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THE IMPORTANCE OF HISTORY, THE BLOODY COUP OF JANUARY 15th 1966 AND A TRIBUTE TO OUR HEROES PAST By Chief Femi Fani-Kayode

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THE ISRAEL OF SHAITAN

THE IMPORTANCE OF HISTORY, THE BLOODY COUP OF JANUARY 15th 1966 AND A TRIBUTE TO OUR HEROES PAST

By

Chief Femi Fani-Kayode

 

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Nigeria is the only country in the world in which history is not taught.

 

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This policy has done us much harm and represents perhaps the greatest, most savage, most brutal and most destructive blow to the pysche, confidence, knowledge, intellectual acumen and mental health of our people. 

 

 

. THE IMPORTANCE OF HISTORY, THE BLOODY COUP OF JANUARY 15th 1966 AND A TRIBUTE TO OUR HEROES PAST
By
Chief Femi Fani-Kayode

 

 

The consequence of this egregious and unbelievable error and grave oversight is the fact that we are now having to contend with a vast population of over 220 million people who are essentially ignorant of their own past, that have no knowledge of their noble historical heritage and that predicate and rationalise their nation’s existence on lies, misinformation, disinformation, falsehood, folklore, fairy tales, fantasy, self-serving and selective clap trap and a more than heavy dose of intellectual distortion and historical revisionism. 

 

 

 

 

 

This is precisely why we are, in the main, essentially a conflicted and confused people who have no idea where we are coming from, where we are today or where we are going tomorrow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is why we, more often than not, view, discuss and debate our nation’s history with an emotional bent and from a thoroughly subjective, unintelligent and unintellectual prism rather than an objective, plausible, logical, level- headed, factual and intelligent one with strong primary sources and unassailable empirical evidence. 

We have little or no regard or appreciation of the heroic deeds, monumental struggles, historical achievements and extraordinary sacrifices that our forefathers made in the struggle against British colonial rule, the fight for independence, the struggle against military rule and the challenges and obstacles that our politicians from the First, Second and Third republics faced, surmounted and overcame to get us to where we are. 

This is our reality and frankly it is pitiful. 

I say pitiful because without any knowledge of our history we are nothing. 

Worse of all is the fact that, having learnt nothing from our past mistakes and numerous historical challenges because we have no idea about precisely what those mistakes and challenges were, it becomes inevitable for us to repeat them.

Permit me to tickle your collective fancies by asking the following questiins.

How many Nigerians know who Alafin Aole Arogangan, Sheik Usman Dan Fodio, Bishop Ajayi Crowther, Rev. Emmanuel Adelabi Kayode (my great grandfather), Herbert Macauly, Sapara Williams, Rev. Suberu Fanimokun, Isaac Boro, General Murtala Mohammed, Alhaji Ali Akilu, Alhaji Umaru Shinkafi, Colonel Gideon Orkar and Alhaji Waziri Ibrahim were?

How many know anything about Ernest Ikoli, Alhaji Aminu Kano, Chief Joseph Tarka, Owelle Nnamdi Azikiwe, Justice Daddy Onyeama, Chief Philip Asiodu, Chief Allison Ayida, Chief Hope Harriman, Chief Godfrey Amachree, Alhaji Adamu Attah, Alhaju Adamu Augie, Chief Solomon Lar, Alhaji Saleh Jambo, Alhaji Saleh Hassan, Oba Adesoji Aderemi and Alhaji Adamu Ciroma? 

How many know much about General Hassan Katsina, General Ibrahim Babangida, General Shehu Musa Yar’adua, General TY Danjuma, General Sani Abacha, Colonel Abubakar Dangiwa Umar, Dr. Olusola Saraki, Chief KO Mbadiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Adetokunboh Ademola, Chief FRA Williams, Justice Atanda Fatayi-Williams, Oba Okunade Sijuwade and the Black Scorpion, Benjamin Adekunle? 

How many know anything about the Black Victorians of the old Lagos colony or Sara Forbes Bonneta who was the god-daughter of Queen Victoria of Great Britain.

How many have ever heard about Sara’s distinguished and well to do husband, Captain James Pinson Labulo Davis, a wealthy  businessman and philanthropist from old Lagos. 

How many know anything about the politics and history of Nigeria in the 1920’s, 1930’s, 1940’s, 1950’s, 1960’s, 1970’s, 1980’s and 1990’s?

How many knew that it was only in the 1950’s that Nigerians were allowed to live in the area of Lagos known as Ikoyi and that this came about only as a consequence of the long and bitter struggle and great and irresistible agitation of the proud and noble Nigerian leaders of the old Lagos colony of that day.

Up until then Ikoyi was a residential area that was the exclusive preserve of the European settlers and colonialists!

How many have heard about Justice Victor Adedapo Kayode, my Cambridge-University trained paternal grandfather who was one of the leading criminal lawyers of his generation, who was the third Nigerian to be appointed as a Magistrate (in those days all our judges were white) and who landed a dirty slap on the face of a British colonial officer in broad daylight outside the front door of the old Bristol Hotel in Lagos for his insolence, impertinence and overtly racist remarks!

The following day the matter was reported in the newspapers and it created quite a stir!

How many know about what really happened during our civil war and what led to it?

How many know about President  Shehu Shagari and the Second Republic and how many have any knowledge of Chief MKO Abiola in the third?

How many know about military rule in Nigeria and who the main players were and how many have any idea about the coups and attempted coups we have experienced since independence? 

Sadly most Nigerians, particularly in the Gen Z generation, know NOTHING about their nations past and its major players and even when they do that knowledge is sparse, scanty, shallow and, more often than not, minimal, inconsequential and obscure. 

It really is a tragedy and one of the reasons that yours truly has written this contribution about the relevance of January 15th in our calender is to at least attempt to enlighten those that are intelligent enough to appreciate the importance of history and that have no idea why we even have or celebrate an Armed Forces Remebrance Day or where our seemingly unending troubles and turmoil really started.

Consider the following. 

Today is Armed Forces Remembrance Day and it is a day that we are constrained to rembember our fallen heroes.

Many in the younger generation do not know why this particular day was chosen to commemorate those that fell and the tragic events that led to their brutal murder. 

Permit me to enlighten those that know no better and to share the facts. 

58 years ago today, on January 15th 1966, a bloody, vicious, merciless, unrelenting and violent mutiny took place in our Armed Forces in which many of our reverred, respected and beloved political leaders and senior military officers, together with some members of their respective families, were humiliated, tortured, mutilated and finally murdered in cold blood.

Those that were killed were Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, the Prime Minister, Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto and Premier of the old Northern Region, Chief S.L. Akintola, the Premier of the old Western Region, Brigadier Zakariya Maimalari, Colonel James Pam, Brigadier Samuel Ademulegun, Colonel Ralph Sodeinde, Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh, the Minister of Finance, Colonel Arthur Unegbe, Colonel Kur Mohammed, Lt. Colonel Abogo Largema, Mrs. Hafsatu Bello, the wife of the Sardauna of Sokoto, Zarumi, the bodyguard of the Sardauna of Sokoto, Mrs. Lateefat Ademulegun, the wife of Brigadier Ademulegun, Ahmed B. Musa, Ahmed Pategi, Sgt. Daramola Oyegoke, PC Yohana Garkawa, PC Musa Nimzo, PC Akpan Anduka, PC Hagai Lai and PC Philip Lewande.

Two others were also abducted by the mutineers from their homes that night and brutalised. Thankfully they both managed to escape with their lives.

The first was Chief Remilekun Adetokunboh Fani-Kayode KC, SAN, CON, the Balogun of Ile-Ife and the Deputy Premier of the old Western Region (my beloved father).

I personally witnessed some of the events of that night when, led by one Captain Emmanuel Nwobosi, they came to our home and official residence in Government House, Ibadan and abducted him.

Thankfully he was rescued later in the day by loyal troops led by Lt. Colonel Yakubu Gowon (as he then was), Captain Paul Chabri Tarfa (as he then was) and Lt. Takoda, who stormed the officers mess in Dodan Barracks, Lagos where he was taken and was being held by the mutineers and freed him after a prolonged and bloody gun battle which resulted in deaths on both sides.

The second was Sir Kashim Ibrahim, the Governor of the old Northern Region who was rescued and freed by loyalist forces in Kaduna.

Both of these men were delivered by divine providence and went on to live for many more years and make their contributions to national development.

The coup was led by Major Emmanuel Arinze Ifeajuna and Major Chukuwemeka Kaduna Nzeogwu and 90% of the officers involved were Igbo.

The allegation that it was an Igbo coup is accurate and factual regardless of all attempts to revise and re-write history, often by the murderers and mutineers themselves, in a futile attempt to make it look otherwise and portray themselves as patriots and heroes.

They were far from either of the two and the bitter truth is that they were nothing more than a bunch of  cowardly, treacherous, self-serving, ungrateful, over ambitious, power- hungry homicidal maniacs and murderous butchers who attempted to take power through the barrel of the gun and impose an ethnic and religious agenda. 

The assertion that it was not an Igbo coup is patently false and we owe it to those that lost their lives on that terrible night to at least speak the truth about what happened and who killed them. 

I commend the historians, commentators and writers, including individuals like @renoomokri, who have collectively continued to pronounce and enunciate this sacred truth despite the insults and threats which they are often subjected to by those who are blind to the reality, who have no knowledge of history and who have been misguided and brainwashed into believing otherwise. 

The cycle of violence that the unprecedented amount of violence and bloodshed that took place that terrible night unleashed was horrendous and not only did it lead directly to what has rightly been described by historians as the “Northern officers revenge coup” 6 months later in July 1966 in which 300 Igbo officers and the Igbo Head of State, General Aguiyi-Ironsi, was murdered but also to the infamous pogroms in the North where up to 100,000 Igbos were murdered by angry mobs and finally the civil war in which up to 3 million Igbo civilians and Biafran soldiers (including 1 million Igbo children) were butchered alongside hundreds of thousands of Nigerian civilians and gallant Army officers.

My prayer is that we never witness or experience such bloody events in our history again but if anyone is interested in knowing where, how and why this terrible series of events and cycle of brutality started they must consider the events of January 15th 1966 when the murderous barbarians that called themselves young Army officers unleashed mayhem on our leaders and killed so many of them in the most beastly and cowardly fashion.

History records all those that were murdered that night as heroes and we shall never belittle, forget or undermine the supreme sacrifice that they made for our beloved nation.

They live on in our hearts and we resolve to soldier on regardless and make Nigeria an even greater and better country than they sought to make it and to honour their memory by building on their great and noble heritage and legacy. 

May their precious souls continue to rest in peace, may the Lord continue to protect, comfort and bless those they left behind including their families and loved ones and may God continue to guide and lead our great nation Nigeria. 

Happy Armed Forces Remembrance Day!

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Rivers: PDP Group Dismisses Purported Suspension of Rep. Abiante As Child’s Play

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Ganduje: Stop Your Evil Plot Against Tinubu - Yoruba Youths Warn Kano Gov, Kwankwaso

*Rivers: PDP Group Dismisses Purported Suspension of Rep. Abiante As Child’s Play

 

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The PDP National Solidarity Vanguard (PDP-NSV) has dismissed the purported suspension of the member representing Andoni/Opobo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Awaji-Inombek Abiante.

In a statement signed by its national president Comrade Rowland Ovie, the group described the suspension as unlawful, baseless and something of a child’s play.

Ovie said the acclaimed ward executives from Ngor Ward 1, Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State are impostors and not even members of the party.

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He added that Abiante is a time-tested party loyalist who has always stood for justice, equity and good governance hence his support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The group, therefore, commended the lawmaker for standing by Governor Fubara who is one of the life-wire of the PDP in Nigeria today.

“The purported suspension of Hon. Awaji-Inombek Abiante by some unknown persons claiming to be members of our great party is not only unlawful but laughable,” the statement said.

“It is another political escapade gone wrong. We know those behind this show of shame and their paymasters. We are glad also that Nigerians know them as well.

“Abiante is a highly principled man known for his honesty, integrity and knack for justice and good governance. He is not one to be easily bullied.

“Due to his strong principles and high moral values, he has shown massive support for Governor Fubara. He believes in the governor’s philosophies and leadership model.

“We, therefore, commend the lawmaker for standing on the side of truth and the masses. He remains a bonafide member of the PDP and one of the party’s strongest pillars in Rivers.

“It is, however, unfortunate that those who have thrown away every iota of honour in them are now going after genuine patriots within the party. We call on all party men and women to expel ‘the bull in the China shop.’

“We also urge the general public to ignore his purported suspension as they are antics of frustrated politicians, particularly in Andoni and Rivers State who are discomforted by his towering political profile.”

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Wike Didn’t Make Asiwaju Tinubu Nigeria’s President – Oduduwa Group

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IS WIKE AN ASSET OR A LIABILITY TO TINUBU?

Wike Didn’t Make Asiwaju Tinubu Nigeria’s President – Oduduwa Group

**** Warns FCT Minister to stop acting like an emperor

 

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The Oduduwa Development Congress (ODC) has disputed the claim of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, that he played a significant role in bringing President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to power.

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The group said Wike’s claim is merely a product of his imagination.

ODC emphasized that Nigerians, not Wike, made Asiwaju Bola Tinubu their President, and his victory was a reflection of the will of the people.

Addressing a press conference in Lagos on Monday, the president of the group, Oluwasanmi Sola stated that the FCT Minister should be grateful to President Tinubu for saving him from political obscurity.

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According to Sola, Wike’s utterances and body language imply insubordination.

“The Oduduwa Development Congress wishes to set the record straight that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike didn’t make Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu the President of Nigeria,” the statement said.

“We would normally ignore Wike’s claims as the ramblings of a delusional person, but given the power of propaganda to cause harm, we feel compelled to correct the record.

“It’s important to note that the results of the 2023 presidential election, as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), show that Nigerians elected Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as their President, not Wike. Tinubu received a total of 8,794,726 votes, the highest of all candidates, meeting the first constitutional requirement to be declared the winner. He also received over 25% of the votes cast in 30 states, exceeding the 24 states required by the constitution. Local and international observers confirmed that his victory reflected the will of the people, and the Supreme Court upheld the outcome.

“Therefore, Wike’s claim of singlehandedly bringing President Tinubu to power is false and misleading. How could he when he couldn’t secure ordinary ticket of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for himself? In President Tinubu’s election victory acceptance speech, he recognized and thanked those who worked hard to secure the victory. However, he did not mention the name of Nyesom Wike. This suggests that the FCT Minister’s claim of playing a significant role in the President’s electoral success is merely a product of his imagination. The former Rivers State governor owes Nigerians an apology for attempting to take credit for our collective mandate.”

The group criticized Wike’s handling of the affairs of the FCT, saying he is running the territory like his personal property.

ODC noted that Wike’s appointments so far have been lopsided, and his actions could negatively impact the support that the President Bola Tinubu administration enjoys from Northerners if the issue is not addressed urgently.

“Unfortunately, Wike’s claim is not only blatant lie but also a crass display of ingratitude. His public posturing is the height of political arrogance. His utterances and body language reek of insubordination. One would expect that haven been saved from political obscurity by President Tinubu’s magnanimity, Wike would be the most loyal of all the President’s ministers but instead he has turned out to be not only ungrateful but also a power-drunk little emperor in Abuja and a liability to this administration.

“The rate of nepotism, cronyism and favouritism in the Ministry of the Federal Capital Territory under Wike is egregious. The FCT Minister has skewed all strategic appointments to favour his cronies and political affiliates from the River State, while millions of other Nigerians, and indigenes of the territory, are left marginalized.

“Wike needs to be reminded that the FCT is not his personal property or an extension of Rivers State. As the Center of Unity, the principle of inclusion must be given priority over any other interest. Therefore, we urge Wike to stop using resources and jobs meant for the FCT to buy and sustain the loyalty of his political allies in Rivers State in his pointless fight against the Governor, Sim Fubara, and focus on discharging his duties as FCT Minister impartially.

“It is regrettably lugubrious, that Wike, who was appointed as the FCT Minister by President Tinubu despite not being a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), is now making enemies for the President with his tyrannical regime in the FCT instead of serving Mr. President diligently for saving him from monumental shame and disgrace.

“Bearing in mind that the President Tinubu’s administration is at the receiving end of Wike’s actions, we urge the FCT Minister to retrace his steps and tread cautiously or be forced to resign,” the statement added.

 

 

 

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IFMSL vs AICL: Lagos Group Warns Wike for fighting APC loyalist over his selfish interest to own ICC 

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IFMSL vs AICL: Lagos Group Warns Wike for fighting APC loyalist over his selfish interest to own ICC

 

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By Tom Garba

 

 

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Sahara Weekly Reports That A group under concerned citizens of Nigeria umbrella nation wide said the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr Nyesome Wike is punitive and capable to divide Nigeria along regional and ethnics lines.

 

 

IFMSL vs AICL: Lagos Group Warns Wike for fighting APC loyalist over his selfish interest to own ICC 

 

 

 

The group during a world press conference with Dr Joseph Jabani to have addressed journalists at Carlton gate hotel FESTAC, Lagos cried for justice on behalf of Integrated Facilities Management Services Ltd ( IFMSL) Under the Good management of Its Managing Director Senator Abubakar Ahmed MoAllayidi whose contract with Abuja Investments Company Ltd (AICL) was illegally revoked.

 

Jabani said the implications of revoking the contract with IFML are dire, both domestically and internationally.

 

According to him domestically, it sends a message of instability and unpredictability to investors, shaking their confidence in the Nigerian government’s commitment to honoring contracts and fostering a conducive business environment.

 

And the International implications according to Jabani it tarnishes Nigeria’s reputation as a reliable partner for investment and collaboration.

 

“Overseas investors, who have been eyeing opportunities in Nigeria, may now reconsider their plans in light of this abrupt decision, leading to potential loss of investment and stunted economic growth.” He said

 

Called President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate president, Speaker Federal House of Representatives, Traditional Leaders, Council of Oba’s chiefs southern Region and the good people of Nigeria, about the unfriendly and aggressive tactics employed by Barrister Nyesom Wike in superintending over the FCT.

 

 

“His pattern of finding faults and instigating conflicts with thriving businesses based on personal interests and differences is not only alarming but detrimental to the economic growth and stability of the FCT.

 

” We are calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and leaders of thought and good Nigerians to intervene in this matter and uphold the integrity of the contract with Integrated Facilities management services (IFML) Continuing the partnership with IFML is not just a matter of business but a demonstration of Nigeria’s commitment to honoring agreements and fostering a conducive environment for both local and international investors.

 

“We call upon the government to uphold the principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability in governance and to ensure that individuals like Minister Wike, who prioritize personal interests over the welfare of the nation, are held accountable for their actions.

 

“It is imperative that we protect the interests of businesses and investors in the FCT and create an environment that fosters growth, innovation, and prosperity for all. Minister Wike’s actions have no place in a government that seeks to promote progress and development, and it is time for the federal government to take decisive action to remedy this situation.” Jabani Stated

 

The text signed by Jabani continued to read that:

 

“Wike’s penchant for taking illegal and extra-judicial actions against businesses and individuals not only undermines the rule of law but also works directly against the interests of the federal government. His actions create an atmosphere of uncertainty and hostility that is detrimental to investment and development in the FCT.

 

“Nyesom Wike, in his usual combative style had announced in the media the purported cancellations of the facility management of the International Conference Center, for no justifications nor adherence to due process. Much as there was no justifications and fair-hearing, this purported action by Mr Wike is at best illegal, punitive, totally strange and at variance with any known protocols and procedures of handling such matters.

 

“For some years now, Integrated Facilities management services Limited (IFMSL) has diligently and effectively managed the International Conference Center, ensuring its smooth operation and upkeep. Under their stewardship, the center has flourished, becoming a beacon of excellence in hosting international conferences, events, and gatherings.

 

“The work of Integrated Facilities management services Ltd (IFMSL) has not only been exemplary but also crucial for the growth and development of Nigeria. Their dedication to maintaining the International Conference Center at the highest standards has attracted local and overseas investors, boosting economic activity and fostering international relations.

 

“The federal government must take swift and decisive make Barrister Wike to respect law and order, as well as contractual agreements and processes in the FCT ministry. Allowing him to continue unchecked will only lead to further erosion of investor confidence and cripple the potential for economic growth and prosperity in the federal capital territory.

 

“In conclusion, we further urge Mr. President to consider the long-term implications of this decision and act in the best interest of Nigeria’s economic prosperity and international standing.

Thank you so much for coming.”

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