Monuments, Memory and the Danger of Historical Erasure

By Iorliam Shija

In March 2001, the world watched in disbelief as the Taliban government in Afghanistan destroyed the ancient Bamiyan Buddha statues. For over 1,500 years, the statues had survived empires, invasions, wars and natural disasters. Yet in a matter of days, they were demolished because a government of the day decided they no longer fit its vision.

The outrage that followed was not merely about the destruction of stone monuments. It was about the destruction of memory. Humanity understood that monuments are more than physical structures; they are markers of history. They tell future generations who came before them, what they did and how societies evolved. That lesson remains relevant everywhere, including Benue State.

Since its creation on February 3, 1976, Benue State has been governed by a succession of military administrators and civilian governors, each contributing in one way or another to the state's development and history.

The state's leadership journey began with Abdullahi Shelleng (1976–1978), followed by Adebayo Lawal (1978–1979). The Second Republic brought Aper Aku (1979–1983), whose developmental vision remains one of the most discussed in Benue's history.

Following the military takeover came John Atom Kpera (1984–1985), Jonah David Jang (1985–1986), Yohanna Madaki (1986), Ishaya Bakut (1986–1987), Idris Garba (1987), Fidelis Makka (1987–1992), Moses Orshio Adasu (1992–1993), Joshua Obademi (1993–1996), Aminu Isa Kontagora (1996–1998) and Dominic Oneya (1998–1999).

The return to democratic rule ushered in George Akume (1999–2007), Gabriel Suswam (2007–2015), Samuel Ortom (2015–2023) and now His Excellency Rev Fr Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia (2023 to date).

Each of these men governed under different circumstances. Some had long tenures; others governed for only a few months. Some are remembered more fondly than others. Some achieved more than others. Yet all occupy legitimate places in the historical narrative of Benue State.

That is why roads, schools, public buildings and other monuments named after former leaders serve an important purpose. They are not declarations of perfection. They are acknowledgements of historical contribution and reminders of a particular era in the life of the state.

Ishaya Bakut governed Benue State between September 1986 and 1987. During his tenure, he became part of the state's history. Whether one agrees or disagrees with every action taken during his administration is not the issue. The issue is that his name became attached to a public monument that preserved a chapter of Benue's story. One of Tiv respected Tiv composers, Tondu Kumbur spoke about him and how Benue appreciated him. 

Today’s decision to rename Ishaya Bakut Road in honour of Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, therefore raises important questions. Let it be stated clearly that Senator Oluremi Tinubu is deserving of recognition. Her years in public service, her advocacy work and her position as First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria make her a significant national figure.

However, honouring one public figure should not necessarily require removing another from the historical landscape. In fact, the current administration has already created more suitable opportunities for such recognition. Governor Hyacinth Alia has constructed two major underpasses in Makurdi and Gboko. He has publicly indicated plans for similar infrastructure in Otukpo. These are new landmarks, born during the tenure of the present administration. Such projects provide excellent opportunities to immortalize distinguished personalities without altering existing historical monuments.

The naming of newly created infrastructure after Senator Oluremi Tinubu would have achieved the objective of honouring her while preserving the historical memory associated with Ishaya Bakut Road. Mature societies understand this principle.

In the United States, roads, bridges, airports and institutions bearing the names of former leaders are generally preserved even as new monuments are created for contemporary figures. In Britain, centuries-old monuments remain standing despite numerous political transitions. In many parts of the world, governments add to history instead of subtracting from it. The danger of subtraction is the precedent it creates.

Today, Ishaya Bakut's name is removed. Tomorrow, another administration may decide that a monument named after George Akume should be renamed. Another government may decide to remove the name of Gabriel Suswam. Yet another may choose to erase Samuel Ortom.Then comes the inevitable question. What happens after Governor Hyacinth Alia leaves office?

What if a future administration decides that a road, bridge, underpass, university building or institution named after him should also be renamed to honour another contemporary political figure? Would that be acceptable?

If every generation removes the names and monuments left behind by previous generations, eventually the state will lose its historical compass. Future generations will inherit roads and buildings, but they will know little about the people who shaped the state before them. History is not preserved by convenience. It is preserved by deliberate choices.

The true strength of a society lies not in its ability to celebrate the present alone, but in its willingness to remember the past while building the future. Benue State possesses enough public spaces, enough new projects and enough future infrastructure to honour contemporary leaders without dismantling the memorials of those who came before them.

The question before us is therefore simple; should every new administration preserve and add to Benue's historical memory, or should it reserve the right to erase the monuments of yesterday whenever it wishes to honour the personalities of today?