Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has called on all Nigerians to unite, rise up, and rededicate themselves to the struggle for their rights, urging them to reject oppression from political leaders.
Speaking during the Day of Tributes in memory of the late Dr. Adewale Peter Balogun, described as a hero of Nigerian democracy and an advocate for the oppressed, Falana stated that this is not the time for citizens to mourn or complain but a time to act and fight for their rights.
“We must rededicate ourselves and live our lives so that we can be freed from oppression. The guys in power have not started; we have not seen anything. Telecom tariffs have been increased, and others will follow. That’s why we need to rise up, unite, and say no to oppression,” he said.
On his part, the Executive Director of the International Press Centre, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, challenged Nigerians to fight for good governance in the face of the current economic hardship facing the country.
He urged leaders to focus on serving the country, remain steadfast, and make sacrifices for its transformation.
“You can make an impact without making noise. I want us to take home the fact that when you are not ready to show commitment and make enormous sacrifices, there can never be progress. For me, the struggle of Dr. Balogun wasn’t in vain. He led a life of impact, and the footprints are there for all to see.
“This event is to remind us of where we are and to challenge us to fight for good governance in our country because we believe that will be the best way to immortalise him. We are here to celebrate the fact that Dr. Balogun played a very important role in the struggle for democracy in Nigeria.
“We said we should honour him publicly because he wasn’t loud about his contributions. He was always there, and many people didn’t know – the struggles of medical doctors in the 1980s and the struggle for democracy. Some of his dreams were not achieved. This event is to remind us of where we are and to challenge us to fight for good governance in our country.”(Guardian)
