Thread by @InibeheEffiong

Pro-government minions are in the habit of invoking the name of the Great Gani Fawehinmi in their desperation to scandalize other activists. The same Gani was despised by successive regimes. If Gani were still alive, these sycophants will abuse him. Gani was accused falsely too.

Dr. Olu Onagoruwa betrayed Gani, his friend, and accepted to serve as Attorney General to Gen. Abacha. When he opted out, Abacha junta murdered his son who was working with the NIA. Dr Onagoruwa falsely accused Gani of collecting money from Gen. Buhari to buy a house in London.

Chief Gani Fawehinmi refuted the allegation. On several times, Gani was arrested on trumped up charges, including affray, treasonable felony and so on. In the eyes of the corrupt regimes, he was a criminal. Gani was hated. Attempts were made to kill him. He was despised.

Attempts by people, including fellow comrades, to scandalize activists who risk their lives to fight oppressors and corruption is not novel. I have also been a victim of campaign of calumny instigated by politicians.

But like I always say, history will vindicate the just.

I have known and worked with Sowore for nearly a decade. He is not in perfect person. I have had occasions to disagree with him, particularly on matters of strategy.

I will always and consistently give him the benefit of doubt if anyone accuses him of fraudulent acts.

I am not giving him the benefit of doubt simply because of our friendship or lawyer-client relationship. It is because the Sowore that I know will not accept injustice or take part in a fraudulent scheme. Certainly not to someone who has been his ally or stood by him.

I'm not surprised that Buhari supporters and other politically motivated agents have latched on this grant application/ collection allegation.

Based on what I know, Sowore is innocent and has not done anything to warrant the abuse and insults directed at him on this issue.

I have seen silly expressions like "cashtivists" bandied by worshippers of a murderous and corrupt regime. The same insult has also been directed at me. But should anyone expect an activist to live in misery? Gani Fawehinmi demonstrated that activism is not a beggarly call.

Gani Fawehinmi by all standard was one of the richest lawyers in Nigeria. How will a human rights lawyer for example be able to defend vulnerable people in the society without money? It is not possible. From my personal experience, it is a mission impossible. Prove me wrong.

Since I started offering my legal services to activists, journalists, protesters and comrades, I can't recall any organization offering me grant. However, there's nothing wrong in getting grants for public interest advocacy or human rights struggles. It is a universal norm.

Even the Nigerian government depends on foreign grants and aid which they hardly account for. So what is behind this petty attempt to demonize collection of grants? Some wondered by security agencies allow activists to receive foreign grants?. What a sick mindset!

Our security agencies, including EFCC, the Police also collect foreign grants. Even INEC is a big beneficiary of grants. But these sycophants are making noise about grants. I have never benefited from grants. But if I ever accept grants, I will happily devote it to my advocacy.

Do these people know what it takes to defend people pro bono? Who is supposed to fund that? Those of us that use personal funds for advocacy know how difficult it is.

It's unfortunate that those who risked their lives for a better Nigeria are hardly celebrated in their lifetime.

The Buhari regime lied in court when it alleged that Sowore received money from people in Dubai to overthrow the corrupt regime. They charged him with money laundering. As stupid as the allegation was, the same people who are spreading this latest allegation went to town with it.

When we challenged them at the Federal High Court, the cowardly regime recanted and amended the charge by dropping the false money laundering allegation. Till date, the regime hasn't apologized to Sowore for accusing him falsely. Those who spread the falsehood have not either.

Gani Fawehinmi was perfectly right when he said and I quote:

"Whoever wants to fight for the people must not listen to adulations and must ignore recriminations. When you fight for the people, look only to posterity."

History will vindicate the just.