FEMI FALANA: FIGHT FOR UNITY OF NIGERIA

OJO, Lagos, Nigeria – Human rights activist, Mr. Femi Falana has added his voice to the debate on Nigeria’s restructuring, but with a different dimension saying the restructuring must be about the economy, and not just only political change.

He made this assertion at the tributes and colloquium in honour of Late Prof. Abubakar Momoh, organised by Academic Staff Union of Universities, Lagos State University (ASUU-LASU). The well attended event took place on Monday, 3rd July, 2017 at the Main Auditorium, Ojo, Lagos.

Falana, who chaired the event, stated that the ruling elite believe once the Country is restructured, the multifaceted problems of the country would disappear. He urged Nigerians to be steadfast and fight for the unity of the Country. “…One of our most consistent and principled comrade is gone. We have lost a gem in the struggle. It is difficult to replace him. If we are honouring Momoh today, we must agree to rededicate ourselves to the struggle. Do not agonise, but, we must be organised”, he declared.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olumuyiwa Noah stood in for the Vice Chancellor, Professor Olanrewaju Fagbohun. In his short address, he described Late Momoh as a man who upheld his principles with uncommon commitment. “He was not interested in leadership, but, learning. A master strategist, a skilful tactician, who gave all to humanity. A humanist per excellence”.

Prof. Noah added that the Late Momoh believed in the Unity and Oneness of Nigeria. He was so humane that he parted ways with his income with the junior staff at the INEC Electoral Institute, Abuja, where he was the Director General before he died.

The former Dean, Faculty of Arts, Prof. Abolade Adeniji eulogised the great virtues of Late Prof. Momoh, whose he said his kind-heartedness was phenomenal. He talked on the National Question, saying everyone has an opinion on how to move Nigeria forward. He added that Nigeria is a beautiful country; everybody has something to gain if the country remains united, that the current tension will subsides and finally, he recommended that the 2014 National conference document should be looked into. He stated that the recommendations should act as a working document that could set off a proper conversation for the way forward.

The Chairman of the host Unions, the Academic Staff Union of Nigeria Universities (ASUU-LASU), Dr. Oyewunmi in his welcome address, with a emotional tone stated that Late Prof. Momoh was a candle holder for those entering the principled world of activism and intellectual workers in the space of Nigeria Universities. Furthermore, he added that the late activist left indelible landmarks. Finally, he described him as a humanist, activist, political theorist and a comrade per excellence. “On the lesson from his death, we have no time on our hands to talk about them all. We need to confront issues making our country crawl. Good night our exemplary candle in the wind”.

The President, Lagos State University Students’ Union (LASUSU), Samuel Kappo urged everyone to emulate the sterling qualities of the late activist. He said he never met him before, but, he heard the Late Prof. Momoh was humble, very honest, and young people should embrace such great qualities.

The Registrar, Mr. Lewis Akinwunmi Oladapo, and the University Librarian, Dr. Adebambo Oduwole and other principal officers were in attendance Non-Teaching and Teaching Staff, Executives of SSANU, NASU and NAAT were also in attendance to show solidarity. Civic Liberties organisations, NLC, NUPENUET and other Unions were equally at the event.