Pricey Mallam, Seven years have handed because you left us. In the event you had been right here, we might be celebrating your a centesimal birthday as we speak. I solely hope our prayers have reached you, unwavering and honest. Heaven should really feel extra full now that Hajiya Hafsi, Hajiya Dawayya, and even Justice Usman Argungu have joined you. In the meantime, Hajiya Sutura stays right here, carrying the burden of loneliness since your departure.
There may be a lot to share about household, Nigeria, and the world you left behind. Muhammadu Buhari has accomplished his eight-year tenure, but the promise to immortalize you stays unfulfilled. Did he overlook, or did he select to not? That, I can not say. But it surely leaves me questioning who will? It wouldn’t have been troublesome; in any case, he honored MKO Abiola, simply as you as soon as honored Chief Awolowo in 1981. He even accomplished a mausoleum for Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe. Maybe he noticed it as a gesture of steadiness, very similar to you probably did. However will that very same courtesy ever be returned?
Satirically, Buhari’s authorities confronted the identical accusations he as soon as leveled towards yours, and much more, regardless of his proclaimed combat towards corruption. Such as you, he has retired to his hometown, Daura. We are able to solely hope that, such as you, he’ll write a e book sooner or later, sharing his personal story. Maybe providing us an opportunity to study.
Talking of books, Normal Babangida not too long ago printed his memoir a controversial one, identical to the person himself. The launch was a gathering of Nigeria’s political elite, together with President Tinubu, a person as soon as at odds with him. But, as at all times, politicians stay united when the individuals are divided. Buhari was absent, however his consultant attended, fueling hypothesis. Babangida admitted that the coup towards you confronted no resistance from the British till the failed abduction of Umaru Dikko.
To his credit score, he cleared you and Alex Ekwueme of corruption, even stating that underneath Gowon, solely you and Ali Shettima Munguno had been discovered clear. He additionally confessed that annulling June 12 was a mistake, shifting some blame onto Abacha. However his revelations didn’t sit effectively with Abacha’s household and supporters. It’s a unusual accident, Abiola was your ally in NPN, left your facet to align along with his soldier buddies, just for them to desert him in the long run. The world actually works in mysterious methods.
Politically, you may be shocked to know that Bola Tinubu received the 2023 election—not as a result of he’s incapable, however as a result of he ran a Muslim-Muslim ticket, very similar to Abiola and Kingibe in 1993. His “Renewed Hope ’23” mirrors MKO’s “Hope ’93.” Whereas the ticket hasn’t constructed extra mosques or diminished the variety of church buildings, each Muslims and Christians are feeling the burden of his reforms. Nigerians are extra affected person now—not like prior to now after they celebrated coups. We are able to solely hope their persistence is rewarded.
Apparently, Tinubu has adopted in a few of your footsteps. He has established a College of Know-how, including to the seven you based. This jogs my memory of the time when it was proposed that certainly one of them be named after you, which become a saga as a result of the alumni rejected the concept. Now, they’re questioning why leaders are naming establishments after themselves. He’s additionally focusing on 100,000 properties, a purpose harking back to your 400,000-housing plan in 1979.
Nevertheless, regardless of his efforts, safety stays a problem. His Nationwide Safety Adviser, your son, Nuhu Ribadu, has taken cost, but many Nigerians nonetheless consider within the fallacy of Fulani connivance. Each prison and bandit terrorizing northern Nigeria is now seen as a part of a Fulani conspiracy. However I don’t perceive what sort of Fulani doesn’t spare their very own?
On a private word, your outdated home in Sokoto was misplaced to fireplace, together with many cherished reminiscences. However Governor Ahmed Aliyu acted swiftly, making certain its renovation. He has proven nice take care of your loved ones and your legacy. But, like Obasanjo and Babangida earlier than us, we need to do extra, maybe a library in your honor. However will it obtain the assist it deserves? Lots of your outdated buddies are nonetheless right here. We are able to solely hope they may see the necessity to protect your legacy for generations to return.
Could Allah grant you everlasting peace. Yours sincerely, Dantayi.
Bello Bala Shagari, writes for Abuja. Belshagy@gmail.com
