The leadership of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has paid tribute to the late political opposition leader, Mallam Aminu Kano, who died 42 years ago on April 17, 1983 saying his legacy remains indelible in the minds of Nigerians.
A statement signed by the PRP national chairman, Alhaji Falalu Bello and made available to Tribune Online on Friday in Abuja said the party is honouring Aminu Kano’s memory and legacy to reflect on his tireless struggle for the emancipation of the common people, the Talakawa and his enduring belief in the power of democracy, equity and justice.
The statement described the late politician as a beacon of hope during his lifetime for many throughout Nigeria, especially in Northern Nigeria, where he championed a revolutionary socialist agenda rooted in values that promoted societal equality.
“One of the founding leaders of the Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU) and later the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Aminu Kano stood firmly against the injustices perpetuated by the autocratic Native Administrations and the Colonial Rule.
“His commitment to social justice ignited a movement that transcended ethnic and class boundaries, emphasizing the need for political reform and the upliftment of the oppressed.
“He recognised early on that the family compact rule of the so-called Native Administrations served only to deepen class struggles and widen societal divides. His vision was clear: a society where the political institutions genuinely reflected the aspirations and needs of the people, particularly the talakawas, who he believed deserved a voice and representation in governance.
“As we commemorate his life, we are reminded of the pivotal ideas that characterized his political engagement. Aminu Kano championed the rights of women, advocated for the poor, and sought to dismantle ethnically based political parties in favour of unity and inclusivity.
“In an era where the call for social justice and equality is more urgent than ever, we implore our leaders and young political aspirants to embody Aminu Kano’s spirit of leadership, one that fosters dialogue, promotes inclusiveness, and galvanises the masses towards collective progress.
“His model of engagement, characterized by empowerment and education, is a reminder that the true measure of leadership lies in elevating the voices of the disenfranchised. We call on all citizens, especially those in leadership positions, to honour Mallam Aminu Kano’s legacy by striving for a Nigeria where equity, justice and democracy thrive where power resides with the people, and where every voice, especially that of the talakawa, is heard and valued.
“The rigged elections in our Local Government elections particularly in Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa where Mallam Aminu’s followers held sway as well as other states in Nigeria must be reversed if democracy is to survive in Nigeria,” the statement read.
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