Fifty Eight Years Without Sir Ahmadu Bello: How The North Can Rise Again: Part 1

 Prof. Mansur Usman Malumfashi

Northern region as was called during the First Republic has undergone tremendous Physical, Social, Political, Cultural, Educational and Religious transformations since the cruel murders of Sir Ahmadu Bello, The Sardauna of Sokoto and Premier of Northern Nigeria.

For us to understand fully the vacuum created by the demise Sir Ahmadu Bello, one needs to take a cursory look at the region before and after the demise. The late Premier of Blessed memory was a symbol of unity to the North because of his selflessness and purposeful leadership. The emerging enthusiasm with which northern leaders visualize and resolutely pursue the interest of the North can be attributed to Sir Ahmadu Bello. In his time the north was a homogeneous entity devoid of over intra and inter political religious and ethnic rivalries. One may attribute this peaceful atmosphere and development initiatives to the moral credentials and strict adherence to the religious precepts of Islam and Christianity. Hausa Language is the undisputed Lingua Franca of Northern Nigeria was the identity factor which enable any Northerner, Irrespective of his mother tongue, to enjoy the privileges of brotherly love, peace, accommodation, security etc. In spirit of different ethnic backgrounds, a solid cultural and political base was laid under the leadership of Sir Ahmadu Bello which was inclusive and impactful. The Sardauna had no problem working with people like Aminu Kanoi, Waziri Ibrahim, Joseph Tarka, Sunday Owoniyi, Micheal Buba Audu, Jolly Tanko Yusuf, Christopher Abashiya, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Isa Kaita Just to mention a few. The Choice of his cabinet members was based on merit and performance.

From the struggle of independence to self-determination, the government had always been people oriented. Programs and policies were pursued with a sense of responsibility. Sir Ahmadu was predisposed to delay independence until northern people were ready educationally, and politically.  The fear of domination of the, Northern Nigeria Civil Service was his top priority, Sir Ahmadu Bello became the Premier of Northern Nigeria in 1954 he was Minister of Works and Community Development twice Successively and Successfully.  He devolved the position of Prime Minister to Abubakar Tafawa Balewa In 1960.

The political achievements of Sir Ahmadu Bello were spectacular and in particular in uniting the north. Some of his achievement include the following:

• Northern Regional Development Corporation.
• Bank of the North.
• Broadcasting Company of Northern Nigeria.
• Nigerian Citizen Newspapers
• Ahmadu Bello University Zaria
• Ahmadu Bello Stadium
• Kaduna Polytechnic
• Many Primary and Secondary School
• Crafts Schools
• Farm Training Centre
• Dispensaries and Centres.
• Northern Nigeria Printing Corporation
• Licensed Buying Agents (LBA)
• Roads Culvates and bridges
• Teacher Training Colleges
• Courts Prisons and Mosques
• Moto parks and Markets

This is just to mention or few.

A Paper Presented To Commemorate the 58^th Years of the death of Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sardaunan Sokoto and Premier Of Northern, at the Instance of Katsina State NUJ Chapter at Katsina Motel Conference Room, Monday 15^th January, 2024..

Watch Out For Part 2