Sunday, 17 April marks the 33rd anniversary of the death of Malam Aminu Kano, a colourful and vibrant Northern politician with a large, almost fanatical following, mostly plebeians from the lower rungs of the Nigerian peasant and working classes. It is always a poignant occasion with people engaged in heart-rending prayer sessions for the repose of his gentle soul and reflective remembrance of his fiery campaigns for National independence, motivated by deep-seated, innate concern for the welfare of the masses.
Malam Aminu was exceptionally eminent in the vanguard for the promotion of human rights; protection of women’s universal liberties and for the criticism of unjust, nonchalant rulers who detached themselves from their people in absolute disregard of their distressing conditions.
He was veritably considered among the influential nationalists that shared political influence and dispensed political patronage in the defunct Northern Region. Their words instantly became set of beliefs held strongly by their followers. Wherever they headed people followed, and their commands were promptly complied with.
Their integrity and behaviours were never in doubt because they conducted themselves in a manner compatible with all acceptable norms of etiquette and decorum. Whatever inconvenienced the masses also made their hearts heavy with sorrows, and their pleasure was always a source of joy and pride for them. But, alas! They are no more. Their exit has created a vacuum that can hardly be filled. Their bereaved adherents firmly believe that the roles they played can never be equalled let alone surpassed.
The late Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sardauna of Sokoto and his amiable compatriot, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa were both heads of various governments who discharged the responsibilities of their offices creditably. Their tenure has been immensely beneficial to their people whose status was improved by protecting them from the distracting influence of Southern politicians that wanted to subjugate and conquer them culturally and politically. Aminu Kano was the only one among the Northern topmost politicians that did not run any government, but his exemplary antics and antecedents prodded various administrators into copying them blindly in formulating well-articulated, people-oriented programmes. To other wicked and unjust overseers of government affairs the words and actions of Malam Aminu Kano were fearful and disturbing, denouncing their styles of leadership. They therefore wobbled and trembled whenever he spoke or at a slight reference with his name.
He was a habitually reticent and circumspect personally, hise remarks were always scanty, sparing, thrifty and cautious, but were absolutely counselling and encouraging to those who heed and regard them with a view to benefiting from the wisdom therein His words were in consonance with the appealing principles of the legendary NEPU and the irresistible imperatives of the popular PRP: the two defunct political parties he led with remarkable fervour and dedication. Malam Aminu’s charismatic leadership and acceptability was likened to that of the father of modern India, Mahatma Mohandas Gandhi, whose non-violence policy of Satyagraha in opposing British repressive rule was quite similar to that of Democratic Humanism of the PRP, adopted specifically to take over power from the military in 1979.
The centrepiece of Malam Aminu Kano’s political philosophy was his steadfast commitment to ensuring the emergence of a Northern commoner first, and then Nigerians in general, as an enlightened, educated, and sophisticated being capable of actively participating in all democratic affairs that involve him; gainfully employed with distinctive abode where he sleeps his fatigued and exhausted head off in the night. Aminu Kano also believes that no Nigerian should go to bed hungry. Nigerian must always have sumptuous dinner that will prepare him for the daunting tasks of the following day. To Malam Aminu the masses must be free from the unpleasant consequences of the government’s neglect, arising from its shirked responsibilities.
His lofty dreams and ambitions had always been the realisation of increased economic opportunities for the Northerners, and Nigerians in general, to make them robust and buoyant, playing an active role in creating wealth for the nation and in guaranteeing the interests and wellbeing of their people.
In that way, he argued, the Southerners will accord his people more respect, sparing them from spiteful and derogatory remarks, thereby gingering them up to explore the immense riches that lie unexplored and unexploited under their verdant, arable soil.
His prayer was that Northerners should outclass others and not play second fiddle in the affairs of the nation. It is ironical that after his death the Northerners had tumbled down from grace to grass, becoming objects of hateful ridicule and derision among those they have been encouraged to outshine. That was possible due to the absence of purposeful guidance from inept, corrupt, unpatriotic leaders that sacrificed the interest of their people on the altar of their vicious competitors and persecutors.
From all points of view, Nigerians and indeed Northerners are losing their voices, crying profusely and inconsolably, having lacked an experienced shepherd, whose replacement turns out to be a Herculean task. Aminu Kano, as a champion of the down-trodden masses, has undeniably taught Nigerians how to be patriotic and serve one’s fatherland diligently and creditably. His disciples and followers abound everywhere and are keeping his flag flying though making people mindful about the inherent dangers of corruption, laziness and moral depravity. These are the vices Aminu Kano had really attempted to stamp out from Nigeria’s body polity, and Nigerians must continue to keep his flag flying.
