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General News of Wednesday, 10 March 2021

Source: www.mynigeria.com

Sir Ahmadu Bello didn't believe in a unified Nigeria

A response by Sir Ahmadu Bello during an interview in 1964 might be the blueprint that has led to the dominance of the North in key areas of the country.

Sir Bello, the mastermind of Northern Nigeria through independence gave an outright and scary response after he was quizzed about his policy of Northernization.

"In an actual sense, it is a Northerner first, if we can't get a Northerner then we get an expatriate like yourself on contract. If we can't, then we can employ another Nigerian on contract too," he said.

His response brings to bear the deep-rooted rivalry and hate amongst Nigeria's biggest ethnic groups.

It is believed the conflict amongst these dominant groups of people lead to Nigeria's civil war led by Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu an Igbo Nigerian Army officer on January 15, 1966.

Sir Ahmadu Bello was assassinated in the coup alongside his long-time friend Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa alongside many political elites in the north and in the west.

Hafsatu, Bello's senior wife died alongside him.

Amongst other things, the conflict and mistrust between the Igbos and Hausas led to major disputes in the country. The failed attempt by the Biafra region led by late Lt. Colonel Odumegwu Ojukwu to secede in 1967 is still in play, however, this time it is led by the Mazi Nnamdi Kanu of the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB).

Sir Ahmadu Bello's plan for the North in play. Over the years, Northmen have been put in places of power to lead most of Nigeria's key institutions.

Despite not possessing the natural wealth like the South, Northmen through their acquired political power decide who becomes president of the country.

Currently, 18 Northerners are leading some of government's top institutions.

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