The Nigerian Tribune has played a vital role in the expansion and development of Nigerian democracy and has served as an instrumental and impactful companion through the nation’s trajectories. The foundation of democracy and the entrenchment of fundamental human rights is not just the establishment of some governmental institutions with constitutional mandates and elections; it is also the empowerment of democratic institutions like the press and the anticipation of criticism. The story of Nigerian democracy is not complete without the telling of the development of its press, even in the face of despotism.
After its establishment by Chief Obafemi Awolowo in 1949, the Nigerian Tribune became one of the pivots of justice, freedom, and self-determination as a people severally and as a nation jointly. It became a platform and mouthpiece for advocating Nigerian independence as well as the criticism of the British colonial rule that was not particularly putting the locals in…