By Abigail Philip David
Civil rights activist and former Senator, Shehu Sani, has called on Nigerians and all levels of government to honor the country’s freedom fighters who stood against colonial oppression.
Sani made this appeal on Monday during a visit to the tombs of six deposed Northern Emirs in Lokoja. These Emirs were exiled by British colonialists for resisting colonial rule. Among the tombs he visited was that of the late Emir of Kano, Mallam Aliyu Abdullahi (Maisango), who died in 1903.
Accompanied by Comrade Suleiman Ahmed, Sani emphasized the need to appreciate those who sacrificed their lives in defense of the nation’s freedom and territorial integrity.
Honoring the Past for the Future
“Today, I visited the tombs of Emirs who refused to bow to British colonialists and were deposed for standing in defense of our country. These Emirs, including the late Emir of Kano, Mallam Aliyu Abdullahi, made immense sacrifices for freedom.
“This visit is a reminder for Nigerians to look back and honor those who fought for our independence. These leaders stood against enslavement and exploitation, and we owe them gratitude and recognition for their courage,” Sani said.
He reaffirmed his commitment to preserving the legacy of Nigeria’s freedom fighters, urging future generations to draw inspiration from their bravery.
Community Leaders Applaud the Gesture
The Etsu Lokoja, Emmanuel Akamisoko Dauda-Shelika, and other Lokoja community leaders praised Sani’s visit, describing it as a significant and thoughtful gesture.
“Oftentimes, we forget the contributions of those who fought for our people in the past. Senator Shehu Sani’s visit, with a particular focus on the tombs of these deposed Emirs, is highly commendable,” Dauda-Shelika said.
He noted that the Emirs exemplified true leadership by defending their people against colonial exploitation, and their sacrifices should be remembered and celebrated.
Sani’s visit serves as a call to action for Nigerians to recognize and honor those who played pivotal roles in shaping the nation’s history.
