The Human Rights Lawyer, Femi Falana, has called on all Nigerians to unite, rise up, and rededicate themselves to the struggle of the citizens and say no to oppression from political leaders.
Falana, who stated this during the Day of Tributes in memory of the late Dr. Adewale Peter Balogun, described as a hero of Nigerian democracy and advocate of the oppressed, said this is not the time for the 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 tariff has been increased, 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, International Press Centre, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, challenged Nigerians to fight for good governance, in the face of the economic hardship facing the country.
He enjoined leaders in the country to focus on service to the country, to be steadfast, and to sacrifice for the transformation of the country.
“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, to 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,” he said.
“This event is to remind us of where we are, 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, to challenge us to fight for good governance in our country.”
