7th September, 2010
Exactly one year after Chief Gani Fawehinmiâ€
While the governor said though the tears caused by the death of the Senior Advocate of Nigeria had dried up, he maintained that “he has earned this unforgettability by the single act of patriotism.â€
According to him, the late late Fawehinmiâ€
The Governor, who opened a park in honour of the late icon also said that Fawehinmi used law, civil rights movements, the media and politics as tools to liberate the people of the country until his death.
He noted that the evils Chief Gani faught against had not been totally eradicated tasking Nigerians to remain steadfast in their pursuit for better life.
For the Commissioner for the Environment, Gani was a hero who remained energetic and courageous in spite of threats to his life.
“His prowess and informed views on issues bordering on the national development was soon noticed by his colleagues who nicknamed him ‘nationâ€
“Despite his radical views, he earned deep respect for his court performances, sound sagacity, eloquence and forensic skills.
Banire, who described himself as a proud alumnus of the Gani Fawehinmi chambers, also said the late iconâ€
Recounting Fawehinmiâ€
“Gani was detained serially in several prisons across Nigeria, notably Ikoyi Prison (three times), Kaduna Prison, Gombe Prison, Gasua Prison, Kuje Prison (Two times), Bauchi Prison.
“He was detained 23 times in the police cells between 1969 and 1998.
“I still remember with fresh amazement how the selfless leader Gani declined the National Honour conferred on him by the Federal Government which of course is mostly craved for by many.
“It was the height of tenacity of purpose and unequalled desire to advocate propriety in the polity,” he added.
The park which is located in Ojota area of state has an array of flowers, two boreholes and 33 sprinklers for irrigation and maintenance of the plants.