Senator Babafemi Ojudu, a former Presidential Adviser and seasoned journalist, has opened up about his life-threatening experiences in prison during the military regime of General Sani Abacha. In a recent interview in Ado-Ekiti, Ojudu discussed his new documentary book, Adventures of a Guerrilla Journalist, which captures his fight for democracy in Nigeria and the many obstacles he faced as an investigative reporter.

One of the most shocking revelations in the book is Ojudu’s account of drinking his own urine to survive while he was imprisoned. Ojudu, who was arrested 15 times between 1993 and 1997, shares the extreme measures he had to take to stay alive during his imprisonment. This part of his story sheds light on the struggles of many Nigerians who fought for democracy under difficult circumstances.

“There was a time I drank my urine when I was dying. I had diarrhea and no medication was given to me. I read a book about someone who says urine cures illnesses and maybe because I had faith in it, I could not feel the illness again the following day after drinking it,” he said.

He said the book is also dedicated to the unwavering commitment and sacrifice of some well-meaning Nigerians “who valiantly fought and discharged their duties with conscientious diligence during the prolonged military rule in Nigeria.”

The book also honors those who died for the cause of a free press and a better Nigeria. Ojudu speaks about the sacrifices of Nigerians who fought valiantly for democratic values and good governance. He emphasizes that journalists must always pursue and report the truth, no matter the risks involved.

While reflecting on the current political landscape, Ojudu expressed doubts about the proposed constitutional amendments, suggesting that they may not address the true challenges facing Nigeria today. He believes the real solutions lie in upholding democratic principles and ensuring accountability.

He said: “The real solutions to our myriads of problems are far from what are being suggested. For instance, constitutional review, being suggested is not one of such solutions to Nigeria’s problem, it is simply all about us.

“In the course of performing your duties as a good journalist, tendencies are that you will be waylaid, harassed, intimidated, threatened and so on, and even excommunicated to exile, like I experienced many times. But those were not enough to draw me back, I remained resolute. Without a vibrant press, it will be difficult for a nation to get things right.

“Do not be dissuaded because that was never me. I saw death face to face, but all that did not discourage me from fogging ahead in performing my avowed duties to the nation.”

Adventures of a Guerrilla Journalist is a tribute to those who fought for Nigeria’s freedom, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of a free press in maintaining democracy. The book will be officially launched on December 18, 2024, and is available in bookstores in Lagos, Ibadan, and Ekiti.

For those interested in understanding the personal sacrifices made for Nigeria’s democracy, this book is a must-read.