Jan 1966 Coup: Northern Leaders Warn Against Rewriting History

Leaders from the Northern part of the country have warned against attempts to rewrite the circumstances surrounding the January 15, 1966, coup d’état that led to the death of some prominent Nigerians mostly from the Northern Region, including Saudana of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello.

Speaking at an event commemorating the 50^th anniversary of the death of Sir Bello, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, condemned the situation where some people who were the aggressors now claim to be the victims.

According to him, while Nigerians have moved on from that point in time, no one should try to falsify or attempt to rewrite history.

Furthermore, he said the north was interested in the development, peace and well-being of the nation, but should not be dragged in the mud in the name of seeking peace.

He noted: “Friday marks exactly 50 years of the incident in the history of this country in which a number of leaders were killed. Sir Ahmadu Bello was one, Sir Tafawa Balewa was another, Chief Akintola, Chief Okotie Eboh and a number of generals that hailed from this part of the country as well as the Western part of this country.

“These have happened, though sad, we have forgotten about them and moved on as a nation. But 50 years later, before our very eyes, this history is being rewritten and those who killed are claiming to be the victims.

“It is important that we keep history truthful and even if we forgive and forget, we must never allow history to be rewritten because what is happening in Nigeria today is a new narrative.

“Sardauna was not a victim, Tafawa Balewa was not a victim and neither were they the cause of the problem. We cannot accept this. We do not want people to reopen old wounds because everyone has been hurt, everyone has been offended, everyone has lost people, everyone has been marginalized, everyone has tasted power, everyone has produced good and corrupt leaders.

“No one has monopoly of power or corruption or oppression. So, why don’t we, as one country learn from our history because history cannot be forgotten.”