Nelson Ekujimi
Nigeria, April 18, 2016 – The June 12 Coalition of Democratic Formations (J12CODEF) celebrates the life and time of an indefatigable, consistent, dogged, fiery activist, lawyer, politician, humanist, welfarist, statesman, nationalist per excellence, and unwavering Trojan of democratic struggle in Nigeria in the person of late Dr. Tunji Braithwaite who transited unto higher service on Monday 28th March, 2016.
Late Dr. Tunji Braithwaite left his footprints in the sands of time in the political history of Nigeria because of his focused and resolute commitments to the welfare of the Nigerian masses to whom he dedicated his life and professional practice as a lawyer of repute till his last breath.
Right from the young age of 30, Dr. Braithwaite as a young lawyer stamped his feet into the political and legal lexicon of Nigeria as one of the defence counsel of late Premier of Western region, Chief Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo during his trial for treason in 1963.
Dr. Braithwaite’s indomitable commitment to the welfare of the Nigerian people was made manifest by his foray into active politics which culminated in his forming the Nigeria Advance Party (NAP), a welfarist centered political party, under whose platform he contested for the Presidency of Nigeria in 1983.
His contribution to the struggle against military rule and misgovernance in Nigeria draw attention to the pitiable economic plight of the Nigerian people which needed to be changed for the good of all.
As we at June 12 Coalition celebrate the exit of this legend of democracy, it is our fervent prayer and wish that, the Almighty grant him eternal rest, give the family, friends and associates the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss and the commitment to carry on from where he handed over the baton in the struggle for good governance in Nigeria.
