Dr. Katch Ononuju, Director-General of the Heritage Centre, has claimed that the struggle for Nigeria’s independence was not evenly supported across all parts of the country, arguing that historical power structures shaped the level of participation in the movement.
Speaking during an interview from 11:06 on SYMFONI TV, Ononuju traced the country’s colonial history and the influence of traditional political systems before and after British rule.
He argued that the relationship between the British colonial administration and traditional authorities in Northern Nigeria had a lasting impact on political developments before independence.
According to Ononuju, “When Our Fathers From The South Were Fighting For Independence, The Fulani Were So Strong Over The Hausa Areas That Hausas Didn’t Even Join The Struggle For Independence.”
He said the political influence exercised by the Fulani leadership during the colonial period affected how events unfolded in the northern region before Nigeria gained independence.
Ononuju maintained that the historical arrangement between the colonial authorities and northern traditional institutions shaped the political direction of the region for many years.
He added that the structure established during colonial rule continued to influence political relationships even after independence.
The Heritage Centre Director-General said understanding the country’s history is important when discussing present-day political and security issues.
He noted that many of the challenges facing Nigeria today cannot be separated from historical events and the decisions made during the colonial era.
Ononuju made the remarks while explaining his views on Nigeria’s political history and the origins of some of the country’s longstanding governance and security challenges….See More