The echoes of Nigeria’s troubled past continue to resonate in the present day, as Shehu Sani, a former senator, revisits the painful history of political violence that shaped the country’s future. In a stirring social media post, Sani has underscored the lasting impact of the 1966 assassinations, particularly the murder of Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, and other influential leaders.
Sani, who represented Kaduna Central in the 8th National Assembly, stated that Nigeria has not yet recovered from the repercussions of that fateful year, which saw the violent deaths of several prominent leaders during a military coup.
“1966 was the year the country lost its moral compass, and that tragedy, especially the killing of Sardauna, continues to haunt us,” Sani remarked in his post on January 14, 2025.
Bello, one of the leading political figures in Nigeria’s history, was the first Premier of Northern Nigeria and a founding father of the nation. His death was part of a broader conspiracy of violence during the coup, which also took the lives of several other high-ranking leaders, throwing the country into a period of deep instability.
The Life and Legacy of Ahmadu Bello
Ahmadu Bello’s contributions to Nigeria were profound. A fierce advocate for the Northern region, he worked tirelessly to promote education, development, and unity. He was known for his commitment to the welfare of his people, leading the Northern Nigeria government for over a decade before his assassination.
But Sani’s post reminds Nigerians that despite all he did for his region and the country, Bello died in material poverty. The Sardauna, who was a key figure in post-colonial Nigeria’s governance, left no personal wealth behind. “For those of us in Kaduna, where he lived, led, and ultimately perished, we could not find any house, vehicle, or company traced to his name or his family,” Sani said.
Bello’s wealth was not in assets but in his leadership, and Sani emphasized that this poverty, juxtaposed against the grandeur of his service, stands as a testament to the nobility of his character and the bitter irony of his untimely death.
The Aftermath of the Assassinations
The 1966 coup and its aftermath remain controversial and painful chapters in Nigeria’s history. The military takeover was a response to what was seen as political instability and a crisis of governance. However, it led to the assassination of several political leaders, including Bello, as well as Nigeria’s first Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, and other influential figures of the time.
Sani’s reflections on the event draw attention to the profound effect it had on Nigerian society. “His murder and that of others in 1966 was the seed of evil that continues to haunt our country,” the former senator wrote. “It was not just the loss of lives, but the beginning of a cycle of violence that would plague the country for decades.”
The murder of Bello marked the beginning of a turbulent era for Nigeria, setting the stage for a series of coups, military dictatorships, and civil unrest. Many historians and political analysts agree that the country’s subsequent instability can be traced back to the violence and divisiveness sown during this period.
The Call for Healing
In his post, Sani called for a moment of reflection, asking Nigerians to remember those lost in the chaos of 1966, but also urging the nation to find a path to healing. “May the souls of all the victims of the 1966 coup rest in peace,” he wrote.
The former senator’s words echo a common sentiment among Nigerians who continue to seek closure on the traumatic events of their country’s past. From military rule to a return to civilian government, Nigeria has undergone significant transformations, yet many believe that the wounds of 1966 remain unaddressed, festering beneath the surface of the country’s political landscape.
Sani’s comments have reignited discussions about Nigeria’s history and the need for reconciliation. Many Nigerians, particularly in the North, have expressed that the events of 1966 left an enduring scar that has shaped the region’s political and social dynamics to this day.
The Northern Experience
Sani’s reflections are particularly poignant in the context of Northern Nigeria’s experience of political violence. The region’s leaders, especially the late Sardauna, were committed to fostering unity, stability, and growth, but their deaths contributed to the disintegration of the political order. The Northern region, still haunted by the loss of its leaders, has struggled to regain its political footing in the decades since.
The destruction of its political leadership during the 1966 coup led to a sense of disillusionment for many Northern Nigerians, who believed that their contributions to the formation of modern Nigeria had been erased by the violence. Over time, as the country shifted from military rule to democracy, the North has witnessed periodic political upheaval and a sense of marginalization.
As Sani’s post highlights, the 1966 assassinations cast a long shadow over the political development of the region, and Nigeria as a whole. The events have left a legacy of distrust, division, and the erosion of leadership, making it difficult for the country to fully recover from the damage done.
A Nation Still Seeking Peace
While Sani’s comments may appear to be a call for reflection on the past, they also serve as a plea for national reconciliation. Many Nigerians are still grappling with the violence of the past and the loss of their political icons.
“It is not just about remembering those who were killed; it’s about finding peace and ensuring that their sacrifices are not in vain,” Sani concluded in his post. “The country needs to come together to address the issues that continue to divide us.”
Indeed, the haunting legacy of 1966 still lingers in Nigeria’s consciousness. It serves as a reminder of the cost of political violence and the urgent need for healing in a nation still striving to achieve unity and stability. Only time will tell if Nigeria can finally lay the ghosts of its past to rest and move forward with a renewed sense of purpose and peace.
