Ibrahim Coomassie: A Pillar of Northern Unity and Defender of Regional Interest

Alhaji Ibrahim Ahmadu Coomassie, former Inspector-General of Police and later Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), was a man whose leadership combined integrity, courage, and deep commitment to the development and stability of Northern Nigeria. During his stewardship of the ACF, Coomassie consistently placed the interest of the North first not in opposition to national unity, but as a means of ensuring balance, fairness, and justice within the Nigerian federation.

Champion of the Northern Cause
Coomassie assumed the ACF chairmanship at a time when the region faced multiple challenges: insecurity, political marginalization, and youth restiveness. His leadership brought renewed energy to northern advocacy, and he insisted that the North must speak with one voice on all national issues. To him, defending the North’s interest meant defending Nigeria’s stability, as the North had always played a central role in the nation’s unity and survival.

ACF Youth Security Summit in Kaduna
One of Coomassie’s most significant achievements as ACF chairman was organizing the Arewa Consultative Forum Youth Security Summit in Kaduna. The summit gathered northern youths, traditional rulers, community leaders, and security experts to discuss ways to tackle the growing wave of insecurity in the region.

In his address, Coomassie challenged the youth to become active agents of peace and development rather than tools of violence. He emphasized that lasting security could only be achieved if young people were diligent, patriotic, and committed to defending their communities. He urged them to report suspicious activities, work with law-enforcement agencies, and embrace education and hard work as tools for overcoming poverty and crime.

Through the summit, Coomassie inspired a new generation to view themselves not as victims of insecurity but as partners in restoring stability and progress to the North.

The Sanusi Lamido Sanusi Controversy
When Sanusi Lamido Sanusi was removed from his position as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria in 2014, Coomassie spoke firmly in defense of fairness and justice. He viewed Sansui’s removal as politically motivated and cautioned against the use of state power to silence dissenting voices from the North.

Under Coomassie’s leadership, the ACF called for respect for due process and for a more balanced treatment of northern leaders in national governance. He used the incident to remind Nigerians that every region’s contribution to national growth must be acknowledged and respected.

The 2014 National Conference and the “National Cake” Debate

At the 2014 National Conference, Coomassie once again proved his strength and strategic wisdom. Alongside Prof. Ibrahim Tahir, the Talban Bauchi, and other northern delegates, he worked tirelessly to ensure that the North’s interests were not sidelined.

While some regions pushed for resource control and restructuring that could weaken the North’s economic base, Coomassie argued for fairness in resource sharing the so-called “national cake.” He insisted that the North, with its vast land, population, and agricultural potential, must not be disadvantaged in national planning.

His alliance with Prof. Tahir reflected a partnership built on intellect, patriotism, and deep understanding of the North’s historical importance to Nigeria’s unity.

Advocating for the Presidency to Return to the North in 2016

Coomassie also stood firmly on the principle of political balance and equity in leadership. As Nigeria approached the 2015–2016 transition periods, he joined other northern elders in the movement advocating that the presidency should return to the North after years of southern leadership.

For him, this was not a matter of regional domination but of fairness and stability ensuring that all parts of Nigeria felt a sense of belonging in the rotation of power. His stance reflected his lifelong belief in justice, equity, and the unity of Nigeria through balanced representation.

A Legacy of Courage and Service
Throughout his life, Alhaji Ibrahim Coomassie demonstrated that leadership is about conviction and service. Whether defending Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, guiding discussions at the 2014 National Conference, or mobilizing northern youth against insecurity, he always acted with dignity and wisdom.

His alliance with Prof. Ibrahim Tahir and his insistence that the presidency return to the North underscored his commitment to fairness and to the protection of northern interests within a united Nigeria.

Coomassie’s passing in 2018 marked the loss of a true patriot, but his vision continues to inspire northern leaders and youth alike a vision of a secure, educated, and united North contributing proudly to the progress of Nigeria.

Mustapha Bature Sallama
Medical Science communicator.
Private Investigator and Criminal
Investigation and Intelligence Analysis,
International Conflict Management and Peace Building. Alumni Gandhi Global Academy United States Institute of Peace.

mustysallama@gmail.com
+233-556-275-880

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