The legal firm of Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAN) has described as absolute falsehood the news report that the nation’s foremost human rights crusader had died. According to a statement signed by a senior member of the Chamber, Barrister Adindu Ugwuzor, the news carried by a private television station, Africa Independent Television (AIT), is baseless and patent falsehood as Fawehinmi is alive in London, where he is receiving medical treatment.
Prior to the statement, Daily Sun had investigated the report and spoken with the fiery lawyer on phone in London, during which he expressed hope to return to the country soon.
The two-page statement reads in part: “We dispel that news and state that it is absolute falsehood. We confirm most categorically that Chief Gani Fawehinmi SAN is alive and still in London where he is receiving medical treatment.
“We are surprised, shocked and embarrassed that a national television like the Africa Independent Television (AIT) could carry such a sensitive news without confirming from any member of the Gani Fawehinmi Chambers or any member of his family.
“For the umpteenth time, we reiterate that Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN is alive and that whoever is spreading that satanic rumour should desist from such mischief, as it is ungodly.
“Recently, so many people had visited Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN in his house in London where he is convalescing. And we doubt if there is any media house in Nigeria that does not have Chief Gani Fawehinmi’s telephone number in London, including the AIT where Chief Gani Fawehinmi was called and he spoke on that same programme live on Tuesday, 22nd April, 2008.”
Fawehinmi’s 70th birthday was recently celebrated with funfare by friends, associates and the entire human rights community in the country.
The climax of the birthday anniversary was held on April 22, 2008 at the Airport Hotel Ikeja, where Gani spoke live to the gathering from London.
http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/features/newsonthehour/2008/may/06/newsbreak-06-05-2008-001.htm