April 12, 2026
SUNTV Global Channel | Opinion
Renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has paid glowing tribute to a prominent activist known as Chido, describing him as a man of discipline, organisation, and unwavering ideological commitment as he marks his 60th birthday.
In a reflective opinion piece, Falana traced Chido’s legacy back to his undergraduate days at the University of Calabar, noting that his passion for organisation and social justice has remained consistent over the decades.
According to Falana, Chido stands out among many former activists who have abandoned their ideals over time—a concern once echoed by Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka. Unlike others, he said, Chido has maintained a firm commitment to equity, justice, and genuine freedom.
He described Chido as a “quiet but determined” figure whose outward calm masks a strong inner resolve, adding that his contributions to national discourse—especially on Nigeria’s federal structure—have been both practical and intellectually grounded.
Falana highlighted Chido’s consistent advocacy for addressing Nigeria’s “National Question,” emphasizing the need for honesty, inclusion, and equity in resolving the country’s deep-rooted structural challenges. He noted that Chido’s ideas are clearly expressed in his works, including Nigeria is Negotiable and We Are All Biafrans, where he calls for solutions that prioritise the interests of ordinary Nigerians across ethnic and religious lines.
The senior advocate also linked Chido’s lifelong activism to current political developments, warning against what he described as attempts to shrink Nigeria’s democratic space.
He criticised the proposed revalidation of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), arguing that such a move—though currently suspended by the Independent National Electoral Commission—should be scrapped entirely, as it lacks legal backing under the Electoral Act 2026.
Falana further accused political actors of violating campaign regulations, stressing that electoral campaigns should only begin 150 days before polling day, in line with the law. He urged electoral authorities to enforce compliance and curb premature political activities.
On legislative reforms, he raised concerns over a proposal by the National Assembly to ban double membership in political parties, arguing that the definition should go beyond party registers to include actual political conduct, such as campaigning or sponsoring candidates across parties.
Falana concluded by reaffirming Chido’s role in the ongoing struggle for democratic expansion in Nigeria, stating that only an open and inclusive political environment can enable meaningful ideological engagement and drive true national transformation.
SUNTV Global Channel reports that Chido’s 60th anniversary comes at a critical time in Nigeria’s political evolution, as debates over democracy, governance, and national unity continue to intensify.
