By Jamiu Ali Danladi
On Thursday, June 12, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in his address to the joint session of the National Assembly in commemoration of Democracy Day 2025, declared that: “As we mark a twenty-sixth year of unbroken democracy, it is right to honour those who have made sacrifices in the past, braving all odds and the guns to ensure we have a regime of democracy in our country.” And with that, he went on to reel out names of eminent Nigerians, some dead, others alive; who literally laid down their lives so that Nigeria can transit from military dictatorship to a democratic governance, and bestowed national honours on them.
One of those who bagged the national award of the “Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON)” is the incumbent Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani. And, without a shred of doubt, it is one honour so very well deserved. Governor Uba Sani, in an interview he granted TVC two days later, subsequently underscored the significance of the award.
Let it be clearly stated, Governor Uba Sani’s recognition with the CON national award by President Bola Tinubu is a testament to his significant contributions to the struggle for democracy in Nigeria. His journey as a pro-democracy activist, particularly, in a region where such activism can be perilous, underscores his commitment to the principles of democracy, justice, and human rights.
Governor Uba Sani’s experience of being arrested five times and enduring harsh conditions in detention highlights his bravery and unwavering commitment to the democratic cause. Many activists face intimidation and repression, and Governor Uba Sani’s ability to withstand such challenges speaks volumes about his dedication to fighting for a better Nigeria.
Besides, Governor Uba Sani’s close association with prominent figures like the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, the late Dr. Beko Ransome Kuti, and the cerebral Femi Falana, SAN, all of whom were equally honoured by President Bola Tinubu, places him within a legacy of courageous activism. These individuals are not just held in very high esteem, they are revered for their relentless pursuit of justice and democracy, and Governor Uba Sani’s alignment with them during the critical period of the struggle for democracy is a pointer to his deep-rooted commitment to these ideals.
Governor Uba Sani’s role as a pro-democracy activist, particularly from the northern region of Nigeria, is very significant. As a highly conservative region, the North has often been viewed as a challenging environment for such activism, and Governor Uba Sani’s efforts to promote democratic values in this context demonstrate his leadership and vision for a more equitable society. His activism must have most likely inspired many others to engage in the democratic process, fostering a culture of political awareness and participation. By standing up against oppression and advocating for the rights of citizens, Governor Uba Sani has contributed immensely to the broader movement for democracy in Nigeria, which today is 26 unbroken years.
Most certainly, the CON award serves not only as recognition of Governor Uba Sani’s individual contributions but also as an acknowledgment of the sacrifices made by many activists in the struggle for democracy. It highlights the importance of honoring those who have risked their lives and freedom for the greater good of all.
In a country where democratic values are often challenged, Governor Uba Sani’s award symbolizes hope for many Nigerians who aspire to see a more democratic, equitable and just society. It reinforces the idea that perseverance in the face of adversity can lead to recognition and change.
During the interview session, Governor Uba Sani expressed satisfaction that the labour of the pro-democracy activists that berthed today’s democracy was not in vain. While stressing the gains made in the last 26 years and the that fact that Nigeria is no longer where it used to be, he was however, quick to acknowledge that a lot still has to be done. He told the panel of interviewers that:
“Looking back at the 26 years of democracy in Nigeria, one is satisfied that our labour is not in vain. I agreed that a lot still has to be done to advance the ideals of democracy. But I like to tell all of us that democracy is a process. Some of us who fought for democracy know what it means. We lost some of our colleagues. The likes of Ken Saro Wiwa, Kudirat Abiola, Bagauda Kaltho and others.”
He stressed that back then, nobody’s freedom was guaranteed because of the existence of Decree 2 which simply gave the state the right to arrest anybody and detain him for as long as it wanted without trial. He recalled that there was no rule of law, no single regard for human dignity or international appeal. His experience towards the end of the struggle was particularly harrowing and almost lost his life. It was that bad.
Hear him: “ I can remember vividly in that period, those of us who were outside fear more for our lives than those in the prison. I still remember the likes of Dr Beko Ransome-Kutiu, Senator Shehu Sani, Chris Anyawu, along with some retired military officers who were arrested on trump up charges of coup plot and were sentenced to life imprisonment. And those of us outside were afraid for our lives because a lot of people were murdered, some just disappeared. And those of us left, with the likes of the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Femi Falana, SAN, Chima Ubani and other comrades, particularly those of the Campaign for Democracy (CD), and the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) and many other affiliate organisations, wished we were in prisons too, because there was more security there than being outside. Our lives were in danger and many people were missing rapidly.
“I was arrested five times under Decree 2. And that means I could be detained without trial. Of the five times, four were by the Department of State Services (DSS) and one by the Nigeria Police Force. The then former Director General of the DSS, Mr Bichi was Director of Operations then in Kaduna. There was yet another DG of the DSS, Mr Gadzama, he was the Director of the DSS then in Kaduna.”
Narrating his ordeal in the hands of the NPF which carried out the last arrest before mercy smiled on Nigerians through the sudden death of General Sani Abacha, Governor Uba Sani said: “The last one was by the Police when they invaded my house by 2 am and arrested me in a very violent way and was taken straight to one of the most terrible cells in Kaduna. Today we have rehabilitated that very cell, the one on Constitution Road in Kaduna where one of our outfits, Operation Yaki, is now domiciled. Of course it was one of the worst arrests I experienced because I was beaten by the Police, not because I resisted arrest. Of course, they came in a violent way, took me straight without question, without warrant of arrest and no lawyer can do anything because the arrest was under Decree 2. Luckily for me at that time, after about a month and a half, General Abacha suddenly died. And General Abdulsalami Abubakar released most of us. I was in detention when General Abacha died. In fact, myself and a lot of people think I would never come back again because of the way they carried out the arrest using more than 12 or 13 vehicles, it was really terrible,” he stated.
For the record, Governor Uba Sani started his activism way back as a student. And he pursued his passion to see Nigeria being governed according to democratic and civil norms until it was eventually realized.
Looking back, Governor Uba Sani said during the interview that “Today, we are happy we have returned to democratic rule and I have no doubt in my mind, because like I said, our struggle is not in vain. Today our country is enjoying democracy, today people can associate freely, you can express yourself and we are having the dividends of democracy but the process is ongoing. We can’t achieve everything in a day. I believe democracy is a process and we must continue to raise our voices. But I believe ion constructive criticisms. We shouldn’t allow some anti-democratic forces and elements to truncate our democracy. We shouldn’t give them the opportunity to undermine our democracy,” he insisted.
As a recap, Gov. Uba Sani’s award is well-deserved, reflecting his significant contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey. His courage, resilience, and commitment to democracy, equity, fairness and justice serve as an inspiration for current and future generations of activists and citizens alike.
In general terms, this type of recognition and appreciation by one’s fatherland is highly commendable because apart from the fact that it will spur the recipient into further patriotic acts, the potential of it being a motivating factor for others is very high.
• Danladi, a socio-political analyst, writes from Kaduna, Kaduna State