Chief Tony Momoh: A Patriot of Honour and Integrity

By Okoi Obono-Obla 

Chief Tony Momoh: A Patriot of Honour and Integrity

One of the founders of the All Progressives Congress (APC)—today a constellation of Nigerians committed to moving the nation forward—was Chief Tony Momoh, the celebrated journalist who, in 1980, as Editor of the now defunct Daily Times, dared to challenge the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The Senate had invited him to disclose the source of a story the paper had published, which it considered unsavoury and injurious to its reputation.

Despite the fact that the Daily Times of Nigeria was owned by the Federal Government, Chief Tony Momoh, courageous and fearless, went to court. He pursued the matter up to the Court of Appeal, which laid down a landmark precedent affirming the right of a journalist in Nigeria not to disclose his source of information. In its pronouncement, the Court of Appeal held that: “A journalist is a trustee of the people’s right to know, and cannot be compelled to reveal his source of information, for to do so would undermine the freedom of the press guaranteed under the Constitution.” This case remains a cornerstone of press freedom in Nigeria.

Chief Tony Momoh, a Prince of the ancient Auchi Kingdom and bearer of the title Yerims, was the son of a traditional ruler and Islamic scholar who had more than 200 wives and hundreds of children. In 2011, he was elected the first Chairman of the defunct Congress for Progressives Change (CPC). Fiercely loyal to President Muhammadu Buhari, he often joked that the Otaru of Auchi Kingdom had “donated” him to Buhari.

In 2013, he willingly stepped down from his position as National Chairman of the CPC, which was due to expire in January 2015, to enable the CPC dissolve itself and merge with the defunct ACN, ANPP, and factions of APGA and DPP to form the APC. He was one of the signatories to the document that ratified the merger and facilitated the registration of APC by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). His deft and prudent management of CPC made it attractive enough for larger parties such as the ACN to agree to merge.

Chief Tony Momoh also served as Minister of Information and National Orientation under General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida. Sadly, despite his immense contributions, the leadership of the APC and the government failed to honour him before his passing in January 2021, when he died in penury.

It is therefore fitting and just that the APC and the Federal Government of Nigeria collaborate to honour Chief Tony Momoh posthumously—by naming the APC National Secretariat after him, bestowing on him a national honour, and rehabilitating his wife and family—as the party celebrates the 13th anniversary of its founding. Chief Tony Momoh was a great progressive, a patriotic Nigerian, and an embodiment of honour and integrity.

Conclusion:
Chief Tony Momoh’s life was a testament to courage, loyalty, and principle. His defence of press freedom, his role in shaping Nigeria’s political landscape, and his unwavering patriotism deserve lasting recognition. To honour him is not only to celebrate his legacy but also to inspire future generations of Nigerians to uphold truth, justice, and integrity.