By LANRE AROGUNDADE
Struggle wise, Areemson was everywhere. Rallies, protests, marches, symposiums, lectures, retreats, celebration of comrades in life and in death, revolutionary commemorative events. Just name it. All countless.
Fearless, courageous and permanently convinced that the future of mankind lies in the socialist transformation of the Nigerian society, he invested his life in the struggle of the working masses, the poor and the oppressed, never allowing the illness that came by the way of a stroke few years ago to slow him down.
He stood throughout the burial of Comrade Dele Seteolu few months back, defying persuasions to take a seat even if briefly. Last April, he was also at the conference Hall of the International Press Centre for a JAF symposium on the state of the Nation themed: ‘Tinubu’s multidimensional Attacks on the Working Class and the Poor: The Need for Mass Resistance and Genuine Political Alternative’. Again, he insisted on standing to deliver his fiery speech receiving a loud ovation especially when he called for the urgent formation of a left-leaning working class political party to fight for power. “We can call it JAF Party, but comrades let us just do it”, he had declared.
When I suggested that he should slow down in our usual post-event chat, he jocularly dismissed my concern urging me instead to quickly arrange for his favourite Amala from Ola Sheu joint by Agege Stadium, the usual smile playing on his lips. “You know I have to eat your food my president”, he added, reminding me for the umpteenth time that I’m the only one he regards as his president with reference to our student unionism days when I served as NANS President between 1984 and 1985.
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While I always appreciate Areemson’s accolades, the truth is that I actually admired him the more.
I admire him for his role in building the revolutionary students movement in the Ilorin axis of Kwara Polytechnic and University of Ilorin in the mid 1980s. As the president of the students’ union of the later in the 85/86 session, he played leadership role in the mass struggles against commercialisation of education by the military.
I admire him for his telegraphic memory of the struggles we waged during the period under reference. From polemical meetings of the Patriotic Youth Movement of Nigeria (PYMN) to NANS Senate convenings, Areemson would reel out moments and dates at Ilorin, Ife, Nsukka, Zaria, etc., often to my amazement. He was an encyclopedia.
I admire Areemson for his commitment to rebuilding the student movement along the political and ideological lines that endeared student unionism to all in the 80s and immediately after. He was a brain box for a retreat on the state of the student movement and NANS in Kano ten years ago to mark the 10th anniversary of Comrade Chima Ubani, whose 20th commemoration few weeks ago he also energetically mobilised for.
I admire Areemson for championing the ideological education of the younger cadres believing that a deficiency in such would decapitate them from succeeding us.
I also admire Areemson for his revolutionary zeal and unquenchable thirst to participate in the struggles of students, youths, market women, workers, academics, etc.
I admire him for his proletariat and non ostentatious life of contentment. As Ayo Obe had aptly recognised long ago, Areemson was a Peoples Commissar.
Long story short. I rank Areemson high among class fighters whose comradeship I believe is better than mine.
As your remains are laid to rest today, I can only say to you Areemson: THANK YOU. May you rest in revolutionary power.
