01/10/2022
The Federation of Nigeria gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1960. Led by the Northern people’s congress (largely Hausa and Muslims) and Nigeria council of Nigerian citizens (Igbos and Christians). The British noticed that the independence drive had started to gain grounds after World War II. Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa became the country’s first prime minister. In 1963, Nigeria declared itself as The Federal Republic of Nigeria with Nnamdi Azikiwe as the first President.
The first coup which led to the death of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa in January 1966 established the first military rule with Major General Aguiyi Ironsi an Army commander as the leader of the new administration. July 1966, Northern troops struck back with another coup killing Aguiyi Ironsi. Lt-Colonel Yakubu Gowon assumed office. He replaced the four regions with 12 states and restored a federal state. He promised to bring back democracy by including civilians to the government. In 1983, A brief democratic government was put to an end by the military coup. In 1998, Nigeria became a democratic state with Chief Olusegun Obasanjo as the first civilian president under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Historical Facts About Nigeria
May 1967, Lt-Col Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojokwu declared eastern Nigeria an independent state named ‘The Republic of Biafra’
October 1, 1960, Nigeria gained independence from Britain
October 1, 1963, Nigeria became a republic, Nnamdi Azikiwe became the first president.
1961, Southern Cameron ceases to be part of Nigeria.
January 15, 1966, The Nigerian army staged its first coup
May 29, 1966, Massive rioting against Igbo minority by major towns of Northern Nigeria.
1970-1979, Military rulers like Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Murtala Mohammed ran Nigeria and altered the constitution creating 19 states.
1979-1983, the Second Republic of Nigeria under Shehu Shagari
July 1995, Former president Olusegun Obasanjo is sentenced to 25 years in prison by a secret military.
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