Shehu Sani’s Call for Justice: Recognize Heroes Who Defended Nigeria from Colonial Oppression
Civil rights activist and politician Senator Shehu Sani has called on Nigerians and all levels of government to properly recognize and honour the freedom fighters who stood up against colonial oppression.
Speaking on Monday during a visit to the tombs of six deposed Emirs in Lokoja who were exiled by the British colonialists for their resistance, Sani expressed deep admiration for the legacy of these leaders. Accompanied by his colleague, Comrade Suleiman Ahmed, the former senator emphasized that the bravery and sacrifices of these Emirs should not be forgotten by the nation.
Sani specifically pointed to the tomb of Mallam Aliyu Abdullahi (Maisango), the late Emir of Kano, who passed away in 1903 after being exiled by the colonial authorities for refusing to submit to their rule. Reflecting on the significance of his visit, Sani said, “We have to appreciate the freedom fighters, those who stood in defense of our country.”
As a Pan-Africanist and long-time advocate for human rights, Sani stressed that remembering such historical figures is crucial for inspiring future generations to uphold the values of freedom, justice, and patriotism. He pointed out that these Emirs were not overthrown by their people but by colonial invaders, adding that they defended their land and people against external subjugation.
In his words, “The Emirs that refused to bow down to colonialists, the ones who stood for freedom and defended our territorial land; we owe them a lot.” He urged Nigerians to look back and honor those who laid down their lives for the country’s sovereignty.
Sani reaffirmed his commitment to continue to recognize and pay tribute to Nigeria’s freedom fighters, stressing the importance of acknowledging the sacrifices made for the nation’s independence.
The visit was met with praise from the Etsu Lokoja, Emmanuel Akamisoko Dauda-Shelika, and other local leaders. They expressed gratitude for Sani’s gesture, emphasizing that the recognition of such historical figures is long overdue. Dauda-Shelika stated, “Oftentimes, we hardly remember that certain people contributed to certain measures in the past. The visit to Lokoja with particular interest in the tombs of the deposed Emirs is very laudable.”
This visit has sparked a renewed conversation about the need to honor and remember Nigeria’s historical freedom fighters, urging the government to take more deliberate actions in preserving the nation’s legacy of resistance to colonialism.
