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#Throwbackthursday: Enahoro, the ‘fugitive offender’ dies after 70 years of activism

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Arguably the most prominent Nigerian to have opposed British colonial rule, Anthony Enahoro died on this day, six years ago. His exit came after nearly 70 years of political struggle, largely defined not just by his opposition to foreign domination but also his resistance to dictatorship.

In 1950, Enahoro formed the Mid-West Party which later merged with the Action Group in 1951. He is credited with being the first Nigerian to have moved a motion in parliament for the country’s independence in 1953. His action was frustrated by the northern members who staged a walkout.

Subsequent motions by S.L Akintola in 1957 and Remi Fani-Kayode in 1958 were passed but the colonialists did not budge until October 1, 1960 after Tafawa Balewa’s motion in 1959.

For his activism, Enahoro has been described as ‘Father of Nigeria State.’ His liberation struggles began in the early 1940s when, as student leader at Kings College, Lagos, he led a revolt against colonialism.

Read more: #ThrowbackThursday: Imprisoned for coup plot, Yar’Adua dies in detention

At barely 21, Enahoro was appointed in 1944 as Editor of Southern Nigeria Defender, a newspaper owned by late Nnamdi Azikwe and published in Ibadan. He was twice jailed for publication of alleged seditious materials by the colonial government. In one instance, he was jailed for an article mocking a former governor, and on another occasion, for a speech allegedly inciting Nigerian troops serving in the British army.

In the years that followed the Nigerian civil war, six years after independence from Britain, Enahoro emerged as Federal Commissioner (Minister) for Information and Labour under the General Yakubu Gowon Military Government, 1967–74 and Federal Commissioner for Special Duties, 1975.

Enahoro’s other well known struggle against dictatorship was his leadership of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), a pro-democracy group that fought dictator Sani Abacha till his death. He also led the Movement for National Reconciliation (MNR) and Pro-National Conference Organization (PRONACO).

He is, however, most fondly remembered for his dramatic escape through Ghana to Britain after he and other members of the Action Group, led by Obafemi Awolowo, were set up for a treason trial in 1963.

He was subsequently extradited by the British government after much pressure and imprisoned in Nigeria. His release from prison in 1966 helped shape his book titled, ‘Fugitive Offender: Story of a Political Prisoner.’

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0 Comments

  1. JOHNSON PETER

    December 15, 2016 at 3:24 pm

    At least of not for anything, Enahoro will be remembered for moving for self government which led to our independence.

    • yanju omotodun

      December 15, 2016 at 3:42 pm

      So what’s special about that? If he had not moved for self government in 1953, definitely Nigeria would still have got her independence.

  2. seyi jelili

    December 15, 2016 at 3:56 pm

    Enahoro will always be remembered in the world of Nigerian journalism . he set the stage for the rising journalists we have now.

    • Roland Uchendu Pele

      December 15, 2016 at 4:54 pm

      The knowledge of the then activists are way way more than what we have now. Journalism at the time was used as a tool to better the country and not the other way round.

  3. Animashaun Ayodeji

    December 15, 2016 at 5:40 pm

    It’s amazing how Nigeria forgets and ignore great people… Enahoro deserves to be given special recognition, always

    • Joy Madu

      December 16, 2016 at 4:23 am

      Don’t mind them they give hero to those who don’t deserve it. And forget those who deserve it. What a clueless country and leader involve

  4. Margret Dickson

    December 15, 2016 at 7:15 pm

    I don’t see anything fantastic about this man abeg… can we just leave the dead to continue sleeping?

    • chichi emerue

      December 16, 2016 at 4:29 am

      You better see because he deserve to be honoured as an hero

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