Commemoration of 60 Years Since the Assassination of Sardauna

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Northern Elders Forum (NEF), and other northern associations gathered on Thursday to observe the 60th anniversary of the assassination of Sir Ahmadu Bello, known as Sardaunan Sokoto, who served as the Premier of the former Northern Region of Nigeria.

They characterized the death of Sardauna during the military coup on January 15, 1966, as a pivotal tragedy in Nigeria's narrative.

During a press conference, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of ACF, Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, remarked, "Today marks exactly 60 years since the murder of Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sardaunan Sokoto, alongside some of his colleagues by rogue factions within the Nigerian military."

He reflected on how these killings led Nigeria into a cascade of crises, culminating in a civil war that lasted 30 months and claimed hundreds of thousands of lives.

Dalhatu, representing the Northern Elders Forum, Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation, Arewa House, and other organizations, expressed that while Armed Forces Remembrance Day is a meaningful occasion, it’s vital to also acknowledge significant moments in Nigeria’s political history.

He asserted, "We must celebrate the courage and sacrifices of our military personnel. Likewise, it is important to remember key historical events, notably those that mark significant transitions in our experiences as Northerners and Nigerians."

"We are facing an unbearable burden due to poor governance, concerning and complex intercommunal dynamics, conflicts that result in daily fatalities, and struggles that highlight deficiencies in leadership and public administration."

Dalhatu stated that the late Sardauna is a lasting emblem of visionary and altruistic leadership within the northern region.

"The northern populace holds a unique sentiment towards Sardauna and his companions who made the ultimate sacrifice 60 years ago," he said, noting that their leadership provides essential lessons on dedicated and visionary governance.

The ACF BoT Chairman underscored Sardauna’s developmental contributions, mentioning, "Sixty years post-Sardauna, the north takes pride in the world- renowned institution that is Ahmadu Bello University, which his vision and dedication helped to establish."

He indicated that the fragmentation of the previous northern region and the escalation of insecurity are indicative of ineffective governance.

Dalhatu reaffirmed the north’s resolve to democratic principles, claiming, "The north intends to establish itself as a major contributor to the progress and advancement of Nigeria's democratic framework."