By Andrew Haruna
Lokoja, Kogi State – In a heartfelt and thought-provoking interview with The Bureau Newspaper, Retired Admiral Usman Jibrin, former Chief of the Naval Staff and one of Igala Land’s most respected elder statesmen, has called for the immediate establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Committee to address lingering political grievances and divisions within the Igala Kingdom.
Admiral Jibrin, who once led Nigeria’s naval forces with distinction and is widely known for his uprightness and commitment to national unity, said the time has come for Igala stakeholders to set aside differences and begin the difficult but necessary journeys toward healing and reconciliation.
“A Truth and Reconciliation Committee should be set up to look into the root causes of the disunity in Igala Land,” Admiral Jibrin declared. “The political killings, betrayals, and bitterness that have festered since the passing of our great political icon, Prince Abubakar Audu, must be openly addressed if we are to move forward as a united people.”
Political Divisions and Historical Wounds
The retired naval chief emphasized that the political landscape in Igala Land has grown increasingly fragmented in recent years, with deep-seated mistrust among leaders, stakeholders, and community groups. According to him, much of this division can be traced back to the untimely death of Prince Audu in 2015, a tragedy that left a vacuum in leadership and paved the way for increased political conflict.
He said that several political assassinations, intimidation, and sidelining of key actors had occurred, resulting in bitterness, alienation, and a breakdown of trust among various interest groups in the kingdom.
“We cannot keep sweeping these issues under the carpet,” he said. “We need to confront the truth, however painful, and allow people to speak their minds in an environment of respect and understanding. Only then can we begin to rebuild the bridges that have been broken.”
The Role of Truth and Reconciliation
Admiral Jibrin explained that truth and reconciliation processes, when properly executed, are globally recognized methods of addressing past injustices and creating platforms for inclusive dialogue. He noted that such processes have been successful in other regions and countries in fostering unity after periods of turmoil and division.
“A truth and reconciliation process involves acknowledging the wrongs of the past, giving voice to the victims, and finding a common path forward,” he said. “It is about healing. It is about restoring dignity. And most importantly, it is about securing the future of the next generation of Igalas.”
According to him, the committee, if set up, should comprise respected traditional leaders, retired civil servants, religious leaders, youth representatives, women leaders, and civil society actors who will listen to grievances from all sides and help craft a blueprint for unity, justice, and sustainable peace.
Warning Against Further Fragmentation
The retired Admiral issued a strong warning that without peace and unity, the Igala Kingdom would continue to suffer setbacks in accessing the full dividends of democracy, including infrastructure development, political representation, youth empowerment, and educational progress.
“No government can fully support a people who are at war with themselves,” he stated. “Unity is the foundation of strength. When we speak with one voice, our influence grows. But when we remain divided, we become easy to ignore.”
He also cautioned politicians and interest groups against fueling further divisions through propaganda and personal ambition, urging all Igala sons and daughters to put the kingdom above self.
Call to Action
Admiral Jibrin concluded by calling on the Attah Igala, political leaders, traditional rulers, religious institutions, and civil society to support the creation of the Truth and Reconciliation Committee as a matter of urgent necessity.
“This is not about politics; it is about survival,” he said. “We owe it to our ancestors, and we owe it to our children. Let us not pass on hatred and disunity to the next generation. Let us come together now and rebuild the Igala Kingdom.”
Admiral Usman Jibrin called on the Igala Cultural Development Association [ICDA] through the Attah Igala to set up the Truth and Reconciliation Committee in order restore our dwindling unity.
