Info For You Lot Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa: The Gentle Dark Stone In Addition To The Commencement Prime Number Government Minister Of Nigeria
“I am pleased to regard that nosotros are at nowadays all agreed that the Federal scheme is, nether introduce conditions, the only sure ground on which Nigeria volition remain united. We must recognize our diverseness as well as the peculiar atmospheric condition nether which the dissimilar tribal communities live inward this country” Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa
The Prime Minister of Nigeria Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa
Political Calling
Balewa was no firebrand political radical. He may take hold remained a instructor for the residuum of his life had southern politicians such every bit the flamboyant intellectual Nnamdi Azikiwe non pushed for Nigerian independence. Although non overtly political he founded an organisation named the “Bauchi Discussion Circle” inward 1943, as well as was elected vice president of the Northern Teacher’s Association (the outset merchandise union inward Northern Nigeria) inward 1948. Anxious non to live politically upstaged past times the southerners, Northern leaders sought educated Northerners to serve inward political posts. Balewa helped found the Northern People’s Congress (NPC), which was originally intended every bit a cultural organisation but past times 1951 morphed into a political political party due to the demand to introduce a Northern response to the rapid as well as sophisticated political groupings emerging inward the south. Balewa was called into political service every bit the Bauchi Native Authority’s representative to the Northern House of Assembly. The House of Assembly also selected him to locomote a fellow member of the Nigerian Legislative Council.
Despite political involvement, Balewa remained suspicious of Nigerian unification as well as feared that the Northern Region would live dominated past times the ameliorate educated as well as dynamic south. He said that “the southern tribes who are at nowadays pouring into the due north inward ever increasing numbers…do non mix with the northern people inward social matters as well as we…look upon them every bit invaders. Since 1914 the Brirish authorities has been trying to build Nigeria into 1 country, but the Nigerian people themselves are historically dissimilar inward their backgrounds, inward their religious beliefs as well as customs, as well as do non exhibit themselves whatever sign of willingness to unite. So what it comes to is that Nigerian unity is only a British intention inward the country.”
He later became the federal Minister of Works as well as inward 1954 Minister of Transport as well as the senior government minister as well as leader of the NPC inward the House of Representatives. His conversion from regional to federal outlook came after he visited America inward 1955 on a fact finding mission. He reminisced that “In less than 200 years, this cracking dry ground [America] was welded together past times people of so many dissimilar backgrounds. They built a mighty land as well as had forgotten where they came from as well as who their ancestors were. They had pride inward only 1 thing —their American citizenship… I am a changed human being from today. Until at nowadays I never really believed Nigeria could live 1 united country. But if the Americans could do it, so tin we.“
Even though Balewa was only the deputy leader of the NPC, the NPC leader the Sardauna of Sokoto sent Balewa to Lagos to locomote the federal Prime Minister inward 1957. The Sardauna had no involvement inward living inward the south. When Nigeria became independent inward 1960, he became the newly independent country’s outset Prime Minister as well as received the instruments of independence from Princess Alexandria (cousin of Queen Elizabeth II). Although the country’s Prime Minister, he was non the leader of his ain political party (the NPC) as well as thus remained inward the paradoxical spot of existence a caput of authorities that had to defer to, as well as pick out instructions from his boss (the Sardauna)
Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa primier of federal Nigeria as well as Sir Ahmadu Bello, primier of Northern Nigeria Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 “Perfect Victorian Gentleman“
In 1963 he gave a spellbinding eloquent speech communication at the Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) initiative conference of the Organisation of African Unity. As Prime Minister he maintained a thoroughly dignified comportment.
Jaja Wachuku, Sir A. Tafawa Balewa & Her Majesty, The Queen of Britannia
A British acquaintance called him “perhaps the perfect Victorian gentleman”. He gained several awards from the British: OBE inward 1952, CBE inward 1955, Knighted past times Queen Elizabeth II inward Jan 1960 as well as was awarded an honorary bird past times the University of Sheffield inward May 1960.
Sir Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, prime number government minister of independent Nigeria as well as Queen Elizabeth of England standing on a dais during Nigeria`s independence Day
Balewa proposed an amendment to Nigeria’s constitution to give due recognition to the land edifice utilization played past times so Governor-General Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe. Balewa proposed that “Nnamdi Azikiwe shall live deemed to take hold been elected President as well as Commander in-Chief of the Armed Forces” because “Nigeria tin never adequately vantage Dr. Azikiwe” for the nationalist utilization he played inward edifice Nigeria as well as achieving independence. Azikiwe is referred to past times advert inward Nigeria’s 1963 constitution, as well as to my knowledge Azikiwe was the only living private constitutionally enshrined past times advert inward his democratic country’s constitution.
Throughout his life Balewa spoke “convincingly, meaningfully as well as truthfully,” concerning the imperative of judge as well as transparent honesty, every bit he was reported to take hold told the Chief Justice of Nigeria (1958 to 1972), Sir Adetokunbo Ademola, who himself wrote a frontwards inward the volume “A Right Honourable Gentleman: The Life as well as Times of Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa,”. “I call upward 1 of his sayings to me from fourth dimension to time, ‘CJ, if I do anything incorrect as well as I am brought before you, bargain with me; as well as if necessary send me to jail….” Sir Adetokunbo wrote that Balewa oft repeated as well as emphasized this point.
Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa (Prime Minister, Nigeria), Otunba T.O.S Benson (Minister of Information, Nigeria) & Nikita Kruschev (Premier of the Soviet Union).
Death as well as Beyond
On Jan 15, 1966 he was kidnapped from his official residence past times armed soldiers who were executing Nigeria’s outset military machine coup. He was missing for several days as well as a search for him was ordered past times the novel military machine regime headed past times Major-General Aguiyi-Ironsi. His household unit of measurement as well as friends continued to believe he was alive. Rumours claimed the rebel soldiers were holding him live as well as that he would live released every bit portion of a prisoner swap involving the imprisoned Chief Awolowo. However these hopes were dashed when his decomposing corpse was found a few days later, dumped inward a roadside bush. His corpse was taken to Ikeja airdrome inward the companionship of Police Commissioner Hamman Maiduguri, Inspector-General of Police Kam Selem, Maitama Sule as well as his wives Laraba as well as Jummai who accompanied it every bit it was flown to Bauchi where he was buried. His trunk at nowadays lies within a tomb declared a national monument. The tomb includes a library as well as a mosque. The famous race class foursquare inward Lagos was renamed “Tafawa Balewa Square” inward his memory. His icon appears on the v Naira note.
His woman parent Hajiya Inna died less than a yr after him. He was survived past times his 4 wives Jummai, Umma, Zainab as well as Laraba, as well as xix children. He married Jummai (from Sokoto) when she was thirteen years old. He also had a posthumous miss (Zainab) who was born past times Jummai 2 weeks after his death. Although all of Balewa’s widows remarried after his death, their subsequent marriages collapsed as well as they returned to the Prime Minister’s theatre inward Bauchi to live together. Balewa’s 3rd married adult woman Hajiya Zainab (aka “Hajiya Umma”) died before this yr at the historic menses of 73.
source:http://maxsiollun.wordpress.com/2010/02/27/nigerias-forgotten-heroes-alhaji-sir-abubakar-tafawa-balewa/
(1957) Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, “First Speech every bit Prime Minister”
By 1957 Nigeria was clearly on the path toward independence. In training the British Government named Abubakar Tafawa Balewa the outset Prime Minister of the shortly to live independent land inward a ability sharing understanding amongst the colony's 3 major political parties. In the next radio address broadcasted to the Nigeria inward September 1957, Balewa accepts his novel appointment as well as outlines the political time to come of the soon-to-be independent nation.
This has been a cracking twenty-four lx minutes menses for Nigeria, and, every bit the outset Prime Minister of the Federation of Nigeria, I am proud to speak to my fellow-countrymen tonight. I am proud, as well as I am humble, too, when I think of the enormous responsibleness which has been placed upon me, as well as my colleagues.
Today, nosotros take hold set out on the in conclusion phase of our journeying to Independence, as well as the side past times side 3 years volition regard the culmination of a procedure which has been gathering momentum yr past times year, as well as volition regard us reaping the harvest of what nosotros take hold sown. The success of the harvest volition depend upon us, as well as that is why I am glad to speak to y'all tonight. Everyone of us has his portion to play inward the operate of preparing Nigeria for Independence on the 2nd of April, 1960. I desire everyone inward Nigeria to realise that this is no piece of cake task, as well as it cannot live performed past times the Federal as well as Regional Ministers as well as legislators alone. It is a chore for everyone of y'all because it is only past times the personal travail of each private that Independence for the Federation tin locomote a reality inward 1960.
We take hold declared our intention of attaining Independence for the Federation on the 2nd of April, 1960, as well as if nosotros wishing to pick out our spot amongst the responsible nations of the world, nosotros must build every travail to regard that this aim is achieved, as well as achieved with an international reputation for goodness internal government.
Nigeria has at nowadays reached a critical phase inward her history. We must seize the chance which has been offered to us to exhibit that nosotros are able to grapple our ain affairs properly. Every Nigerian, whatever his status, as well as whatever his religion, has his or her percentage to contribute to this crucial task. I appeal to all my countrymen as well as women to cooperate with me as well as my colleagues to create a ameliorate understanding amongst our peoples, to constitute mutual respect, as well as trust, amongst all our tribal groups, as well as to unite inward working together for the mutual cause, the campaign for which no sacrifice volition live also great.
I am convinced, as well as I desire y'all also to live convinced, that the time to come of this vast dry ground must depend, inward the main, on the efforts of ourselves to assist ourselves. This nosotros cannot do if nosotros do non operate together inward unity. Indeed, unity today is our greatest concern, as well as it is the duty off everyone of us to operate so that nosotros may strengthen it. This forenoon I said inward the House of Representatives that bitterness due to political differences would carry Nigeria nowhere, as well as I appealed to the political leaders throughout the dry ground to command their political party extremists. To y'all who are listening this evening I repeat that appeal—Let us position away bitterness as well as locomote frontwards inward friendship to Independence.
To farther this overriding demand for unity, my colleagues inward the Council of Ministers as well as I take hold decided to give the dry ground a atomic number 82 past times inviting the leaders of the Action Group to cast with us a genuinely National Government composed of members of the main parties inward the Country, as well as hither I must pay tribute to Dr Azikiwe, to Chief Awolowo, Dr Endeley as well as to the leader of my ain party, the Sardauna of Sokoto, for supporting me inward this decision. I as well as my Colleagues of the N.C.N.C. as well as N.P.C. bold out our hands inward welcome to the Action Group members of the Council as well as I hope y'all that nosotros shall do our utmost to ensure that the deliberations of the Council are held inward an atmosphere devoid of strife as well as narrow political party prejudice.
Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa welcoming ace jazz trumpeter Louis "Satchimo" Armstrong to Nigeria
I would similar to remind y'all of what a cracking American in 1 lawsuit said. It was this, ‘United nosotros stand, divided nosotros fall’. This declaration is every bit true for Nigeria today every bit it has been for whatever other country. The peoples of Nigeria must live united to enable this dry ground to play a total portion inward shaping the destiny of mankind. On no describe of piece of occupation organisation human relationship should nosotros allow the selfish ambitions of individuals to jeopardise the peace of the thirty-three 1000000 law-abiding people of Nigeria. It is the duty of all of us to operate for unity as well as encourage members of all our communities to live together inward peace as well as harmony. The way to do this is to create understanding, mutual observe as well as trust. It is of import that nosotros should outset exhibit observe to each other before bespeak the the world to observe us.
Well—it is fourth dimension for me to wishing y'all goodness night, but outset I would Once to a greater extent than tell y'all how absolutely vital it is for your time to come as well as the time to come Nigeria which your children volition inherit that, during this interim menses before Independence nosotros should live united. Let us live honest with ourselves, as well as allow us live sincere—we know what nosotros want, as well as nosotros are sure that nosotros tin larn it, as well as larn it at the correct time, provided nosotros are non delayed past times selfish quarrels. At a fourth dimension similar this, nosotros must all plough our minds to Almighty God as well as seek His guidance as well as assistance—by His grace, nosotros shall succeed.
USA vice president Lyndon Johnson as well as Sir Tafawa Balewa inward White reception at Washington DC, Circa 1961
Sources:
Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Mr. Prime Minister: Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 Selection of Speeches Made past times Alhaji the Right Honourable Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, K.B.E., M.P., Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Apapa: Nigerian National Press, Ltd., 1964).
Tafawa Balewa Was Not Killed By Soldiers: Mbu
past times omamokta: On Sep 05, 2010
Forty-four years after, the disceptation over how Nigeria’s outset Prime Minister, Alhaji Tafawa Balewa died may take hold been finally set to rest.
Contrary to the widely-held belief, Nigerian soldiers did non kill the country’s outset Commander- in-Chief inward the bloody coup of 1966. Rather, Prime Minister Balewa succumbed to asthma, according to a primal thespian inward his government. He reportedly died patch soldiers were taking him out of Lagos inward the aftermath of the putsch.
Nigeria’s outset High Commissioner to the U.K. as well as 1 of only 3 surviving members of the outset Federal cabinet, Dr. Mathew Taiwo Mbu made this known to The Nation inward an exclusive interview inward Lagos.
Prime Minister Balewa died every bit a resultant of an asthmatic set on patch he was existence driven to Calabar past times soldiers nether the command of Major Emmanuel Ifeajuna who arrested him, Mbu said. Veteran journalist Chief Segun Osoba, who led the Police to the bodies of the belatedly Prime Minister as well as his Finance Minister, Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh, could non live reached in conclusion nighttime for a corroboration.
Previous accounts of what really happened on the nighttime of Jan 15, 1966 take hold been hazy. Even BBC archive reports on the twenty-four lx minutes menses of infamy only spoke of a kidnapping of the Prime Minister past times soldiers.
Most on-site accounts to date, only reported that the trunk of the belatedly Prime Minister was found inward a seating spot past times a tree, inward a plantation, on the route to Abeokuta, nigh Ifo, some 35 kilometres from his Ikoyi residence where he was arrested past times soldiers on the nighttime of Jan 15, 1966. The Prime Minister’s trunk was found beside the bullet-riddled trunk of Chief Okotie-Eboh, Nigeria’s outset Minister of Finance.
The Prime Minister Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa arrives Lagos Airport after a private trip. With him is Chief Festus Okotie Eboh (left) as well as other Officials.
No written report of the macabre events of Jan 15, 1966, has been categorical that the Prime Minister was shot death; as well as no autopsies were carried out on the bodies discovered several days after the 2 had been reported kidnapped from their official residences past times soldiers.
But Dr. Mbu, who was a unopen confidant of the belatedly Prime Minister, recounted a momentous meet 44 years ago, with the belatedly poet Christopher Okigbo, 1 of the in conclusion people to regard the belatedly Prime Minister live before he was arrested past times the coup plotters.
He said Christopher Okigbo, who was also a unopen friend of Major Ifeajuna, who led the coupists inward Lagos, recounted the arrest of the Prime Minister to him outset hand. Okigbo as well as Ifeajuna themselves were killed inward activity during the Nigerian civil war.
Mbu, who many also regarded every bit Tafawa Balewa’s de-facto unusual minister, was ironically sent out to Republic of Republic of India for a State funeral past times the Prime Minister, only hours before the coup. He had warned the belatedly Prime Minister of an impending coup just days earlier.
He said he was reliably informed that Prime Minister Balewa had been accosted past times the soldiers who outset gave him the salute due to a Commander-in-Chief before informing him that they were effecting a alter of government. They allowed him to say his Islamic prayers before taking him inward a car.
The plans of the putschists according to Mbu’s account, did non include killing the Prime Minister. He was to live taken to Calabar as well as forced to release as well as handover ability to Chief Obafemi Awolowo, so inward prison theatre for treasonable felony.
Balewa unfortunately did non build it out of Lagos. He reportedly suffered an asthmatic set on as well as died inward the car. The annunciation past times the Army chief, General Aguiyi Ironsi of a failed coup, led to the dumping of the belatedly Prime Minister’s trunk inward the wood off the route to Abeokuta.
Okotie-Eboh, against whom the military machine high command then, had the most serious of the allegations of bribery as well as corruption the Balewa regime was defendant of, was evidently executed at unopen hit inward the forest, leading to speculations that the Prime Minister also was shot to death. The several days that lapsed before the bodies were discovered must take hold made it hard to observe out the existent campaign of the Prime Minister’s death. His trunk was taken to Bauchi for burial.
Mbu spoke with The Nation Databank, inward 1 of several interviews the country’s premier private digital archive conducted with senior Nigerian citizens as well as elderstatesmen. The interviews, on historical as well as contemporary events inward Nigeria over the in conclusion 50 years, are to live packaged inward special video as well as information discs to grade Nigeria’s golden jubilee independence anniversary. Two 1000000 copies of the discs, coming every bit the Nigeria’s premier national e-Reference ,will live given out FREE to Nigerians, especially Nigerian youths.
THE DEATH OF TAFAWA BALEWA: THE SEGUN OSOBA ANGLE
By Femi Fani-KayodeLet me set out past times commending Mr. O’seun Ogunseitan as well as the convenors of this vital give-and-take on the decease of Sir Tafawa Balewa who take hold given us the chance to Fe out this vital number of monumental historical importance in 1 lawsuit as well as for all as well as so hopefully, at the halt of it all, nosotros tin perchance convey the affair to closure.
My mental attitude to such matters is merely that for the sake of posterity, nosotros owe it to ourselves, to time to come generations of Nigerians, to the families of those who were killed on Jan 15th 1966 as well as to those who were killed themselves as well as are no uncertainty watching this historical give-and-take from the cracking beyond.
The quest for ascertaining as well as establishing the truth inward this affair is my primary motivation for participation as well as it is certainly non to disparage, discredit or inquiry anyone's integrity or sanity or to impugn anyone's grapheme or their recollection of events.
However I take hold to say that I really do observe some of the assertions that were originally made past times Chief Matthew Mbu (to the resultant that Sir Tafawa Balewa was non shot past times soldiers but that he had died of asthma) which I attempted to address inward my essay in conclusion calendar week a picayune alarming as well as I soundless do.
In this 2d essay I volition travail to address some of the fresh as well as pertinent issues raised past times Chief Segun Osoba who happens to live 1 of my favourite egbons as well as a formidable writer, journalist, pol as well as elder-statesman inward his ain right. Here goes.
If at the historic menses of 50 I do non know a thing or 2 most the history of my country, so I really can't lay claim to existence educated or enlightened.
To those that say that some of us were also immature at the fourth dimension of Balewa's decease as well as thus could non take hold known what really happened I say this: I was non born when Hitler ruled Deutschland as well as gassed vi 1000000 Jews to decease or when the Roman empire ruled the the world or when the Russian Revolution took spot or when the outset as well as 2d World Wars were fought or when Lord Lugard as well as the British amalgamated the southern as well as northern protectorates of Nigeria or when the slave merchandise took place.
But I take hold read books as well as seen records that confirm all these monumental events as well as in that location is picayune that I do non know most them. And that goes for most of us. It comes with a goodness instruction as well as existence widely read as well as good acquainted with all the relevant sources, credible references, enquiry materials as well as historical documentation.
We must assume that these are accurate until ameliorate as well as novel prove is provided as well as adduced. We cannot just alter our knowledge of history based on hearsay prove such every bit that which Chief Mbu is at nowadays providing.
He said that Major Ifejuana told Christopher Okigbo who so told him that the Prime Minister was non shot but rather that he died of asthma. That is hearsay as well as most unreliable non because Chief Mbu is dishonest, because I locomote on to know that he is 1 of our most eminent statesmen , a wonderful begetter as well as a fine as well as upstanding gentleman, but because somewhere along the describe the storey may take hold been distorted or Ifejuana may take hold just lied.
This is why I dismissed Chief Mbu's assertion especially since it conflicted with the oculus witness accounts of many others similar Alhaji Babankowa who claimed that they discovered the body, saw it clearly inward a decomposed province as well as with bullet wounds, cleaned it as well as wrapped it upward as well as so took it to Bauchi for burial.
This describe of piece of occupation organisation human relationship is buttressed as well as corroborated past times Alhaji M.D. Yusuf, Alhaji Gambo Jimeta as well as Alhaji Umaru Shinkafi who were all police officer that were direct involved inward the investigation or were privy to it as well as who take hold all seen the official reports as well as claim that in that location was a post service mortem.
To add together to this are all the history books written past times foreigners as well as Nigerians alike on this matter, most of which I take hold read. They also corroborate the allegation that Ifejuana as well as Okafor shot Balewa as well as left his trunk to rot past times the roadside.
Again in that location were the diverse submissions at the Oputa panel inward 2001 inward which no-one refuted this but rather everyone confirmed it. I also heard the accounts of General Danjuma as well as others who I take hold discussed this affair with on diverse occasions over the years. They also corroborate the proffer that the Prime Minister was shot , mutilated as well as left to rot. So with all this as well as coupled with all the official law investigation reports, safety reports as well as oculus witness accounts which until just in conclusion calendar week had non been publicly refuted inward 44 years, it is fair to assume that this is really what happened.
However Chief Segun Osoba's novel oculus witness describe of piece of occupation organisation human relationship today as well as the storey that he wrote inward the Daily Times paper on Jan. 22nd 1966 where he said that he saw the Prime Minister’s trunk propped upward inward a sitting spot lying on a tree 7 days later as well as that it was non bullet ridden but was inward fact ‘’fresh’’, whilst the trunk of Okotie-Eboh, beside it, was decomposed as well as bullet ridden, raises a lot of novel questions.
If this written report is true, it suggests that Sir Tafawa Balewa lived for a few days longer than nosotros had been atomic number 82 to believe, that he died later than the others as well as that his trunk was so placed in that location past times someone who wished to give the impression that he had been shot to decease inward the presence of Chief Okotie-Eboh as well as the others.
It would also hateful that in that location was a massive official cover-up in all likelihood with the collusion of British Special Branch, the Nigerian Police, the MD from LUTH who did the post service mortem, the Nigerian Federal Government as well as so many others over this number as well as over the in conclusion 44 years.
If the trunk was really fresh vi days after the coup as well as if Ifejuana really did larn out for Enugu the twenty-four lx minutes menses the coup failed on the 15th of January, so these questions take hold to live asked: who was the Prime Minister with for vi days after the coup? Who killed him? How did he die? Who moved his trunk to that spot? What was the motive? And finally why this official encompass upward as well as reign of disinformation.
If Osoba is correct as well as the others are wrong, so these questions must live answered. Nigerians take hold a correct to know the truth most what really happened to their Prime Minister.
I believe that this is why it is vital that nosotros take hold a Freedom of Information Act every bit shortly every bit possible as well as that all these documents are declassified.
The testimony of a human being of the sheer stature of Chief Segun Osoba cannot live waived away or dismissed easily past times whatever responsible historian or commentator especially since, at to the lowest degree to a sure extent, it seems to corroborate as well as back upward Chief Matthew Mbu's assertion that Sir Tafawa Balewa "was non killed past times soldiers but past times asthma".
I must say withal that I, for one, do view Osoba's submissions with some bird of skepticism as well as surprise despite the fact that I take hold zippo but the deepest observe for him, just every bit I do for Chief Matthew Mbu.
This is because it flies inward the human face upward of the testimony as well as describe of piece of occupation organisation human relationship that has been given past times virtually every someone that attended the Prime Minister’s burial itself, including members of the Balewa household unit of measurement as well as his private secretarial assistant Alhaji Ahmed Kari who all firstly testified to the fact that the trunk of the Prime Minister was so badly decomposed as well as so badly mutilated that it had to live covered as well as could non live shown publicly as well as secondly that it was smelling so badly that H2O had to live regularly poured on it inward social club to assist to douse the terrible stench.
This could hardly take hold been the instance if the trunk had been "fresh" every bit Osoba is claiming. In the lite of this painful burial testimony together with that of the respected elder
statesman Alhaji Maitama Sule's describe of piece of occupation organisation human relationship that he also saw the trunk of the belatedly Prime Minister inward a terribly decomposed province at the site where the trunk was found as well as before it was taken to the airdrome for the burial inward Bauchi, how I wishing that Osoba had taken a painting of the supposedly "fresh body" that he claimed that he saw as well as that he wrote most on Jan 22nd 1966 inward social club to assist substantiate his astonishing claim.
I should also add together that regardless of whatever it was that really did campaign the decease of Sir Tafawa Balewa, whether it live gun shot wounds, a bout of asthma or a fear-induced pump set on (as some take hold sought to argue), the fact remains that if he hadn't been brutally abducted as well as kidnapped past times Major Ifejuana as well as Captain Okafor as well as if they had non carried out an extremely vehement as well as bloody coup on Jan 15th 1966, he would non take hold lost his life at that time.
If in that location had been no coup on that twenty-four lx minutes menses as well as if he had non been abducted from his home, he most in all likelihood would take hold lived longer as well as continued to dominion Nigeria . General Aguiyi-Ironsi may never take hold been our Head of State. There may never take hold been the July 1966 northern revenge coup. There may never take hold been whatever pogrom of Igbos inward the due north which ultimately led to the civil state of war as well as the history of our dry ground may good take hold been really dissimilar today.
Well providence made it otherwise but whichever way y'all await at it, Ifejuana, Okafor as well as their co-conspirators were wholly responsible for the Prime Minister's decease as well as past times their actions, whether direct or indirectly, they caused it.
Even though Major Ifejuana, with the assistance of the renowned poet Christopher Okigbo, managed to escape to Republic of Ghana after the event, Captain Okafor, his 2d inward command as well as co-conspirator, was apprehended, arrested, thoroughly interrogated as well as placed inward detention as well as whilst in that location he reportedly admitted the fact that both he as well as Ifejuana had killed the Prime Minister.
It is no wonder that just a few months later during the execution of the northern revenge coup of July 1966, Okafor, who was at that fourth dimension existence detained at Abeokuta prison, was taken out of his prison theatre cellphone past times northern soldiers and, in 1 lawsuit again reportedly amidst the most terrible as well as horrific screams, he was piece of cake tortured as well as so buried alive. This is a terrible tragedy as well as I consider it to live a sad as well as utterly barbaric event.
On his ain portion as well as on his homecoming to Biafra from Republic of Ghana during the civil war, Major Ifejuana was later executed past times Colonel Ojukwu, the leader of Biafra , past times firing squad for attempting to conception yet some other coup as well as for in 1 lawsuit again involving himself inward the human activity of treason.
It appears that, in 1 lawsuit again, the human being could non observe the courage to live loyal as well as he shamefully betrayed as well as plotted the downfall of his ain principal as well as leader. This fourth dimension around withal in that location was no escape to Republic of Ghana or anywhere else for him as well as he paid the supreme cost for his treachery .
What a sad as well as sorry halt that this immature human being came to as well as this certainly is the greatest testimony to the veracity of the biblical injunction as well as spiritual truism that says "he who lives past times the sword, dies past times the sword". In conclusion I would just similar to number a few posers which are based on information that I gathered from just 1 of the numerous books that I take hold read on this number over the years. Firstly how true is it that the assassins outset took Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa to the palace of the Oba of Lagos where “the mutineers stubbed cigarette butts on his hands” amongst other things as well as “told him to drinkable vino to relieve himself?” He evidently replied that “he had never drunkard alcohol inward his life as well as he was non going to do so at the bespeak of death”.
These were just some of the assertions made past times a British Colonial Officer who was inward Nigeria at the fourth dimension past times the advert of David Muffet inward his volume titled “Let TheTruth Be Told (The Nigerian Civil War)”. Similar issues were raised inward the British Daily Telegraph paper many years later as well as these tin live found at “telegraph.co.uk” of Oct. 13th 2007. In Muffet’s volume he repeated verbatim reports given past times some eye-witnesses, notably Kaptan Topyomoli, who was the Prime Minister’s orderly, confidant as well as friend. If anyone that is interested cannot observe the volume anywhere delight await for it on “Ebay” or “Amazon.com” on the internet.
Secondly, who told Chief Osoba where the corpse was? Who went with him that tin corroborate what he has said as well as what he wrote? Did he locomote with the law squad at 2.00a.m? Commissioner Babankowa said inward his interview with Trust Newspaper inward 2004 that he overheard some people talking most a foul olfactory belongings coming from the wood nigh the roadside as well as so he started his search as well as later found the body. Was the law “beaten to the scene” past times this skilful as well as incredibly brave immature reporter? These are vital questions that demand to live answered. I would urge those that are interested inward establishing the truth as well as getting the answers to inquire the elder-statesman Alhaji Maitama Sule, the quondam Inspector General of Police as well as quondam National Security Advisor, Alhaji Gambo Jimeta, the quondam Minister of Defence as well as Chief of Army Staff General T.Y. Danjuma as well as the quondam Inspector General of Police, Alhaji M.D. Yusuf exactly what they know most these matters, claims as well as counterclaims every bit they were all living witnesses to all these events. That is the only way that nosotros tin really constitute the truth as well as convey this affair to closure.
Chief Femi Fani-Kayode was the spokesperson to President Olusegun Obasanjo; he afterwards became Minister of Tourism & Culture & later served every bit Aviation Minister for Federal Republic of Nigeria. He is currently vying for the spot of Governor inward Osun State (South-West, Nigeria).
Balewa’s Death Controversy: As an oculus witness, the trunk I saw was fresh – Osoba
on September 26, 2010
By Wale Akinola
Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 quondam external affairs minister,Chief M.T .Mbu, sparked off a disceptation of late when he claimed that the Nigerian prime number government minister inward the outset republic, Alhaji Tafawa Balewa,died of asthma. The claim was disputed past times those who held on to the view that Balewa had been shot dead past times coup plotters who had abducted him ,among other political leaders of the country, on Jan 15, 1966. Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, a quondam government minister of province inward the ministry building of transportation, did a two-part article on the disceptation on the side of those who believed Balewa was killed past times the coup plotters as well as his trunk dumped at a spot along Lagos-Abeokuta Road .
Celebrated Nigerian Sculptor BEN ENWONWU (14 July 1921–5 Feb 1994) as well as Sir Abubakra Tafawa Balewa
Chief Olusegun Osoba, a quondam governor of Ogun State, came into the painting courtesy of a written report he did every bit a immature reporter as well as published inward the Daily Times Of Jan 23,1966 after providentially seeing the corpse of the belatedly Nigerian leader where it had been dumped with that of Chief Okotie Eboh, the so finance minister. Osoba speaks, inward this interview, on his sense of Jan 21, 1966 when he saw the corpses as well as other issues surrounding the decease of Balewa.
Forty-four years after, a fresh disceptation is brewing over the decease of Alhaji Tafawa Balewa, Nigeria’s outset as well as in conclusion prime number government minister …
The British intelligence that was inward accuse of Nigeria’s safety so fell apartment at the critical fourth dimension as well as had no clue whatsoever on the province of affairs inward Nigeria. Their intelligence province of affairs was totally flawed.
How?
I could non imagine, fifty-fifty every bit a immature reporter, that a good grounded as well as good informed safety network would allow the world leaders to get together inward Nigeria for the Commonwealth conference few hours to a major political upheaval as well as a military machine intervention, the outset inward the history of the country, would live inward the offing as well as they didn’t know. We had heads of authorities of Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain as well as others from all over the Commonwealth gathered inward Nigeria, yet the British intelligence didn’t know. It shows y'all that whatever reference to the British archives on this issue, especially past times those who claimed that Balewa had been shot past times the coup plotters, would live a fruitless exercise.
That way 1 cannot rely on such source for information on what really happened.
No, because the so prime number government minister of Great Britain himself, Harold Wilson, was soundless inward this dry ground 24hours to the coup. I was at the airdrome at most xi p.m., on Friday, 14th of Jan 1966 when Tafawa Balewa saw off Harold Wilson on his journeying dorsum to the UK. That was just 24 hours to the fourth dimension the coup took place. Would whatever serious authorities take hold risked the caput of their authorities inward a dry ground where the military machine was most to strike? Supposing he was trapped inward the crossfire just similar the so caput of authorities of Republic of Cyprus was caught upward inward the coup because he was inward Enugu on a tour of the dry ground as well as a invitee of Michael Okpara when the coup took place?
Your written report of Jan 23,1966 has locomote a reference bespeak on the decease of Balewa. As someone who saw the trunk of the belatedly prime number government minister as well as reported it, what do y'all say?
Sam Omatseye, inward his column, made a profound declaration that in that location was a failure of intellectualism. Nobody amongst the writers or those making claims most Tafawa Balewa made adequate research. The newspapers of that fourth dimension are all inward the archives as well as they are of import sources of information or tape of what happened.
All those who are talking are basing their information on hearsay, 3rd party, from 1 someone to another. The New Nigerian which was a major paper so was just founded at that time. The Daily Times, the leading paper inward the dry ground then, was in that location as well as The Pilot. These newspapers were all owned past times government. Nobody has bothered to locomote as well as search for them as well as read the reports of these papers. Instead, some of them are quoting British archives when already I said the British intelligence on the coup inward Nigeria at that fourth dimension was a total failure; so y'all cannot rely on such or utilization a failed written report of failed people as well as intelligence every bit history, that is my argument.
That way some of the things said, for instance, past times Chief Femi Fani- Kayode, who is raising issues on the circumstances surrounding Balewa’s death, cannot live relied upon if his facts are based on the British archives.
I would non say Tafawa Balewa died of asthma for the fact that I am non a medical doctor. But every bit an oculus witness, the trunk (of Balewa) that I saw was a fresh body. Fani- Kayode, I tin understand his emotions, but I think he is getting also emotional as well as indirectly politicizing history. The outset platitude they learn inward journalism is facts are sacred. The outset thing my editor told me most the storey every bit I got to the portion that twenty-four lx minutes menses was that,’ don’t embellish your report, don’t live flamboyant ,just live factual ,’and the facts I stated inward my storey take hold never ever been denied, debunked, controverted inward 44 years. Why now? Fani- Kayode had many mistakes as well as flaws inward his argument.
What are the flaws?
First of all, he claimed an autopsy was held on the body(of Balewa) inward LUTH before it was taken away. That cannot live true because the belatedly Professor Odunjo, the blood brother of Soji Odunjo, was inward LUTH so when I wrote the storey as well as I call upward that Soji as well as I saw him that same Dominicus that my written report was published as well as nosotros talked extensively on the affair .So, if in that location had been autopsy, he would take hold told me inward the class of our discussion. That was the outset error on the portion of Fani- Kayode.
In the 2d article, he at nowadays changed ,saying the autopsy was done on the spot where the trunk was found. That is an impossible thing scientifically, because the trunk (of Okotie Eboh) I saw unopen past times was already existence infested past times maggots as well as ants such that y'all had to live careful so that the ants would non larn into your body. You tin imagine if the ants got into your body, y'all had to strip naked. It was non an environs that y'all could ever carry out autopsy.
The in conclusion error he made was that it was done correct in that location inward the bush. As at the fourth dimension I wrote my story, the trunk was already existence flown out of Lagos to the due north but I estimate they had to pick out it outset to Kaduna because I was non sure in that location were landing facilities inward Bauchi where it was buried; they in all likelihood had to pick out the trunk inward the forenoon to Bauchi as well as I stated inward my written report the Indian airplane pilot as well as the co-pilot that accompanied the body. All this happened within fours hours after I saw the body.
You don’t wing a decomposed trunk as well as remain inward the aircraft for 1 or 2 hours as well as y'all endure .These are some of the flaws inward his claim. And he is getting emotional most it as well as the prove he is producing are 3rd party:’ General Danjuma told me,’‘ M.D, Yusuf told me’. The military machine also at that fourth dimension were hamstrung because for communication network, they had to depend on the law communication scheme every bit they did non take hold signal subdivision inward the regular army of that time.
Are in that location other persons that tin corroborate your claim or photographs of the scene to lay to residuum the disceptation concerning your claim?
So many people. As a affair of fact, some people called me from Abeokuta. Mr Iboye, 1 of them, said he was working at WAPCO, Ewekoro, at that fourth dimension as well as that he saw the body. Ogunseitan of The Nation also called to say that he was going to Ibadan to interview somebody who called to say he saw the body. I interviewed people inward the villages who also saw the body.
All I am maxim is that Tafawa Balewa’s trunk that I saw was a fresh 1 as well as that, yes, the trunk mightiness take hold odour past times the fourth dimension they got to Bauchi but non every bit potent every bit they position it. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 trunk without embalming after 24 hours would, naturally, after a while….. decomposition sets in. But to say that the trunk was non allowed to lie- in- state, Muslims don’t prevarication body-in-state, Muslims abhor such opened upward display of bodies. Muslims abhor marker of graves, Muslims abhor having a statue on graves, they regard it every bit paganism, they abhor it.
And before the trunk was taken to Bauchi, they would take hold cleaned it up, prepared it as well as wrapped it upward inward the Islamic way as well as so in that location would live no demand to expose the body. Tafawa Balewa’ s instance was non the only example. When General Murtala Muhammed died after existence shot inward Lagos, the trunk that was taken to Kano was already prepared, that is the 2d illustration that I volition give.
Murtala’s trunk was already prepared as well as taken straight away for burial. Even the belatedly General Sani Abacha that died inward Abuja, his trunk was already prepared past times the fourth dimension it got to Kano. Tafawa Balewa’s trunk was non the only Muslim caput of authorities that would live buried. None of these other ones I said has ever been disputed ,whether Murtala Muhammed or Abacha. So why are they making an number on whether his trunk was displayed or not? Do Muslims display trunk similar Christians? So, tell me, which Muslim caput of state’s trunk has ever been displayed?
How did y'all larn the information most the dumping of Tafawa Balewa’s corpse on that spot as well as y'all at nowadays went for verification?
At that time, in that location was no SSS. What y'all had was called E-Branch of the Nigeria Police Intelligence Department .What y'all had was E- Branch as well as SCID. E- Branch was similar today’s SSS. And someone from in that location phoned me as well as for a reporter similar me who had telephone , my colleagues were making jest of me that it was elitist as well as luxury. It was already 6 p.m. that twenty-four lx minutes menses when I heard of the intelligence as well as my immediate reaction was to larn in that location before dark ;so the inquiry of looking for a lensman didn’t arise and, every bit Chief E. A. Oshunneye, some other oculus witness, his married adult woman is soundless around, she tin easily corroborate what I am saying, her hubby would take hold recounted the storey to her ;he was coming from Abeokuta as well as he told me that somewhere after leaving Abeokuta, on their way to Ifo, that he stopped as well as that they were all peeping from the window of their vehicle to await at the spot where the bodies were kept. And so that was how I took my Vespa which was similar having a motorcar then. There was no traffic because in that location were fewer vehicles on the route as well as I raced in that location to regard the body. I spoke with a lot of the villagers on the story. If people are enterprising enough, I think they should locomote to Ilogbo or Iyana Ilogbo, they would observe people who saw the bodies.
What was the province of affairs of the bodies at the fourth dimension y'all got there?
The Okotie-Eboh trunk had decompsed as well as I didn’t fifty-fifty regard whatever sign of gunshots on his body. His caput was mangled, I suspect he was maltreated as well as manhandled. I am soundless suspicious of the involvement of the so authorities inward the whole saga. How Tafawa Balewa died is non something I desire to utter about. M.T. Mbu didn’t say he was the source of the vogue of Tafawa Balewa’s death; he said he was told past times Okigbo who was told past times Ifeajuna. His ain storey is for empathy. He didn’t build a claim of it. He just made a declaration every bit a government minister that the human being died of asthma based on what he was told. The decease of Tafawa Balewa may take hold been influenced past times elements inward authorities who wanted to encompass sure things upward as well as at nowadays had to position his trunk on the same spot with Okotie-Eboh so that the storey would live that the coupists position the 2 bodies there. I take hold ground to believe that in that location are some games played past times some people inward authorities who had a manus inward it.
So in that location were no signs of gun shots on either of the bodies?
Tafawa Balewa was highly respected past times everybody whether those inward authorities or outside. He was a gentleman, he didn’t only take hold an icon of a gentleman nationally; internationally, he was also respected.
When the OAU was existence formed which broke into factions then, the Casablanca group, the Nkrumah grouping as well as all kinds of groups, he was involved inward bringing all the African countries together and, out of the observe he had worldwide for sorting out the number of East as well as Southern Rhodesia so which had gone out of the British government, that Commonwealth conference hosted past times Nigeria was the outset to live held exterior UK, it exhibit the form of observe as well as affection for Tafawa Balewa. So the coupists mightiness non desire to manhandle him. And that this is why I think in that location was a foul play.
How?
In the outset place, in that location was a coup of some majors which became really bloody inward some parts of the country. It was a funny province of affairs in that location was a coup where Ironsi survived. One, travail must take hold been made to kill him as well as the federal cabinet decided to manus over to the military machine or the coupists as well as Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe was on a tour of the Carribean; so the acting president of the Senate joined to formally manus over authorities to Ironsi.
That was the province of affairs as well as after that, all the heavy weights inward politics took flight. They ran away. Therefore the number that they called everybody to come upward as well as spot Tafawa Balewa’s trunk didn’t arise because I soundless take hold my paper cuttings … fifty-fifty politicians from Western Region ran to Cotonou, Republic of Benin Republic.
And I went to interview them as well as they said they would non homecoming to Nigeria until the military machine handed over power. If such politicians ran away, what makes y'all think the other ministers would live around when they had already handed over ability to the military machine as well as especially at a fourth dimension Major Nzeogwu was making serious statements on the radio that whatever major offence became decease sentence? There was fearfulness inward everybody. My suspicion is that after the rein of authorities had been handed over to Ironsi, if Tafawa Balewa had been live then, the authorities of the twenty-four lx minutes menses would take hold wasted him because if Tafawa Balewa were alive, the handing over past times the ministers would take hold been zero as well as void because he was the caput of government. So writers as well as researchers soundless demand a lot of operate to do. In 44 years, nobody has denied, whether inward authorities or outside, nobody has said anything reverse to what I wrote inward the Dominicus Times of 23 Jan 1966.
So, no affair what anybody says ,you take hold on to your storey on what y'all saw at the spot where Balewa as well as Okotie Eboh’‘s bodies were found.?
Yes, Balewa’s trunk was a fresh one. It could live that twenty-four lx minutes menses (January 21, 1966) or overnight that the trunk was position there. There were no signs of gunshots on Tafawa Balewa’s body. Fani-Kayode was just existence sentimental that I should take hold gone with a photographer. He didn’t know that inward those days, it could pick out 3 hours to develop a film. If I didn’t larn out instantly every bit I left that day, perchance those who evacuated the trunk would take hold done so before I got there.
What was of import to me so was to confirm the storey as well as I did confirm my story? Why is it that 44 years after, some people are at nowadays talking of their ain story. Why didn’t they utter then? Tafawa Balewa was abducted as well as captured. Fani-Kayode’s begetter was abducted as well as captured. If the coupists didn’t kill his father, what makes him think they would kill all those they abducted?
How did his begetter grapple non to live killed? If they didn’t kill his begetter who was highly controversial inward the politics of that fourth dimension as well as highly visible, what makes him at nowadays believe that Tafawa Balewa, a gentle man, a highly respected individual, somebody that was loved past times Nigerians for his humility as well as mild disposition inward his life time, would live killed?
How Dominicus Times of Jan 23, 1966 reported the uncovering of his corpse
Balewa is dead Found past times roadside Buried inward Bauchi
Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, the outset as well as in conclusion Prime Minister of the First Republic of the Federation of Nigeria, is dead, it was officially announced inward Lagos at 12 noon yesterday past times the Federal Military Government.
The annunciation did non say when, where as well as how he died.
But the annunciation came exactly 1 calendar week after it had been officially stated that “in the early hours of this morning, Saturday, Jan 15, 1966, a dissident subdivision of the Nigerian Army kidnapped the Prime Minister as well as the Minister of Finance as well as took them to an unknown destination.”
At his outset intelligence conference after he had been handed the Government of the Federation, Major General J.T.U. Aguiyi Ironsi, inward reply to a inquiry on the whereabouts of Alhaji Abubakar replied, “Every travail is existence made to locate his whereabouts. At the moment, I take hold no information.”
Near-by bush
But past times Fri morning, villagers around reported that a trunk which looked similar that of Alhaji Abubakar had been discovered inward a nearby bush.
The trunk was inward a sitting posture with the dorsum rested on a tree. The trunk was robed inward a large white agbada with a cap lying at its feet.
Alhaji Abubakar’s trunk was flown on a chartered airplane from Lagos to Bauchi his hometown at midnight on Friday, Jan 21. Apart from the captain as well as radio officer, only soldiers were on the aircraft.
Alhaji Abubakar was buried at the Muslim cemetery inward the presence of a large number of sympathizers.
Eye witness
Segun Osoba, Dominicus Times staff reporter, reports that Alhaji Abubakar was found on the route side on Mile 27 on the Lagos-Abeokuta road.
He writes:
“About 220 yards from Mile 27 on the Lagos-Abeokuta road, I saw the dead trunk of the quondam Prime Minister Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa as well as what appeared to me to live the trunk of Chief Festus Okotie Eboh on Fri evening.
“I got in that location with a friend Titus Shokanlu most 7p.m. that Fri as well as saw the 2 bodies placed inward a ditch past times the route side.
“First I saw Chief Okotie-Eboh ‘s trunk stripped naked with human face upward placed downwards with maggots crowding circular it.
“There was a picayune strip of stripped pyjamas left on his correct leg.
“About 4 yards away was Alhaji Balewa’s body. He was placed past times the side of a kola nut tree inward a sitting posture.
“He had a snowfall white toga a portion of which was wrapped over his head.
No marks of bullets on both bodies. I saw the caput of Chief Okotie-Eboh badly battered. “While the trunk of Alhaji Balewa was soundless fresh, that of Chief Okotie Eboh was swollen as well as inward a decomposed state.
“Not far from the scene is Owode village. Some of the inhabitants of the hamlet ran downward to the scene to regard the 2 bodies.
“Many motorists plying Abeokuta-Lagos route also stopped at the spot.
“Tears ran downward the faces of all the people found there. And in that location was a full general sign of grief inward the villages around.
“Said 1 of the weeping onlookers: ‘This is poor as well as lamentable that this is the trunk of Alhaji Balewa is also much for me to bear,”
Mid-night Flight
By yesterday morning, the corpse had been removed from the spot. Investigations later revealed that a trunk inward a coffin was brought to the Ikeja Airport past times soldiers most midnight.
Most of the tarmac of the airdrome where the coffin was to live loaded into the airplane was condoned off past times armed soldiers. Not fifty-fifty the officials of the Nigerian Airways were allowed to come upward near.
After the coffin had been taken into the plane, it took off at exactly 30 minutes after midnight. Some of the soldiers at the airdrome accompanied the airplane on its journey.
Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 British captain as well as an Indian outset officer, both employees of Airways, were the only civilian crew on the plane.
source:http://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/09/balewa%E2%80%99s-death-controversy-as-an-eye-witness-the-body-i-saw-was-fresh-osoba/
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