Famous human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) announced his decision to legally challenge what he described as malicious detention and prosecution under the regime of former military president Ibrahim Babangida (IBB).
Naija News It was reported that Farana’s decision was in response to the revelation in the recent IBB release of the book, where former military leaders resolved the controversial abolition of the presidential election on June 12, 1993, which is considered the most reliable election in Nigeria.
Falana See Faweehemi,PhD bawo lansomome-toand other pro-democracy activists. The group has been charged with illegal assembly and incitement for opposing the abolition.
“We were sentenced to jail for publishing the election results”
Farana recalled that despite a large amount of evidence that elections are free and fair, on June 26, 1993, the IBB defended, citing alleged election ills.
He noted that the IBB personally signed the no-election ordinance and dissolved the presidential election court led by Justice Bola Babalakin.
“Now, he wants to give the impression that certain forces eliminate elections without knowing it. But Babajda himself exercises this power in the interests of Nigerians.,” Farana said.
After the abolition, the democratic movement took the lead in protests nationwide, prompting the IBB to order the arrest of pro-democracy activists, including Fawehinmi, Ransome-Kuti and Falana himself.
“We were marching in the Chief District Court in Abujavos, inciting, which was interesting because we released the election results,” he said.
After refusing to bail, Farana and his colleagues held Vunna in Kuye Prison under the infamous Decree No. 2.
He said:The junta foolishly thought that imprisoning us would stop the protests, but they misunderstood. ”
IBB’s regret is late
Falana stressed that Babangida regretted his actions after 32 years of abolition.
“He deliberately arrested, was detained and treated me as a criminal, just said, ‘We regret what we did.’ This means he always knew that our prosecution was unjust,” he said.
Now, with the IBB openly acknowledging that MKO Abiola won the election, Falana insists that his detention and prosecution are illegal and violates his fundamental human rights.
“I have formed a team of lawyers and we are taking legal action,” he declared.IBB’s recognition proves that our detention is not only malicious, but also abuse of power. He violated our right to freedom, freedom of action and democratic choice. ”
Officially recognized Mko Abiola
When asked whether President Bola Tinubu should formally recognize MKO Abiola as a former president, Falana thought the idea was unnecessary.
“Since 1993, Abiola has been recognized by the Nigerian people as president-elect. These people who try to put the clock back now only admit,” he said.
He also criticized the IBB’s plan to build a presidential library, believing that only elected leaders have the legitimacy to do so.
“There was no former military head of state that never established a presidential library. What do you want to read there? The president is elected by the people – Military dictator is not,” added Farana.
With the IBB now admitting its fault, Farana insists that justice must be served, vowing to take legal action to challenge his improper prosecution – no matter how long it has been.
