To start with, this is a piece in response to one Khaleed Yazeed on his article titled: “Sardauna Built the North- But he Built it on Tribalism: It is time we Rebuilt our minds”. Khaleed Yazeed whether his “Psuedo name” and or his “real name” needs an authentic literature on who the man “Sardauna was” and “what he stood for” to study critically and carefully in order to have a proper thought on who he was and what he stood for not his present unfounded thought about him perhaps based on some twisted literature written by the Sardauna’s “traducers”.
It is totally false, malicious , ignominious, and unfounded to state that the great Sir Ahmadu Bello of blessed memory is responsible for the present suspicion, cracks , and disunity among the diverse people of Northern Nigeria. Sir Ahmadu Bello ran an inclusive government in the defunct Northern Region which brought its diverse people together. He governed with high integrity , honesty, social justice, equity, and fairness among its diverse people. The cherished ideal of the Sardauna’s government was “One North, One People and One Destiny”.
It was true that there were suspicion , and agitations among our diverse ethno- religious groups during Sardauna’s time , but they were managed reasonable well by his skillful and just leadership style. The present situation of suspicion and mistrust among Northerners, in my thought, could rightly be traced to the General Murtala’s military coup of 1975 against General Gowon and the Lt. Col. Dimka’s failed military coup of 1976 against General Murtala.
Sir Ahmadu Bello was anti- tribalism, in time he sponsored the education of the people from all the 13 provinces of the defunct Northern Region which included Northern Yorubas, Tivs, Idomas, Jukums, Biroms , Igalas, Kanuris, Igbirras and Nupes etc., who were both muslims and christians.
Sardauna’s government was inclusive among the diverse ethnic minorities and religious groups in the defunct Northern Region. Some of the Sardauna’s Non- muslims and Non- Hausa -Fulani cabinet members included: Hon. Abutu Obekpa- (Idoma) from Benue Province as Minister for Kaduna Affairs; Michael Audu Buba- Wazirin Shandam (Ankwei ) from Plateau Province as one time Minister of Trade & Industry; Mr Peter Achimugu -(Igala) from Kabba Province as Minister of Natural Resources; Mr Goerge Ohikere- (Igbirra) from Kabba Province as Minister of works; Hon. S.A. Ajayi-(Yoruba) from Kabba Province as Minister of Animal & Forestry Resources.
More so, Pastor David Lot- (Mwaghavul ) from Plateau Province as Minister; Ibrahim Biu -(Babur) from Borno Province as Minister of information; Aliyu Makaman Bida (Nupe) from Niger Province as Minister of Finance; Mr Daniel Ogabdu -(Igala) from Kabba Province as Ministar of Economic Planning; Ahmed Pategi- (Nupe) from Ilorin Province as Minister of Agriculture and Health; Yahaya Orioko Madawakin Ilorin (Yoruba) from Ilorin Province as Minister of Health etc.
Some of his Non- muslims and Non- Hausa -Fulani closest staff included: Mr Sunday Awoniyi – (Yoruba) from Kabba Province as Security Details; Prof. Ishaya Audu- from Zaria Province as one -time Personal Physician; Dr Abdulmumin Ibrahim Atta (Igbirra) from Kabba Province as one -time Personal Physician; Mahmoud Ibrahim Atta (Igbirra) from Kabba Province as Deputy Chief of Protocol etc.
His Developmental projects in the defunct Northern Region were inclusive among its diverse people. His projects in the Non- Hausa- Fulani and Non- muslims areas included: The Veterinary Research Institute (VOM) in Plateau Province, the various industries associated with mining established in Plateau Province, the Jos Fiber Factory, the Government Trade Center Bukuru in Plateau Province, and the Fish Farming at Panyam Plateau Province etc.
Similarly, the Clerical Training School Oturkpo in Benue Province, the Mechanise Rice Farming in Benue of Benue Province, the Oil palm mills in Kabba of Kabba Province, the School of Agriculture in Kabba of Kabba Province, the Igala Native Authority oil palm seedlings & fertilizer project in Kabba Province, the Technical Training School illorin of Illorin Province, the Illorin Girls Secondary School in Illorin Province, the Veterinary laboratories in Illorin Province, the Sugar Processing Company in Bacita Area of Ilorin Province, and the Clerical Training School Bida in Niger Province among others.
The unity built in the defunct Northern Region by the late Sardauna’s inclusive leadership style among its diverse ethno- religious groups manifested itself soon after the 15th January,1966 sectional military coup. Northern soldiers from different ethno-religious divides in unison staged a counter coup in July 1966, six months after response to the 15th January,1966 sectional military coup which led to the unfortunate assassination of the great Sardauna.
Our system in the First Republic was anchored on regional competition among the three regions and later four regions.The politics was on competition for regional development. It is apt to state that Sardauna’s mandate was on his primary constituency the then defunct Northern Region not Nigeria as a whole. The great Sardauna wanted the North which was ( and still is) left behind by far to catch up with the rest of regions. His struggle was anchored on the philosophy that balance development in a federation was the foundation for national unity. While Awo and Zik moved to the national level the great Sardauna was not satisfied that the North had caught up for him to move to the national level.
Sir Ahmadu Bello as a responsible leader of the defunct Northern Region’s only crime to some people was his refusal to allow what rightly belongs to his people to be given to others. The great Sardauna was alive to the leadership responsibilities of his people. He refused to be outshone in a competitive regional system of government.
Khaleed Yazeed needs to first and foremost understand the politics of the First Republic in relations to our then constitution of Nigeria in order to appreciate the great Sir Ahmadu Bello’s leadership style which he discharged with to his primary constituency with distinctions. We operated a regional government with regional premiers whose primary mandate as elected political leaders were the security and welfare of their respective regions.
In his Christmas message to the Christian community in 1959, Sir Ahmadu Bello said, ”We are people of many different races, tribes and religions, who are knit together by common history, common interests and common ideals. Our diversity may be great but the things that unite us are stronger than the things that divide us. On an occasion like this, I always remind people about our firmly rooted policy on religious tolerance. Families of all creeds and colour can rely on these assurances. We have no intention of favouring one religion at the expense of another. Subject to overriding need to preserve law and order, it is our determination that everyone should have absolute liberty to practice his beliefs. It is befitting on this momentous day, on behalf of my ministers and myself, to send a special word of gratitude to all Christian missions. Let me conclude this with a personal message. I extend my greetings to all our people who are Christians on this great feast day. Let us forget the difference in our religion and remember the common brotherhood before God, by dedicating ourselves afresh to the great tasks which lie before us”.
Sardauna’s Statement on the Northern Cameroon’s Plebiscite:
“I wish to express on behalf of this house, our sincere thanks to the people of the Northern Cameroons. They have given overwhelming support to our cherished ideal of One North, One People, and One Destiny. It is this ideal which holds together the different peoples of this great Region irrespective of tribe or religion. Members are however aware that in the past, certain people, usually not living in this region have attempted to destroy this ideal. They have said that non-Fulanis and non-Muslims would vote for the Cameroons Republic in the Plebescite. This, I am glad to say, has been proved totally untrue. Muslims and non-Muslims voted together in their thousands to join the region. We have now proved to the world that the unity of the North, the unity of different tribes and religions in the North, is a fact. No more can enemies of the North deny this.”- Hon. Premier (Alhaji the Hon. Sir Ahmadu Bello K.B.E., CBE) Parliamentary Debates, Fifth Session, Monday March 1961.”
However, it is true that there are cracks and suspicion among our diverse ethno- religious groups in the North. It is equally true that there is widespread poverty and under- development among our people. The present set of leaders in the North at the federal, states, and local governments levels must accept the fact that they have the responsibility of finding the ways of ensuring development and peaceful co-existence among our diverse ethno- religious groups. The people as a whole must accept the fact that living together in peace and stability among our diverse ethno- religious groups is not an option, but a must.
May God bless us!
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[8/23, 2:57 PM] +234 805 308 5504: Cross River House of Assembly Member Makes Case for Major Communities Link Roads Construction
By Uket Oka, Calabar
The Cross River State House of Assembly member representing Etung State Constituency, Hon Kingsley Ntui, has decried the absence of a motorable network of roads linking major communities in Etung Local Government Area.
Ntui made his feelings known during plenary on Friday, while presenting a motion calling on the State Government to construct a link road from Effraya, the headquarters of Etung Local Government Area through Etomi to Abia and Bendeghe Ekiem communities to facilitate easy access to the Local Government Area headquarters.
Leading the debate on his motion, the lawmaker noted that the absence of internal access roads has compeled his constituents to travel through the lengthy and indirect Ikom Local Government Area route thereby increasing their transportation cost, travel time and risk.
He further lamented that, “the poor state or total absence of accessible roads between these communities has significantly restricted the movement of people and goods, stifled economic activities and limited access to essential services including healthcare, education and local markets.”
Ntui also emphasised that, “the infrastructural deficiency has led to the isolation of several major communities within the Local Government headquarters of Etung, discouraging private investment, local enterprise and development initiatives.”
Supporting the motion, other lawmakers maintained that the construction of the proposed roads would greatly improve the economic activities as well as enhance the overall wellbeing of the residents of Etung Local Government Area.
They also urged the State Government, through the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, to prioritise and commence the construction of the proposed access roads linking the Local Government headquarters, Etung, with other major communities in the area.
In his comments, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem, bemoaned the absence of link roads in the area and expressed confidence that the State Government would implement the House of Assembly’s resolution to ameliorate the sufferings of the people.
[8/23, 3:04 PM] +234 813 317 6212: Ibeno–Eket Crisis Resolution Committe: Will Gov. Eno Break The Curse of Failed Interventions?
By Dennis Udoma
“Justice is the only foundation for peace. Without it, conflict will not end”.
That was the reaction of Chief Umani Ibono Ekaluo during an emergency meeting of Akwaha Esop Ndito Ibeno World-wide at Ukpenekang recently, when receiving the news of Governor Umo Eno stepping in to chair Ibeno-Eket-Esit Eket conflict resolution committee, to douse the flames of one of the state’s longest-running communal disputes, the decades-old ownership battle among Ibeno, Eket, and Esit Eket Local Government Areas over the oil-rich Stubb Creek.
Governor Umo Eno, in a bold move recently, announced plans for the constitution of a high-powered Peace Committee to examine historical claims, reconcile aggrieved communities, and chart a path to lasting stability.
For the first time in years, hopes are rising that the cycle of bloodletting, destruction, and mistrust that has haunted the coastal axis of the state may finally be broken.
A Dispute Deeply Rooted in History:
The Stubb Creek enclave, situated along the Atlantic coastline and housing multi-billion-naira oil and gas infrastructure, lies at the center of the bitter conflict. Though small in size, its economic value is immense.
Successive governments have relied on oil wells, terminals, and pipelines within the disputed stretch to feed both state and federal revenues.
But for over four decades, ownership claims by Ibeno, Eket, and Esit Eket occasionally joined by Mbo have turned the zone into a battlefield.
Historical treaties, colonial-era administrative boundaries, and controversial royalty allocations have complicated the matter further, leaving no party willing to concede ground.
Over time, what started as a boundary disagreement has morphed into violent clashes. Communities have been invaded, families displaced, and infrastructure destroyed in recurring waves of hostilities.
Governor Eno’s Intervention:
Speaking during a town hall meeting with stakeholders of Eket Federal Constituency on August 2, Governor Umo Eno declared that his administration could no longer fold its arms while communities bled.
He announced the formation of a Peace Committee, to be chaired by him personally, with two nominees each from Ibeno, Eket, and Esit Eket, and a possibility of including Mbo LGA given its boundary ties.
“We are determined to broker lasting peace. The committee will work transparently, reviewing historical claims, treaties, and royalty arrangements. Akwa Ibom cannot make progress while its coastal communities are in perpetual crisis,” the governor assured.
His words sparked cautious optimism. For many residents, this was the strongest signal yet that the state government is ready to go beyond platitudes and tackle the root causes.
Ibeno Welcomes Move, Recalls Bloody Attacks:
In Upenekang, headquarters of Ibeno LGA, community leaders under the umbrella of Akwaha Esop Ndito Ibeno Worldwide described the initiative as “long overdue.”
Spokesperson, Chief Umani Ibono Ekaluo, while addressing journalists after an emergency meeting, recalled the series of bloody attacks that have left Ibeno devastated in recent years.
He listed some notable incidences of attacks by Ibeno neighbours to include; the February 28, 2024 armed men invasion of Iwuoachang, killing seven persons and November 8, 2024 Inua Eyet Ikot came under siege.
Others are; the December 24, 2024 (Christmas Eve) invasion of Ndito Eka Iba, leaving homes razed and over 9 missing children.
In 2025 , Ibeno also recorded two separate assaults on Inua Eyet Ikot, the latest just a day before the Governor’s town hall meeting at Eket.
“These unprovoked attacks have left families bereaved, homes in ashes, and properties worth billions destroyed. Relief has been absent, and government projects are nearly non-existent compared to our neighbours,” Ekaluo lamented.
He accused the aggressors of seeking to destabilize Ibeno and cripple its economic relevance, despite the community’s central role in hosting oil majors like ExxonMobil now Seplat Energy and other critical national assets.
Fear of Escalation, Plea for Swift Action:
Imagining the magnitude of waste and destruction should they retaliate the aggressors, Ibeno leaders stressed that their people have refrained from retaliation, not out of weakness, but out of fear that reprisals could trigger a wider conflagration.
“We have resisted the temptation to retaliate many times because we do not want to escalate the conflict and frighten away investors in the oil and gas sector,” Ekaluo explained.
Still, they urged Governor Eno to inaugurate the committee without delay, warning that procrastination could invite more bloodshed.
“This intervention must be timely, impartial, and thorough. Justice must prevail, and peace must be restored to all affected communities,” the spokesman insisted.
Past Efforts and Failures:
The Ibeno–Eket–Esit Eket dispute is not new to successive governments. Several panels, commissions, and mediatory attempts in the past two decades have ended in stalemates.
Under the Attah administration (1999–2007), a boundary demarcation exercise was initiated but stalled midway following violent protests.
During the Akpabio years (2007–2015), efforts shifted to dialogue and revenue-sharing talks. Yet, distrust among communities prevented any agreement.
The Udom Emmanuel administration (2015–2023) attempted a compensation package through oil companies, but critics said it only deepened resentment.
Aside from the alleged attempted compensation, Governor Udom era even added more salt to the injury, by attempting to redraw Akwa Ibom State map in order to divert some communities in Ibeno and Eastern Obolo LGAs into Onna, Eket and Esit Eket LGAs to benefit from the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), Host Community Development Trust Funds (HCDTF).
These failures have entrenched cynicism among locals. Many believe that only a governor willing to take ownership of the process, as Governor Eno has now pledged can deliver results.
The Human Cost of a Forgotten War:
Beyond the statistics of lives lost and houses destroyed lies a deeper tragedy. Families displaced by past clashes still live in makeshift shelters. Widows recount harrowing nights of escape through mangroves, children lost years of schooling, and entire villages remain half-deserted.
Economic activities have equally suffered. Fishing, once the mainstay of Ibeno, has been crippled by insecurity along creeks. Businesses have closed. Investors remain wary.
Experts argue that until justice, compensation, and equitable development reach the grassroots, no peace deal will endure.
Expectations from the Peace Committee:
While the expectation is running high since Governor Eno broke the news on constitution of a peace committee to be headed by him, stakeholders say the proposed committee must; establish clear boundary lines through transparent consultations and professional mapping; address historical grievances by reviewing archival treaties, colonial maps, and past royalty allocations.
Others are; recommend reparations for victims of attacks including compensation for destroyed properties; ensure fair development by spreading state projects equitably to Ibeno; guarantee security by deploying permanent peace-keeping outposts in the area for the protection of national assets and oil/gas infrastructure.
Anything short of this, many fear, may result in yet another failed exercise.
Hopes of a New Dawn:
Governor Umo Eno’s peace drive comes at a time when Akwa Ibom is pushing to diversify its economy and attract more foreign direct investment.
Analysts warn that, no investor will commit to a state where vital oil terminals are perennially threatened by communal wars.
By personally chairing the peace committee, the governor is seen to be placing his political capital on the line. If successful, the initiative could end decades of hostilities, heal deep wounds, and set a model for conflict resolution in the Niger Delta.
For now, communities wait with bated breath. Will the committee break the curse of failed interventions? Or will the crisis once again slip into the shadows, only to resurface with deadlier consequences?
As Chief Ekaluo aptly put it, “We are hopeful, but we are also watchful. Justice is the only foundation for peace. Without it, this conflict will not end.”