•Chief Gani Fawehinmi, (SAN) Photo: Sun News Publishing

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Lagos lawyer, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, (SAN) wept profusely on Sunday as he reflected on the parlous state of the nation.
Speaking with Daily Sun at his Ikeja home few hours after his arrival from the United Kingdom, where he had been undertaking treatment for lung cancer, Chief Fawehinmi said he was saddened about all he had been hearing about the country. He regretted his inability to make any contribution due to his failing health.

“My message to Nigeria is that I am saddened about everything I have been hearing about Nigeria. What I hear pains my heart so much. I love Nigeria with passion. I wish Nigeria well (burst into tears).

“I will fight the cancer with all my ability, with all my strength, with all my resources, but it is God that would determine the cause of event.
“I am very worried, I certainly need prayers,” Gani declared.
Thanking Nigerians for their support, Chief Fawehinmi said: “I should thank all Nigerians for all they have done during my birthday. I never expected such wonderful reception by Nigerians. I could not believe what I have heard and what was done and said by various people in my absence.
“I am very fortunate to be alive to hear all those things, what many people have said about me. I thank God.

“Secondly, I have to thank all Nigerians for their wonderful prayers on my sickness of lung cancer. I am still being treated. I am only having a break, a medically advised break in the treatment, which started about nine or 10 months ago, which has put me out of action, professionally and politically and in any respect. I thank Nigerians for their prayers.

“The Christians, the Muslims, the young, the old, various mosques, various churches all over the country. Friends, those who made telephone calls and well-wishers too numerous to mention.”
Asked whether he was still going to continue his social crusade for Nigerian masses, he said: “Everything will depend on my strength at any particular time of the day. I am suppressing cancer and in the course of the fight, if I am able to make comment, I will. If I am not able, I cannot force the unable body. The spirit is willing but my body is subject to treatment now. Everything will depend on circumstance,” he added.

On his reported death by a private television station last Monday, Chief Fawehinmi stated that he had forgiven the station.
“It was a bad mistake on their part and I think since they have apologised for it, that is the end of the matter. Anybody can make that type of mistake,” he said with equanimity.