Untold Story of Resistance: Reflecting on the Heroes of Nigeria’s Path to Democracy

Untold Story of Resistance: Reflecting on the Heroes of Nigeria’s Path to Democracy

By Adewale Adeoye

This week marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s history as the nation commemorates 25 years of democratic rule. The journey began on May 29, 1999, but the roots of this democracy are deeply entwined with the events surrounding the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential elections. As we approach the 31st anniversary of this pivotal struggle, it is crucial to shed light on the unsung heroes of this resistance, particularly the workers at the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Corporation (NSPMC), whose clandestine efforts were instrumental in ending military rule.
In the aftermath of the annulled June 12 elections, the story of over 3,400 sacked NSPMC workers stands as a testament to courage and resilience. These workers, dismissed and labeled as ‘agents of opposition,’ formed an underground movement that played a vital role in shaking the foundations of military tyranny in Nigeria. Despite the passage of time, their heroic exploits remain largely untold, overshadowed by the broader narrative of the struggle.
During a recent dinner in Kano with Zikirullahi Ibrahim, the leader of the NSPMC workers’ resistance, I was struck by the lingering memories of the perilous journey he and his comrades undertook. The wrinkles on Ibrahim’s face seemed to etch the story of life-and-death battles, courage, betrayal, blood, and tears. It is a mystery that Ibrahim survived the relentless pursuit by undercover agents, who aimed to silence him in the storm of resistance against the military.
The NSPMC, a critical entity where Nigerian currency and sensitive national documents were printed, was directly linked to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). It supplied cash for both overt and covert military operations, and there were unconfirmed reports of a secret unit within the NSPMC that printed fake dollars for espionage under General Abacha’s regime. Despite the significance of their work, NSPMC workers were prohibited from unionizing and sworn to secrecy.
In 1991, amid anti-military protests, nearly 1,000 NSPMC workers were purged. Their demand for a union to combat corruption and exploitation within the corporation was met with harsh reprisals, including mass sackings and targeted efforts to remove workers from Southern Nigeria. Following the annulment of the June 12 elections in 1993, the NSPMC management intensified human rights violations, stripping workers naked under the pretense of searching for missing cash and national security threats.
Ibrahim, deeply affected by the escalating brutality and corruption, organized a resistance cell. Without modern communication tools, the group relied on codes and clandestine meetings to mobilize workers. They printed and distributed pamphlets calling for resistance, nurturing a spirit of defiance among the workforce. The workers’ rebellion, marked by sit-in protests, shocked the NSPMC management and caught the attention of dictator Sanni Abacha.
In 1995, the NSPMC’s management responded by sacking another 2,450 workers and banning members of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) from the premises. Secret Service agents launched a manhunt for Ibrahim, the identified leader of the rebellion. Despite numerous attempts to capture or kill him, Ibrahim remained elusive, holding nocturnal meetings and forging alliances with radical movement leaders like Chima Ubani and Dr. Beko Ransom Kuti.
Under Ibrahim’s leadership, the workers’ movement became a formidable force. They mobilized for significant anti-military rallies, including the five-million-man march in Lagos on March 3, 1998, and protests against the April 25, 1998, National Assembly elections aimed at extending Abacha’s rule. Tragically, these efforts came at a high cost, with over 200 workers killed during the national protests. Prominent figures like MKO Abiola’s wife and Pa Alfred Rewane were also murdered during this turbulent period.
Despite the dangers, Ibrahim’s unwavering dedication inspired many. His strategic moves and ability to evade capture earned him a revered status among the workers. He pursued legal actions against the NSPMC and sought to link their plight with the broader goal of ending military rule. His efforts attracted the attention of international organizations, leading to scholarship opportunities and recognition for his contributions to the struggle for democracy.
Today, Zikirullahi Ibrahim, now holding a PhD, continues to serve as the Executive Director and Board Secretary of the Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education. His journey from a currency examiner to a prominent figure in Nigeria’s democratic movement underscores the power of perseverance and integrity. Ibrahim’s story, and that of the over 3,400 sacked NSPMC workers, is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made to secure Nigeria’s democratic future. As we honour these unsung heroes, let us remember that their legacy is a crucial chapter in the nation’s history, deserving of recognition and celebration.

Adeoye, a journalist and President, Alliance of Yoruba Democratic Movements was a member of the University of Nigeria, Nusukka (UNN) Students’ Union Parliament (1986-87)