Remembering BekoRemembering
The Campaign for Democracy (CD) pays glowing tribute to the memory of its past President, Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti who passed on five years ago, February 10, 2006.
In Beko was that consistent fighter, defender of the cheated and naysayer to every unjust diktat. Through sheer doggedness and uncommon commitment to freedom and justice, he left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s social and political landscape.
His numerous battles with irresponsible leaders, military and civilian, earned him special place in the hall of fame of democracy and human rights defenders and a worthy ambassador of the Kuti clan noted for their trans-generational crusader for equity and social justice.
His death has left yawning gap in the civil society in Nigeria, a country in dire need of men and women who can stand up to tyrants who rule the land with impunity.
But the consolation is that the anniversary of Beko has come up when social mobilisation has been defrozen in our country and our people are asserting themselves with uncommon enthusiasm towards the April elections as seen in the large turnout for the voter registration exercise.
The greatest tribute we can pay to his memory is to continue the process of reawakening our people to take back their sovereignty from a delinquent political class that rides roughshod over them.
We must continue to resist all unjust policies and demand that democracy, rule of law and good governance must prevail in our land just as we mobilise our people across Nigeria to insist on free, fair and clean elections.
As we rally around the banner of change, the moral grandeur of Beko shall be our shade.
Farewell, a distinguished fighter who lives on in our hearts and whose shadow marches with us on the streets.
Good night Beko Ransome – Kuti.
—Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, President, Campaign for Democracy (CD).
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