By Khadija Kubau
The Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation (SABMF) has expressed concern over what it described as increasing attempts by some individuals to drag the names of Nigeria’s founding leaders into contemporary political disputes.
The Foundation specifically condemned efforts to disparage the legacies of the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto and Premier of the defunct Northern Region, and the late Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Nigeria’s first Prime Minister, for partisan political purposes.
In a statement signed by its Director-General, Engr. Abubakar Gambo Umar, SABMF described the two statesmen as national icons whose contributions to the unity, progress, and development of Nigeria remain indelible.
According to the Foundation, Sir Ahmadu Bello and Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa made enormous sacrifices in service to the nation and left behind records of achievement that are well documented in Nigeria’s history.
“SABMF will not take lightly any attempt to drag their names into partisan squabbles or to soil their images for transient political gain,” the statement said.
The Foundation warned individuals and groups against actions capable of creating division and disharmony in Northern Nigeria through attacks on the reputations of the late leaders and their associates.
It stressed that the legacies of Sir Ahmadu Bello and Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa belong to the Nigerian people and should not be exploited for political point-scoring.
SABMF further reaffirmed its commitment to preserving and defending the integrity, honour, and enduring contributions of Nigeria’s founding fathers, warning that it would take all necessary steps to protect their historical legacy from distortion and misrepresentation.
