Former presidential candidate, Gbenga Hashim, has mentioned pro-democracy {groups} throughout Nigeria will resist any try and impose a one-party system.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, Hashim made the comment following a gathering with Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, noting that the engagement was a part of ongoing consultations with key stakeholders to guard Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.
“We resolved to maintain the multi-party construction of Nigeria’s democracy and resist one-party rule,” he mentioned.
Hashim described Falana as a long-time affiliate, stating that their relationship spans over 4 a long time and is rooted in activism, resistance, and a shared dedication to justice.
He recalled their joint participation within the anti-apartheid motion by the Nigeria–ANC Friendship and Cultural Affiliation, together with a protest on January 7, 1988, in the course of the go to of former British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher.
In keeping with him, he led a bunch of scholars who defied safety restrictions to stage a protest on the airport tarmac, an motion that led to the arrest of 5 activists.
He paid tribute to these concerned, noting that solely two are nonetheless alive, whereas Olaitan Oyerinde, Chris Ayaeze, and Rotimi Ewebiyi have since handed on.
Hashim additionally recounted his involvement in authorized actions in opposition to army rule, together with a 1988 go well with difficult the Structural Adjustment Programme beneath the regime of Ibrahim Babangida, with Falana serving as his professional bono counsel.
He additional referenced his detention in 1989 throughout a constitutional case in opposition to the Lawyer Normal of the Federation, dealt with by a authorized workforce led by Alao Aka-Bashorun.
The previous presidential candidate added that Falana performed a key function in his emergence as Nationwide Administrative Secretary of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, the place he labored beneath the late Beko Ransome-Kuti.
Hashim confused that their long-standing alliance stays dedicated to defending democratic values, civil liberties, and political plurality in Nigeria.
He added that the stance displays rising issues amongst pro-democracy advocates in regards to the nation’s political route, noting his readiness to work with like-minded stakeholders to safeguard democracy.