi Loi
-
Niger Delta1 day ago
Don Highlights On The Potential Of Groundwater As Hidden Wealth For Sustainable Future
-
Rivers1 day ago
Group Seeks Prosecution Of Clergy, Others Over Attempted Murder