Adebanjo, Opadokun, others pay tributes to Kanu

NADECO, Afenifere lament leadership failure, fault 1999 constitution

Concerned Nigerians, especially those who participated in the struggle that ended military rule in the country in 1999, have called for the rejuvenation of the parent body of pro-democratic groups, the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) movement.

They condemned the leadership failure in the country and faulted the continued operations of the ‘flawed’ 1999 Constitution, saying that NADECO, Afenifere and other pro-democracy groups would intensify political and legal campaigns against the lopsided federal structure that has continued to confer undue advantage on a section of the country to the detriment of other units.

The eminent personalities, who spoke yesterday in Lagos at the National Day of Tributes held for the leader of the coalition, the late Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (rtd), said what NADECO fought for had not been realised.

Speaking at the event, Prof. Adebayo Williams said Kanu led a good and exemplary life, but it is unfortunate that what NADECO and its disciples fought for were not implemented.

He lamented that those in the struggle for democracy were sidelined and relegated when the politics of the fourth republic started in 1999.

Also speaking at the event, the acting national leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo; Lagos State leader of Afenifere, Chief Supo Shonibare and Jumoke Ogunkeyede said it had been difficult for NADECO to achieve its objective because after the coalition struggled to ensure the enthronement of democracy, it, unfortunately, abdicated governance to those who did not share the same objectives with it.

Ogunkeyede said it would be in the interest of entire Nigerians if NADECO could be rejuvenated and to the honour and memory of Admiral Kanu.

Adebanjo described Kanu as a trusted Igbo man.

Ayo Opadokun said he could testify that the coalition achieved so much because of the dedication of the late Naval Admiral’s commitment and sacrifice.

Dr. Amos Akingba, who chaired the occasion, said Admiral Kanu was committed to democracy and the rights of human beings and would be remembered for his good works.

In her response on behalf of the family, Mrs. Audrey Joe-Ezigbo, Kanu’s second daughter, said her father was a democrat to the core.

She said: “He believed in true federalism and that was why he took the risk to join NADECO struggle. He was an amazing man.”

He taught us ideals of discipline and the need to be detribalized. He taught us we are one.”