Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has hit out at ex-governor of Anambra state, Peter Obi, over his recent remarks on Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle.
He accused Obi of diminishing the sacrifices of activists who opposed military rule.
Obi had, in a statement reacting to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) derecognition of leadership figures in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), implied that former dictator, late General Sani Abacha was a democrat despite the many cases of human right abuse recorded under his regime.
He had said: “General Sani Abacha, once presumed face of oppression, will be remembered as seemingly more democratic and more respectful of human rights than the so-called champions of activism from the NADECO days. Power indeed reveals character.”
The comment, which suggested that the late military ruler Sani Abacha could be viewed as more democratic than members of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), sparked backlash.
Reacting in a post on X on Friday, Fani-Kayode described Obi’s remarks as offensive to the memory of those who fought against military dictatorship.
“You have totally and completely lost your mind and this post of yours will go down in infamy as the most consequential one you ever made. What you have written today is way beyond politics and you have assaulted the senses and wounded the sensitivities of all those who lost their lives, liberty and loved ones during the struggle against fascism, dictatorship and military rule,” he said.