In 1963, Obafemi Awolowo, former prime minister of the now-defunct Western Region, and many of his followers were arrested, tried, convicted of treason, and imprisoned for conspiring with the Ghanaian authorities under Kwame Nkrumah to overthrow the Nigerian federal government. . On March 28, 1966, while in prison, Obafemi Awolowo wrote the following letter to Major General Johnson Aguiya-Ironsi, calling on the Head of State to release him and his associates. Letter from Awolowo to Aguiya-Ironsi To: Commander-in-Chief and Head of the Federal Military Government, Lagos. Street: Director of Prisons, Central Prisons Office, Private Post Office 12522, Lagos. Lord: Grace privilege: Article 101 al. 1 (A) Constitution Act 1963 1.I am writing this request for a FREE pardon under Article 101(1)(a) of the Constitutional Act of 1963 on the Federation, on behalf of myself and some of my colleagues, whose names appear in the appendix to this decision. 2. Before I continue, I would like to emphasize that the reasons I give on my behalf in support of this petition essentially apply to the colleagues mentioned. Because they share the same political convictions as I do and demonstrate a deep and unwavering loyalty to the ideals of the party of which I have the honor of chairing. 3.There are many reasons supporting this petition. However, I dare to believe that SEVEN is enough and will limit myself to these.
(a) In my testimony at the hearing I stated that my party supports and is actively working to bring about an alliance with the NCN.
Today, the military government you lead leaves no doubt that this means the unity of Nigeria. However, it must be emphasized on this point that if I had valued my personal freedom over the unity of Nigeria, I would have been free in 1963. In that case, this petition would not be necessary and the work of consolidating the unity of Nigeria NIGERIA, THE COUNTRY THAT YOU AND YOUR COLLEAGUES NOW CONNECT WITH YOUR HANDS, COULD BECOME EXTREMELY MORE DIFFICULT AND BORING. Identical peace terms are still in effect on December 20, 1965 (the only change is an alliance with NC).NC, which was now a reality that had to be discontinued) were conveyed to me here in Calabar Prison by a delegation representing another peace committee headed by the same Chief Justice of the Federation and presumably enjoying the blessings of the Prime Minister, with a clear promise that if I accept the conditions I will be released almost immediately. I have rejected these terms and conditions for the reasons described above.
(b) One of the monsters that threatened the public life of this country until January 14th is opportunism and its associated evils: work, venality, corruption and unbridled self-interest.Clearly you are determined to destroy this monster. This is what my colleagues and I tried before I was removed from office on May 29, 1962. I was offered the post of Deputy Prime Minister twice (before May 1962) and secondly the posts of Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Governor. General (in August 1962 r.) if I agreed to break the opposition and join the national government. I rejected both offers because they were only aimed at satisfying my interests without any thought of upholding political moral principles that could benefit the Nigerian people. The learned judge who presided over the trial for the crime of treason commented negatively on my refusal to accept either of these positions, saying that my actions added weight to the prosecution’s case against me.I must say, however, that to the best of my knowledge and belief, I felt and still feel that a real public figure should not accept public office for the benefit that he can get from it – for example, for the profit and the not only because of the prestige of the office, but because of the opportunity presented by serving his people to the best of his ability and promoting their well-being and happiness. For me, the above two positions were a sinecure and aimed at crippling my talents and paralyzing the gatekeeper role that the Nigerian people expected of me at this stage of our political development.
(c) This brings me to the third objection. Reports indicate that you and your colleagues, like all Nigerians of good will, fear that Nigeria will not become a thriving democracy after the end of the current military rule. Democracy is a political doctrine that is very close to my heart. Between 1957 and 1962, much to the annoyance of some of my political opponents. Finally, in order for this doctrine to withstand the fierce attacks of opportunist and mercenary politics, I refused to give in to the temptation of the national government.Many views have been expressed – some thoughtful and respectable – about the value or lack thereof of opposition as part of public life in a newly emerging African state. On behalf of my party, I maintain that the opposition led by me has justified its existence in every way and has been recognized by the masses of our nation as necessary and indispensable for rapid national growth. This was done because it was extremely constructive. The abrogation of the Anglo-Nigerian defense pact was one of his flagship projects. Some of the measures subsequently taken by the then government – such as the creation of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and the introduction of drastic measures to correct the balance of payments deficit – were among those that received persistent and constructive support from the opposition. inside and outside. Houses of Parliament. I would like to emphasize here that it was not out of anger or hatred towards anyone that I decided to remain in the opposition instead of joining the much-discussed national government. I have done this to best serve our nation in the position into which my party has been placed by their votes and to ensure that the sapling of democracy in Nigeria grows into a strong and flourishing tree.
(d) Political tensions have prevailed in western Nigeria since the declaration of a state of emergency in the Western Region on May 29, 1962. My conviction on September 11, 1963, together with the bizarre circumstances surrounding it, led not only to the escalation of these tensions in Western Nigeria but also to their countless and unbridled spread to other parts of the Federation. Accordingly, we can say without much fear of contradiction that the majority of our nation today is passionately concerned and passionately seeking our liberation and that of my colleagues.The rebuilding work that you and your colleagues have undertaken requires that all Nigerian citizens do their best in fulfilling their calling. A state of mental tension, No matter how much they can be controlled or suppressed, they do not and cannot lead to maximum efficiency. People who live under the influence of the emotions that this kind of tension automatically generates are sure to make avoidable mistakes despite themselves, which in turn negatively impact national progress. It is therefore in the national interest to reduce these tensions as quickly as possible.
(e) A request of this nature must be self-respectful in nature. I hope and trust that this is justified in the circumstances.With this hope and confidence, I assure you that I and my colleagues have the qualifications and skills to provide invaluable service to our nation and homeland. Therefore, every day spent in prison must be viewed as twenty-four unforgettable hours of truly valuable service lost to our young country. Even my most ardent enemies have given this testimony about me: “AWOLOWO STILL HAS MUCH TO GIVE TO THIS COUNTRY.” No country, no matter how advanced and civilized, can afford to waste its talents, no matter how small. Nigeria is too young to bury some of its talents, as it was forced to do under the old regime.It is within your power to restore me and my colleagues to a state in which our country can once again enjoy the contribution we can make to its progress, prosperity and happiness.
(f) Nigeria has now been an independent country for SIX SIX MONTHS. The final phase of Nigeria’s struggle for independence was launched by my party with the historic local government proposal submitted by Chief Anthony Enahoro and supported by me on March 31, 1953. This must be seen as more than ironic and clearly tragic. THAT THE TWO ARCHITECTS OF THIS INDEPENDENCE SHOULD BE FREE AND ACTUALLY DETERMINE THE RHYTHM AND ACCELERATOR OF ITS FINAL STAGE IN A FREE NIGERIA. More specifically, in the year , I spent FORTY-SIX of my SIX MONTHS of independence in one form or another of captivity.I happened to know that the leaders of the old civil regime, despite themselves, were not entirely satisfied with their conscience in view of the difficult situation into which they had drawn me; and I venture to express my hope and confidence that you personally view my present imprisonment with concern and disapproval.
g) It is common and almost always the case that after the advent of a revolutionary regime, political prisoners and also other important prisoners are released, as a sign of disapproval of certain actions of the old regime or as a sign of the new beginning of freedom that came after the establishment of the new regime will come. It would be indecent to give non-specific examples. However, I and my colleagues stand boldly and firmly against the evil that your regime is currently condemning in the former civil administration and believe that it is quite reasonable to expect that you will find with us understanding of your wishes and aspirations for Nigeria, and that is why we also have the right to personal freedoms within the framework of your dispensation.
4. In the light of the above reasons which clearly show:
(i) that I have always and under difficult circumstances defended with firmness and inflexibility (a) the UNITY of NIGERIA, (b) I have been against POLITICS am OPPORTUNISM with its attendant evils (c) has promoted the development of DEMOCRACY in Nigeria;
(ii) that my imprisonment: (a) has led to increased political tensions among Nigerians which can only be alleviated by my release, (b) has deprived our country of the invaluable services we previously rendered and the may continue to do so now and will return to a greater extent in the future; and
(iii) that the evil that I and my colleagues condemned under the previous civil government and courageously refused to compromise is what you are now rightly condemning and taking active steps to eliminate, along the way to pave for a future national and charitable future system. Reconstruction, I cordially request you and my colleagues to benefit from the privilege of grace granted to you under Article 10(I)(i)(a) of the Constitution of the Federation 1963, S. , which grants FREE FORGIVENESS to me and each of my colleagues .If you do this, your service will be warmly and universally applauded at home and abroad, and you will go down in history as a soldier, statesman and humanitarian. Kind regards, OBAFEMI AWOLOWO. List of persons convicted of the crime I. who are still serving their sentence
1. Chief Obafemi Awolowo
2.Kapodaster Anthony Enahoro
3.Sig. Lateef K. Jakande
4.M.Dapo Omisade
5.M.S.A.Onitiri
6.Pan Gabby Sasore
7. Pan dimanche Ebietoma
8. Pan.U.I.Nwaobiala
II. Those who have already served their sentence
1.M.WITH. Otubanjo
2.Ms S.J.Umoren
3.M.S.Oyesile.
III. Those who were not judged
1. M.S.G.Ikoku
2. Fratello Ayo Adebanjo
3. Fratello James Aluko
