Connect with us

News

Northern Reform Organisation Mourns  The 15th January 1966 Military Coup

Published

5 years ago

on

Sir Abubakar And Sir Ahmadu Bello

 

 

Introduction

The Northern Reform Organization commiserates with Nigerians and mourns the great losses over the tragic Igbo plotted and hatched military coup of January 15th, 1966.

 

It was a watershed betrayal of trust by some misguided military zealots who martyred the top northern political and military leaders and also some southern top political and military cadre who were also assassinated.

 

We hereby extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of the victims of treachery and the nation in general.

The military misadventure inflicted extensive damage to the peace of the North with collateral effect on the families of those who died from the tragic event including, Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Prime Minister of Nigeria, Alhaji Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sardauna of Sokoto, and Premier of Northern Region as well as his First wife Hajiya Hafsatu, Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola Premier of the western region, Chief Festus Okotie Eboh Minister of Finance, Brigadiers Samuel Ademologun and his wife Latifah, Zakaria Mai Malari, Colonels Ralph Shodeinde, Kur Muhammad and, Agobo Largema.

Background

The pain suffered, greatly jeopardized the unity of the nation, and endangered its sovereign existence as a nation with grave consequences.

 

SIr Abubakar Tafawa Balewa

SIr Abubakar Tafawa Balewa

 

In particular, it plunged the North into a crisis of identity, cohesion, character, and its values system were since then thrown into turmoil and yet to fully recover.

 

Its social fabric was almost torn into pieces, while its vibrant import substitution economy with much local content has staggered and is struggling as a working strategy. For Nigeria, it was a serious political and constitutional set back.

Advert

The 1966 tragedy stifled and compromised our political initiatives and its vibrant honorable culture of service to people. The North intermittent hold on power has been an enormous sacrifice to the unity and constitutional development of the nation, due to our sense of fair dealing. But this, a noble disposition is often perceived as greed for power by our traducers and weakness in the view of others, failing to see that selflessness is an attribute of our character.

It is, however, noteworthy that much more deserves to be done in the North to optimize its opportunity in power and exploit to the full its natural endowments and utilize the great potential of its useful population and enhance its education system with a planning attitude and aptitude to do away with the unbecoming sights of its many uncompleted projects. It should invest in power supply, high-quality infrastructure, public service delivery, and pursue a coherent agenda. It should also make the utmost priority to deal away with the challenges of insurgency, banditry, kidnappings, and general insecurity.

Current Situation

It should be fully appreciated that the leadership question must be addressed to make people in public responsibilities to be capable, competent, accountable, knowledgeable, and of sound moral character.

NIGERIA@60:The discovery Of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa’s body by Late Babankowa

For this to happen, the citizenry must change their “unquestioning” behavior and develop the right attitude towards the leadership cadre, through consistent scrutiny. Society must restore its ideals and uphold the values of empathy and a kindred spirit of being one another’s keeper.

Individuals need to become civic citizens and abandon apathy to public affairs. Families have to become positive building blocks of society and emphasize correct children’s upbringing, while communities should become development centers. Our societies need to preserve their core values and stimulate progress by becoming strong cultural entities.

Conclusions

NRO commiserates this eventful date of January 15th by upholding it in memory of our lost heroes and fine leaders and vehemently condemned those who plotted and killed them. We also use the occasion as a wake-up call to our glorious past and an inspiration for better leadership at all levels.

The NRO wish to use this opportunity to mourn the death of our first interim Chairman, Alhaji Bello Isa Bayero, who died in its service recently, May Allah forgive him and grant him eternal rest in paradise, amin.

 

 

Recommendations

There is a need for a thorough examination of these issues with a view to producing the right caliber of leaders who are sincerely committed to the genuine progress and development of the people.

Currently, our political parties are without defined aims and objectives. Our political parties must design, define, and articulate a sound agenda for all our elected officials.

Government business should not be left to politicians alone. The general public must pro-actively propose good policies and hold elected officials to transparency and accountability.

Leaders should be beacons of hope, models of service and icons of culture, champions of causes and standpoints, voices of reason and moderation, reservoirs of knowledge and wisdom who inspire others to do the best.

 

 

Thank you,

For:   Alhaji Ado Muhammed,

Chairman Media & Publicity

Committee.

Related Topics:

News

Kwankwaso Officially Joins ADC

Published

4 hours ago

on

March 30, 2026

By

 

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party and ex-Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, has officially joined the African Democratic Congress.

The former Minister of Defence also registered with the party and received his membership card on Monday at Gidan Kwankwasiyya, Miller Road, Bompai, Kano.

Advert

Present at the event include ADC National Chairman and former Senate President, David Mark; former Sokoto State Governor, Senator Aminu Tambuwal; former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi; former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi; Senator Dino Melaye; and former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, John Odigie-Oyegun, among others.

Continue Reading

News

FMBN Chairman Nasiru Gawuna Resigns, Set to Defect to ADC Amid Kano Political Realignments

Published

9 hours ago

on

March 30, 2026

By

Gawuna

 

The chairman of the Governing Board of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, FMBN, Nasiru Gawuna, has resigned from his position.

Reports indicate that Mr Gawuna has perfected his defection deal with a former governor of Kano, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and is expected to defect to ADC on Tuesday.

In a resignation letter dated March 27, 2026, the former APC governorship candidate said his decision takes immediate effect and aligns with the President’s instruction aimed at ensuring adherence to electoral laws ahead of forthcoming political activities.

Advert

He expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the opportunity to serve, describing his tenure as a privilege to contribute to the growth and development of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria and the country at large.

 

“My resignation is in strict compliance with the President’s directive requiring all political appointees to step down in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act,” the letter read.

Mr Gawuna also stated that he is placing his future “in the hands of Allah (SWT),” while seeking divine guidance on his next course of action.

He further assured of his commitment to a smooth transition process, noting that he would hand over all responsibilities in accordance with established procedures and directives.

Daily Nigerian

Continue Reading

News

Sallah Thanksgiving: NUJ President Commends Kano Correspondents’ Chapel For Fostering Love, Unity Among Journalists

Published

1 day ago

on

March 29, 2026

By

 

 

The National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ),
Comrade Alhassan Yahya, has commended the leadership of Kano Correspondents’ Chapel, NUJ, for providing platforms and occasions that foster love, unity and progress among journalists.

Comrade Yahya stated this at Kano Press Centre, on Sunday, during the 2026 Eid-El-Fitr Sallah Celebrations, Thanksgiving And Special Prayers Ceremony, organized by Kano Correspondents’ Chapel, NUJ, to appreciate God for the successful month long Ramadan fasting period and the Eid-El-Fitr Sallah celebrations.

The NUJ National President used the occasion to urge journalists to reflect on the true meaning of the occasion and promote unity, peace, and tolerance, among themselves, in the course of their profession.

Represented by former chairman of Kano NUJ and a member of NUJ National Board of Trustees, Comrade Abbas Ibrahim, the NUJ National President, who said he has been impressed over the activities of Kano NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel, within the last one year, under the leadership of Comrade Murtala Adewale, emphasized the importance of compassion, unity, and addressing national challenges, particularly food security and insecurity.

Comrade Alhassan Yahya urged other NUJ chapels to draw inspiration from Kano Correspondents’ Chapel’s unity and camaraderie, highlighting their event as a model for promoting peace and solidarity among journalists.

He encouraged other chapels to organize similar events, fostering a sense of community and cooperation, which is essential for the growth and development of the journalism profession.

In his remarks, chairman of the occasion, a Professor of Communication in Bayero University, Kano (BUK), Prof. Yakubu Mai Nasara Kurfi, described the event as not only inspiring, but heart-warming, while urging the Kano Correspondents’ Chapel leadership to sustain the tempo.

Advert

Prof. Mai Nasara Kurfi congratulated the Kano Correspondents’ Chapel executive members for their foresight to organize the event, and promised to borrow a leaf from them as he planned to introduce such occasion in the Faculty of Communication, BUK.

The Professor of Communication also used the occasion to canvass for collaboration and synergy among the NUJ, working journalists and the Faculty of Communication, BUK, so as to ensure training and re-training of both working journalists and student journalists for enhancement of the journalism profession.

The chairman of NUJ in Kano state, Comrade Suleiman Abdullahi Dederi, who was represented by the Vice Chairman, Comrade Mustapha Gambo, noted that the event was not only a Thanksgiving for the successful Ramadan and celebration of the Eid El Fitr, but a symbol of unity and togetherness among members of Kano Correspondents’ Chapel, and the larger Kano NUJ family.

“This even is so special because some of the prominent scholars and practitioners in the media are here. I want to thank and commend the leadership of the Kano Correspondents’ Chapel for organizing this event,” he said.

In his speech, chairman of NUJ Kano Correspondents’ Chapel, Comrade Murtala Adewale, described the event as not just a celebration, but a moment to reflect on Allah’s countless mercies—granting us the strength, patience, and opportunity to observe the holy month.

According to him: “Ramadan has been a period of spiritual renewal, sacrifice, and discipline. It has reminded us of the importance of empathy, humility, and self-restraint. As journalists, these values resonate deeply with our professional responsibilities—to be fair, truthful, and guided by integrity in all that we do.

“This gathering also serves as an avenue to strengthen our unity as members of the Chapel. In the midst of our demanding schedules and the pressures of the profession, moments like this allow us to reconnect, share, and reinforce the bond that holds us together.”

He encouraged all imbibe the lessons of Ramadan, and continue to embody patience, kindness, and responsibility, “in our daily lives and in our reportage. Our society looks up to us, and we must remain committed to promoting peace, truth, and understanding.

“I sincerely appreciate all our invited guests and well-wishers who have joined us today. Your presence is a testament to the strong relationships we have built over time, and we do not take it for granted. As we share this special breakfast, let us also remember those who are less privileged and continue to extend a helping hand, as taught during the holy month.”

The event was designed as a special Thanksgiving feast to appreciate Almighty Allah for His mercies and offer prayers for peace and progress, after a 30-day spiritual rejuvenation in the fasting month of Ramadan.

Continue Reading

Trending