Those who spoke truth to power

Femi Falana is used to being called all sorts of names. Recently, frustrated with the lawyer's badgering, the attorney general of the country added another one: busybody. Micheal Aondoakaa called him a busybody for challenging the position of federal ministers on President Umar Yar'Adua's health crisis.

He is not a physically imposing man, but Mr. Falana stands tall amongst many others challenging the illegalities of President Yar'Adua's absence and how the country's constitution has been flouted to glorify narrow interests in government.

The G53

The Group of 53 members are strange political fellows, but like at other crucial points in our nation's history, people of conflicting persuasions came together to call for justice.

The group recently strongly called the attention of Nigerians to the unhealthy development from President Umaru Yar'Adua's medical trip without a proper handing over to the vice-president as required by the constitution. Despite the purported denial of membership by some on the list, the group succeeded in breaking the silence of the political class on the matter.

Rotimi Akeredolu

The chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association, Rotimi Akeredolu, despite signs of division within the association's fold, has been vocal about his fear that Nigeria, in the hands of the present crop of leaders, is heading towards a constitutional crisis.

According to him, "If the president is found to be incapable of discharging the functions of the office, he should be asked to resign. There should be no difficulty in finding a successor. The provisions of the constitution are clear on this."

Opposition parties

Led by the Action Congress, whose spokesperson has consistently called on the ruling party to tell Nigerians the true state of their president's health, opposition parties have kept the pressure on the ruling party and the federal government to respect the constitution - making sure the matter never leaves the headlines.

Source: 234next.com