Pro-democracy activist Comrade Awa Bamiji has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government for urgent support, requesting accommodation and economic empowerment to help him rebuild his life. Bamiji, who suffered a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) on November 4, 2024, disclosed that the stroke left him with partial hemiplegia affecting his right limbs and challenges with speech and cognition. In his appeal letter, he acknowledged receiving ₦2,000,000 from Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, but lamented that sustained treatment, medications, physiotherapy, and speech therapy have drained donations from friends and associates. The letter read: “I am appealing to President and Government of Federal Republic of Nigeria to come to my aids by giving me a shelter and empower me so that life can go on.”
Bamiji, the national coordinator of the Coalition of Pro-Democracy Groups for a Better Nigeria, said he still cannot walk for long or make sustained speech, adding that tremors have made writing and typing difficult. He thanked supporters and “good Samaritans,” but warned that feeding and rent are taking a toll on existing donations, urging federal assistance to continue his recovery at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan. While the UK government has not condemned the US action in Venezuela, Badenoch’s remarks show global debate around intervention legality—highlighting a contrast with Bamiji’s non-military democratic struggle now focused solely on health and survival. Political analysts say the appeal reflects growing calls for structured welfare support for activists who sacrificed for democracy, especially those now battling long-term disabilities without state safety nets.