Nigeria, Feb. 7 -- So, at 32, John Kayode Fayemi was already playing a pivotal role in Nigeria's pro-democracy struggle. As an active member of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), back then, he helped set up Radio Kudirat, a guerrilla radio station that defied the brutal regime of the late General Sani Abacha.

Despite the grave risks associated with engaging that fascist regime, Fayemi remained undeterred, standing at the forefront of the resistance against the abhorrent military dictatorship.

His activism, unfortunately, came at a time when Nigeria was under severe repression. Key political figures like Olusegun Obasanjo, Shehu Musa Yar'Adua, Beko Ransome-Kuti, and Chris Anyanwu were jailed on trumped-up charges, while others, ...