Honour Beko Ransome-Kuti’s Legacies, CDHR, CACOL Urge Nigerians

LAGOS – Nigerians have been urged to honour the legacy of Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, the late president of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR).

Debo Adeniran, Nation­al President, Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) and Chairman, Centre for Anti-corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL), in a state­ment made available to Sunday Independent, lamented the lost opportunities Beko Ransome-Ku­ti’s death cost the nation.

In the statement to mark Ran­some-Kuti’s death on February 10, 2006, the CDHR and CACOL boss recalled that Dr. Bekolari Ransome-Kuti, was a fearless human rights activist, medical doctor, and relentless advocate for democracy and social justice in Nigeria.

He stressed that Ransome-Ku­ti’s unwavering commitment to the rights of the common people, good governance, and account­ability shaped Nigeria’s civil so­ciety movement and remains an inspiration for all who fight for a better nation.

Adeniran stated: “He was the first President of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), first elected Chairman of Campaign for Democracy (CD) Citizens Forum, Chairman of the Lagos branch of the Nigerian Medical Association and its Na­tional Deputy, a platform he used to campaign against the lack of drugs in hospitals.

“He was also the Executive Director of Centre for Constitu­tional Governance (CCG), etc, and he participated in almost all agitations that led to the present democratic experience.

“We must also not forget that he also served as the Chairman of the Board of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), and during his tenure as the Board chair, every staff of the health in­stitution – consultants, surgeons, etc. would always be at work.

“If Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti were alive today, Nigeria would undoubtedly have gained im­mensely from his leadership, activism, and unyielding cour­age.

“His voice would have been a formidable force against corrup­tion, human rights abuses, and the erosion of democratic values.

“His passion for justice and equality would have strength­ened civil society, empowering more Nigerians to demand trans­parency and good governance.

“His medical expertise and ad­vocacy for improved healthcare systems would have further con­tributed to the push for accessible and affordable healthcare for all Nigerians.

“His role in pro-democracy struggles and campaigns for press freedom would have en­sured a more informed and en­gaged citizenry, fostering a Nige­ria where the rule of law prevails over oppression.

“Nigeria continues to grapple with challenges that Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti dedicated his life to addressing – human rights vi­olations, poor governance, and economic inequalities. “