Governor Uba Sani Warns of Democratic Decay Amid Judicial Disregard at Gani Fawehinmi Book Launch

Governor Uba Sani and Femi Falana honor Gani Fawehinmi, warning that disregarding the judiciary and romanticizing military rule threatens Nigeria's democracy.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 23, 2026, 4:45 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from THISDAYLIVE

Commemorating a Legacy of Legal Activism

Political leaders, academics, and civil rights advocates gathered in Lagos on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, for the presentation of Gani Fawehinmi and the Nigerian Press. The book, authored by Basirat Fawehinmi-Biobaku, explores the intersection of Chief Gani Fawehinmi’s legal career and his relationship with the fourth estate. The event transformed into a high-level symposium on the current state of Nigeria’s constitutional democracy, with speakers highlighting the growing friction between political actors and judicial institutions.

The Rule of Law as Democratic Bedrock

In his address as the special guest of honor, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani described the respect for court decisions as the essential foundation of national stability. He warned that the rising culture of impatience with judicial processes poses a significant threat to constitutional governance. Sani drew parallels to the post-June 12, 1993, political crisis, noting that the freedoms enjoyed today were not granted by benevolence but were won through strategic, prolonged legal battles led by figures like Fawehinmi who prioritized constitutional engagement over unlawful resistance.

Rejecting the Narratives of Authoritarianism

Governor Sani issued a stern rebuke to those who speak lightly of military rule, characterizing such views as a dismissal of the suffering endured by activists and journalists. He emphasized that while democracy is imperfect, it remains vastly superior to authoritarian systems that once persecuted citizens for their convictions. To support the preservation of this history, the Governor announced a personal donation of N50 million, alongside an additional N50 million from the Kaduna State Government, to distribute copies of the book to beneficiaries of the Fawehinmi scholarship scheme.