20th Funso Williams memorial: Bode George, Doherty renew call for truth, justice

On Monday, the 20th anniversary of the murder of late Lagos PDP chieftain Olufunso Williams was marked by renewed calls for truth and justice from key figures in Nigerian politics. Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Bode George, spoke at the commemorative event, reflecting on the tragic death of Williams and its enduring impact on Nigerian society. Williams, a respected figure in Lagos politics, was assassinated on July 27, 2006, an act that sent shockwaves through the political community and left a lasting scar on the state's political history. At the ceremony, George recalled receiving a call from former President Olusegun Obasanjo shortly after the murder, instructing him to return to Lagos immediately. Upon arrival, he found Williams' body lying on the floor of his home, a scene that remains etched in his memory. “Twenty years is a long time, but it looks just like yesterday,” George said, emphasizing the emotional weight of the moment. He described Williams as a man of civility and integrity, someone whose values and principles were deeply admired. George expressed frustration over the unresolved nature of the case, stating that the circumstances of the killing continue to serve as a painful reminder of the urgent need for justice and accountability in the country. “We lost a gem,” he said, noting that the individuals responsible for the crime are well aware of their actions. He urged Nigerians to confront authority with honesty and transparency, ensuring that such tragedies do not repeat themselves. “Those in government today, let them use today as a pointer that we should alter course for the good of this country,” he added, calling for a shift toward governance rooted in fairness and respect for human life. In addition to paying homage to Williams, George acknowledged the strength and endurance of his family, particularly his widow, who bore the immense burden of loss. He emphasized that the memory of Williams will endure due to the manner of his death and the ideals he embodied. Lagos gubernatorial candidate on the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Funso Doherty, also addressed the gathering, highlighting the broader significance of Williams' legacy. He described Williams as a leader whose influence extended far beyond partisan boundaries, contributing significantly to Lagos politics and public service. Doherty noted that many of the principles Williams championed remain pertinent today, yet the challenges faced by opposition politicians have intensified. “All opposition parties today are under threat, and the political landscape is one where the opposition is increasingly threatened and the space for opposition very limited,” he stated. Doherty argued that the political environment has deteriorated since Williams' time, stressing the necessity of restoring a democratic culture that supports open political competition. “Our prayer is to recover the ground where political contestation can become an accepted thing because that is the basis of democracy,” he concluded, underscoring the importance of preserving democratic norms and practices.