Kemisola Oye
THE Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has charged lawyers to emulate the virtues of the late Gani Fawehinmi whom he said was an embodiment of good character and virtues now lacking in the legal profession.
He also said he would not offer any advice to the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration on how to tackle the economic challenges facing the country.
The emir disclosed this today at the 21st Memorial Lecture of Chief Gani Fawehimi held in Lagos.
Sanusi, who spoke as the chairman of the event, stated that he started by helping the government but that he has now resolved not to help the government again.
According to him, “I can give a few points here about what we are going through and how it was predictable and avoidable. But I am not going to do that. I have chosen not to speak on the economy, reforms or to explain anything because if I explain it, it will help this government. But I don’t want to help this government. They are my friends, but if they don’t behave like friends, I won’t behave like a friend.”
Continuing he said: ” They don’t even have people with pedigree that can come and explain to the people what they are doing. I am not going to help. I started by helping, but I am not going to help. Let them come and explain to Nigerians why they are pursuing the policies that they are pursuing.
“But I will say this one thing though. What we are going through today is at least in part, a necessary consequence of decades of irresponsible management. People were warned that if we continued the way that we were going, this is how we would end up but they refused to listen.
“Now, is everything being done correctly? No. When I am ready to talk about the economy, I will.”
Sanusi also urged lawyers to emulate the virtues of the late Gani Fawehinmi whom he said was an embodiment of good character and virtues now lacking in the legal profession.
Also, human rights lawyer, Mr Femi Falana (SAN) expressed regrets over the situation in Rivers State which he said has two Assembly Speakers.
He said the situation must stop and must not be allowed to continue.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN) said Fawehinmi’s legacy is one of courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to justice for the common man.
Keyamo, who was represented by Mr. Henry Agbebire, a Director in the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), described Fawehinmi as a man whose indelible mark on human rights advocacy, public service, and the legal profession continues to inspire humanity. His legacy, according to the minister, is one of courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to justice for the common man.
He said, “As someone whose journey as a human rights activist began in my formative years under the mentorship of the legendary Gani Fawehinmi, I take great pride in the continued relevance of the issues that shaped my early legal career, including the protection of citizens’ rights, the importance of accountable governance, and the advocacy for equitable public policy. These same principles fuel my work today as the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.”
He, therefore, commended the NBA Ikeja branch for ensuring that the spirit of Fawehinmism lives on, and for focusing this year’s lecture on the crucial topic of “Bretton Woods and the African Economies: Can Nigerians Survive Another Structural Adjustment Programme?”
He said he remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote the values of fairness, human rights, and socio-economic advancement.
Eighteen-Eleven Media