When I Hear Tafawa Balewa’s Speeches, Tears Come Because We Lost Innocence With The First Coup-Kukah

In a recent interview shared by Arise News, the Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Reverend Matthew Hassan Kukah, reflected on Nigeria’s early years of independence and the tragedy that followed shortly after.

“When I listen to Tafawa Balewa’s speeches, tears come to my eyes because we lost our innocence with the first coup,” he remarked, recalling the optimism that defined Nigeria’s independence in 1960.

Reverend Kukah described Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa as a visionary leader whose words and actions represented the high hopes Nigerians once held for their country. He noted that Balewa’s assassination in the 1966 coup was not only the loss of a leader but the beginning of Nigeria’s descent into political instability, ethnic conflict, and dashed dreams.

According to him, the military’s intervention marked a turning point that derailed the nation’s democratic and developmental trajectory. Instead of building on the structures laid by the founding fathers, Nigeria was plunged into cycles of violence and mistrust.

Reverend Kukah’s reflection serves as a reminder of the unfulfilled promises of independence and the urgent need for today’s leaders to recover the lost vision of unity and progress. See, More, Here>>>>

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