Houston, Texas – Ambazonia’s quest for freedom and self-determination has always been fraught with challenges: external aggression, internal sabotage, and the inevitable emergence of self-serving leaders. Among these challenges, the rise and reign of Samuel Ikome Sako in the Interim Government (IG) of Ambazonia stands out as a lesson in the perils of unchecked ambition and the tragic consequences of misplaced trust.
Sako’s ascension to power was initially seen as a necessary step in consolidating leadership after the arrest of Sisiku Ayuk Tabe and others in Nigeria. Yet, his reign quickly descended into controversy. When confronted with allegations of mismanagement, financial impropriety, and manipulative tendencies, Sako’s response was not introspection or reform but an audacious campaign to delegitimize his critics. His invention of the term “coup plotters” became a tool for deflecting criticism and silencing dissent.
Anyone who dared to question Sako’s decisions, challenge his authority, or demand accountability became a “coup plotter” — a label cynically deployed to undermine credibility and portray his critics as enemies of the revolution. This rhetoric served Sako well in the early days, allowing him to entrench himself in power, but it also exposed the dark underbelly of his intrinsic personality and leadership.
The Birth of “Coup Plotters”
The term first gained traction when a group of patriots within the IG dared to challenge Sako’s mismanagement and disregard for constitutional principles. Rather than addressing their grievances, he labeled them as saboteurs attempting to overthrow the government. This tactic bought him time to consolidate power and deepen his grip on the structures of the IG.
Central to his strategy was sidelining the Restoration Council (RC) — a body that was supposed to act as a check on executive excess. Sako attempted to dissolve the RC and replace it with what he grandiosely termed “Jua’s House” of Assembly. This move was not only unconstitutional but also transparently self-serving.
The New “Coup Plotters”
Fast forward to today, and the irony is palpable. Some of the very individuals who stood by Sako during his earlier campaigns of suppression are now finding themselves labeled as “coup plotters.” Figures like Irene Ngwa, Emmanuel Tita, Elad Kisito, Amos Tumenta, Dorothy Ngwa, Victor Mbah, and others who once championed Sako’s cause are now at the receiving end of his vindictive rhetoric.
The group of nine (as they are called), former loyalists is now accused of plotting against Sako. Their alleged crime? Challenging his desire to maintain unilateral control over critical organizational assets, including passwords to websites and forums. They argue that such control would enable Sako to consolidate power further, fire dissenters at will, and, should the organization implode, walk away with its resources, including bank accounts.
Sako’s insistence on controlling these “keys” is symptomatic of his broader leadership style: an authoritarian bent cloaked in the rhetoric of revolutionary leadership. His argument that, as “Head of State,” he must hold ultimate control mirrors the practices of autocrats like Cameroon’s Paul Biya. It’s a leadership style that prioritizes personal ambition and power over collective governance, secrecy over transparency, and loyalty over competence.
The nine dissenters have likened Sako’s actions to those of a dictator-in-waiting, warning that his obsession with control is a harbinger of worse to come. If he cannot share power and trust his appointees with essential responsibilities now, what might he do if Ambazonia ever achieves its independence and God forbid he’s in charge?
The situation is not without its poetic justice. Those now labeled as “coup plotters” were once Sako’s staunchest allies. They were instrumental in helping him consolidate power, sidelining patriots who spoke truth to him and enabling his abuses. They defended him even in his dubious trips to South America, where he falsely claimed to have by the will of God given out a fleet of churches he owned, when God called him to become “Head of State.” They stood by him amidst allegations of financial impropriety, and a coup against the constitution of the IG.
Now, these same individuals find themselves on the receiving end of the tactics they once supported. It is a classic case of chickens coming home to roost. A dog-eat-dog conundrum. Their betrayal at Sako’s hands underscores a timeless truth: enabling tyranny only delays its arrival at your doorstep.
The Cost of Misplaced Trust
Sako’s leadership has left a trail of division and disillusionment within the Ambazonian movement. His tenure has been marked by financial scandals, constitutional violations, and a failure to inspire unity. His unilateral declaration that his term as “Interim President” had no limits, despite having sworn an oath to a two-year term, was a blatant abuse of power.
Even his initial rise to prominence was marred by controversy, with his decision to impeach Sisiku Ayuk Tabe (though justified on some grounds) seen by many as a power grab. Sako’s subsequent moves — including his attempt to dissolve the RC and install his “House of Jua” — only reinforced the perception that his leadership was more about self-preservation than advancing Ambazonia’s cause.
The current crisis revolves around access to critical organizational resources, but it is symbolic of a deeper malaise. Sako’s refusal to trust others with passwords and platforms reflects his fear of losing control. For him, leadership is not about empowering others but about maintaining dominance.
This mindset is antithetical to the principles of good governance. A leader who cannot trust his team cannot build a sustainable organization. By seeking to centralize power, Sako is alienating even his closest allies and undermining the very revolution he claims to lead.
Lessons for Ambazonia
The Sako saga offers important lessons for Ambazonia and other liberation movements. Leaders must be held accountable, and power must be distributed, not concentrated. Trust is the foundation of effective governance, and transparency is its bedrock.
It is also a reminder that loyalty to a leader must never supersede loyalty to the cause. Those who once supported Sako at the expense of the movement’s principles are now paying the price. But their recent stand against him shows that it is never too late to do the right thing.
Sako’s reign has been a cautionary tale of what happens when power is pursued for its own sake. The fact that even his closest allies are now speaking out against him is a testament to the unsustainability of his leadership model.
Ambazonia deserves better. The struggle for independence is too important to be derailed by ego and ambition. Leaders must prioritize the collective good over personal gain and be willing to step aside when their actions threaten the movement’s integrity.
Who Cursed Ambazonia with Sako?
Perhaps the question is not who cursed Ambazonia with Sako but why Ambazonians allowed him to rise and remain unchecked for so long. The warning signs were always there: his penchant for control, his disregard for rules, and his willingness to sow division to protect his position.
In the end, the curse of Sako is a reminder that vigilance is the price of freedom. Ambazonia must learn from this chapter and ensure that its leadership is rooted in accountability, transparency, and a genuine commitment to the cause. The revolution is too precious to be left in the hands of those who seek to own it rather than serve it.
2 Comments
It is true that Sako in the early days Sako worked hard with comrade Chris Anu. Things were going on well. But the mistake that those around him made was not blowing the trumpet when he started going off hands. It is usually said ” A stitch in time saves nine”. No human being is perfect. The bible says iron sharpenes iron. Then we at ground zero who were hailing you people just became confused when comrade Chris break out and we started getting serious issues. Now the did has been done. The confusion and frustration in ground zero is alarming. We don’t even know who to trust. But since you guys have come to a consensus to unite to push the revolution forward and if Sako refuses to join then let push him aside. We are really tired of this thousands of president in one country. You people can be different but work as one man. One command in ground zero.
Very well written with all the proofs worth such a write-up. My worry is why the home front during 1st October celebrations pay hommage to the same Sako and the refugees in Nigeria doing the same thing. The ” coup plotters” as designed by the evil Sako are known in the diaspora. Their action home and support of the ASA would silent Sako.