The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has solemnly commemorated the 58th anniversary of the 1966 military coup, reflecting on the tragic events that unfolded on January 15th of that year.
The ACF emphasized the profound impact of the coup, asserting that Northern Nigeria, in particular, is yet to fully recover from the repercussions of that fateful day.
In a statement, the ACF stated, “The coup was plotted and executed by Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu, Emmanuel Ifeajuna, Chris Anuforo, Don Okafor, and Ademola Ademoyega.”
The coup resulted in the cold-blooded assassination of 21 people, including prominent political and military figures such as Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Alhaji Ahmadu Bello, Hajiya Hafsat Ahmadu Bello, Brig. General Zakariya Maimalari, Col. Kur Mohammed, and others.
ACF’s spokesperson emphasized the enduring significance of January 15, 1966, particularly for Northern Nigeria, as it marked the loss of its most illustrious sons, bringing an end to their distinguished political and military careers. The coup also signaled a grim turning point in Nigeria’s political development.
The forum strongly rejected any attempts at historical revisionism, condemning efforts to distort the facts surrounding the coup. The ACF underscored the importance of remembering the dire consequences of that day and urged the nation to guard against similar actions in the future.
ACF President [Name], in his statement, asserted, “January 15th, 1966 remains a day of infamy in our national history. The essence of marking the date as we do is not to ever forget its dire consequences and that we must guard against similar actions in the future.”
Moreover, the ACF called on all people of the North and the entire nation to annually observe January 15th as a Day of National Mourning for Democracy, saying that the day is intended for reflections and prayers to ensure that such events never recur in the nation’s history.
The forum emphasized the importance of preserving historical truths and learning from the past to strengthen the unity of the country.