Braithwaite was a detribalized Nigerian – Ben Obi

Sen. High Chief (Dr.) Ben Ndi Obi, CON.FNIPR, has described the late Dr. Tunji Braithwaite as a political field Marshall, a progressive and a non tribal Nigerian.
He said this in a tribute to the late politician’s wife, Dr. Mrs Grace Braithwaite on Sunday.
“I received the news about the demise of Dr. Tunji Braithwaite with deep shock and great feeling of Nostalgia. This is because we have lost again, a progressive, a detribalized Nigerian, bold and courageous, an eminent Nigeria who was always at the forefront of entrenching democratic ethos, fundamental human rights, zero tolerance to corruption, and above all, he lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation, “he wrote.
According to Obi, Braithwaite was a revolutionary thinker, teacher and crusader, ” the light that fears no darkness”.
On how the deceased supported courses of the Nigerian youths, Obi said Braithwaite was the first to lead and championed the first revolutionary party in Nigeria which brought the Nigerian youths into participatory politics, the Nigeria Advance party (NAP), through its symbol, sought to entrust the future of the Nigerian youths into their hands.
“In forming the Nigeria Advance Party (NAP), he brought on board a few tested and trusted friends, like Dr. Ayo Ojajune, Dr. Muyiwa Oladimeji, Comrade Mallam Sanni, and Chief Senator Ben Obi CON.  Ayo was the director of ideology, Muyiwa was director of organization, Comrade Sanni was Acting National Secretary, and my humble self was National Publicity Secretary. We had the slogan: Eliminating cockroaches, rats and Mosquitoes, which was a philosophical way of saying; Eliminating bribery, corruption, poverty, ignorance and disease in our decadent society”.

Further speaking with nostalgia, Obi he and deceased attended all meetings such as meetings with the then president of Nigeria, Alhaji Shehu Shagari GCFR, in company of some NPN faithfuls and leaders, like Alhaji Umaru Dikko the then minister of Transport and Alhaji Ali Baba then Minister of Interior affairs, together.
“We also had a meeting with the then Head of State Gen. Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, and his deputy Brig. Gen. Tunde Idiagbon on the 12th of January, 1984. This was coming at a time when most politicians were so scared of the duo of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and his deputy Brig.Gen. Tunde Idiagbon. We also had meeting with President Ibrahim Babangida GCFR, as well as Gen. Aliyu Muhammed Gusau who was Director General Nigeria Security Organization (NSO), and his message to all of them at these meetings, was to eliminate corruption and bring about transparent, focused and dynamic leadership that will better and improve the lot of the Nigerian people, ” he wrote.

Describing Braithwaite’s religious lifestyle, Obi said the deceased lived a” very rich Christian life, and was very instrumental in integrating Christians into politics. He was instrumental to the formation of the Pentecostal fellowship of Nigeria, and had a good rapport with highly anointed men of God in Nigeria. He influenced the formation of PFN, when he and I started by going to the renowned tele-evangelist, late Arch. Bishop Benson Idahosa of the Church of God Mission, where we spent 2 nights in his GRA Benin Residence  to Mobilize Pentecostal churches into participatory politics by having a body or platform, which was later  to be called Pentecostal fellowship of Nigeria (PFN).  On our return back to Lagos, we continued on our mission, by visiting the late pastor Adeboyejo founder of Foursquare Gospel Church, Pastor E.A Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Bishop Mike Okonkwo of the Redeemed Evangelical Mission(TREM), Pastor Tunde Joda of the Christ Chapel International Churches (CCIC), Pastor W.F Kumuyi of the Deeper Christian Life Churches, and a host of others all in a bid to integrate Christians into participatory politics, which was  hitherto like a Taboo in the Christians, ” he wrote.

” He was a Colourful and Glamorous Politician with style. He was something special, a combination of talents, with incredible knowledge of the constitution and the law, and a passion for making the country and politics better, ” he described further.
Narrating the late Braithwaite’s achievement as a trained Lawyer, Obi said
he conquered the legal world.
“In his astuteness, he demonstrated vast and accurate knowledge of the law; using it to liberate the oppressed, defend the defenseless, even in the fiercest opposition from the then ruling military junta, he not only remained resolute, but stood firm and firmly defended all, including defending Chief Obafemi Awolowo when he was charged for treason”.
Having the credit of bringing onboard, and registering Julius Berger, the biggest construction company in Nigeria, which he became their first legal Adviser as well as holding the legal retainerships of over 20 multi- Nationals including foreign missions and embassies, testifies to the fact that “he was a lawyer of great repute, ” he said.

Wrapping up his condolence message, Obi said the late Braithwaite had gave his life for Nigeria.
“When I ponder over the demise of this great Nigerian, his rare qualities, I have no doubt that he has sacrificed, and giving his best to this nation, his wise counsel will be greatly missed.  No doubt, the legacies he left behind will be transmitted from generation to generation. Although there will never be another Tunji Braithwaite, let’s hope there are many more like him.
I condole with you and your entire family on the demise of your beloved husband, a great leader and teacher. At this moment of immense grief, it is my prayer that God Almighty grant you much grace and fortitude as possible to bear this regrettable loss. Please accept my heartfelt condolence, ” he wrote.