UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN

FACULTY OF ARTS

DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES

COURSE CODE: HIS 321

COURSE TITLE: NIGERIA SINCE 1914

LECTURER-IN-CHARGE: DR. IBRAHIM O.B

GROUP 3

Topic: THE COLLAPSE OF THE FIRST REPUBLIC.

NAMES MATRICULATION NUMBER

1. BADMUS AMINAT OPEYEMI 20/15CA115

2. SAHEED TAWAKALITU TOMILOLA 20/15CA272

3. AWORINDE JOSEPH OLADIMEJI 20/15CA108

4. INWUTUBE OMOSHORIEAME STELLA 20/15CA164

5. AZEEZ MUIZ ADEBAYO 20/25OW074

6. ABDULWAHAB BADMOS 20/15CA018

7. AKINWALE BOLUWATIFE ELIZABETH 20/15CA081

8. AFOLAYAN GIDEON TOLUWANIMI 20/25OW040

9. EMMANUEL OMOTAYO OYIZA 20/25OW097

10. SAKARIYAHU HABEEB 20/25OD230

11. OSAYI UFEDO MERCY 20/15CA252

12. AMOS AYOKUNLE ALEXANDER 20/15CA095

13. BABALOLA SAMUEL OLUWASEGUN 20/25OW078

14. OLOYEDE MICHAEL OLANREWAJU 20/15CA238

15. OSASONA MICHEAL OLASUNKANMI 20/25OW208

16. ISHAYA SHALOM .S. 20/15CA167

17. OZI-YUSUF VICTOR-WISE OKATAHI 20/15CA393

CONTENTS

• INTRODUCTION
• HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
• THE BODY
(a) EMERGENCE OF FIRST REPUBLIC.
(b) KEY ACTORS IN THE FIRST REPUBLIC
(c) ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE FIRST REPUBLIC
(d) WEAKNESSES OF THE FIRST REPUBLIC
• POLITICAL WEAKNESS
• ECONOMIC WEAKNESS
• CIVIL UNREST
(e) THE COLLAPSE OF THE FIRST REPUBLIC
• KEY EVENTS THAT MARKED THE DECLINE OF THE FIRST
REPUBLIC.
• THE ROLE OF THE MILITARY COUP OF 1966 IN THE
COLLAPSE.
(f) THE IMMEDIATE AFTERMATH OF THE COLLAPSE.

• CONCLUSION
 THE COLLAPSE OF THE FIRST REPUBLIC

INTRODUCTION

Nigeria, officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a West African country known for its rich
culture, diverse population, and abundant natural resources. It gained independence from British
colonial rule on October 1, 1960, and since then, it has been striving to establish a stable and
prosperous nation.

The first republic of Nigeria which was established in 1ST OCTOBER 1963, following the
release of its constitution lasted till 15 JANUARY,1966 . At that time, the country was led by
President Nnamdi Azikiwe, who served as the first president of the nation. During this period,
Nigeria experienced significant economic growth and infrastructure development, but it also faced
challenges such as political instability and corruption. Among this and other challenges led to the
collapse of the first republic and it will be discussed as this work moves on.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Nigeria did not just become the country we see today. It had a long walk from being an
heterogeneous community, to kingdoms , from imperialism to colonialism and finally being an
independent country. All of these historical events will be discussed fully below and they go thus:

EARLY COLONIAL RULE IN NIGERIA (1901-1922):

Early colonial rule in Nigeria, under British control, laid the groundwork for the country’s future
trajectory starting majorly from the amalgamation of the Southern and Northern Protectorate in
1914, both through its administrative practices and the seeds of resistance it sowed. Let’s dive into
some key aspects:

Establishment of Indirect Rule System: The British established a system where they ruled
through existing traditional rulers, hoping to minimize administrative costs and avoid direct
confrontation. Rulers as Mediator.
Limited Power and Resentment among local rulers, also there was economic exploitation and
resource extraction.

NIGERIA’S CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT (1922-1954)

The journey towards Nigeria’s independence was paved with crucial constitutional developments,
reflecting evolving political structures and aspirations. Let’s take a closer look at each constitution:

Clifford Constitution (1922):

This constitution is characterized with limited representation( colonial masters as the majority in
the governing bodies with the local leaders as “minority”.

Seeds of Change: Despite its limitations, the Clifford Constitution marked the first step towards
Nigerian’s participation in governance and planted the seeds for future demands for greater
representation.

Richards Constitution (1946):

Expanding Participation in the legislative councils, Establishment of the three regional assemblies
( North, West and East ) and Nationalist Momentum were the changes this constitution ushered in
for Nigeria.

MacPherson Constitution (1950)

This constitution brought Introduction of Federal System with regional autonomy, Universal
Suffrage and Regional Competition and Tensions

Willinks Commission (1953),Regional Self-government Motions, London Conferences (1957-

1959) and Independent Nigeria’s Constitution (1960) were among developments this era brought
for Nigeria

NATIONALISM AND PARTY POLITICS IN NIGERIA’S ROAD TO

INDEPENDENCE(1940s-1950s)
The period leading up to Nigeria’s independence in 1960 was marked by a vibrant and dynamic
nationalist movement, intertwined with the emergence of diverse political parties vying for power
and influence. The activities in this era includes:

• Early Stirrings of Nationalism ( from 1920s, 1930s to Pan-Africanism)

• Birth of Political Parties: 1944 ushered in The National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons
(NCNC), 1951 for Action Group and 1951 for Northern People’s Congress
• Self-Government Campaigns and Independence.
• Struggle for independence

EMERGENCE OF THE FIRST REPUBLIC

What is a Republic?
Republic is a state in which political power rests with the public through their representatives
in contrast to a monarchy. It is also a system of government defined as one in which the powers
of sovereignty are vested in the people and are exercised by the people, either directly, or
through representatives chosen by the people, to whom those powers are specially delegated..

EMERGENCE OF THE FIRST REPUBLIC UNDER SIR ABUBAKAR TAFAWA

BALEWA

First republic under Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa in Nigeria emerged on
October 1, 1960, marking the country’s independence from British colonial rule. Balewa
played a key role in the transition to self-governance, emphasizing national unity and
development.
Although Nigeria gained independence from the United Kingdom on 1 October 1960,
the nation retained the British monarch, Elizabeth II, as titular head of state until the adoption
of a new constitution in 1963 declaring the nation a republic. The Westminster system of
government was retained, and thus the president’s powers were generally ceremonial.
During Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa’s tenure, Nigeria faced various
challenges, including ethnic and regional tensions. Despite these challenges, Balewa focused
on economic development, education, and foreign policy. His government pursued the “First
National Development Plan” to spur economic growth. He also aimed to bridge ethnic and
regional divides through policies promoting national unity. However, political instability
persisted, leading to a coup in 1966, tragically ending Balewa’s leadership and marking a
turbulent period in Nigerian history. The last Governor General, Nnamdi Azikiwe was the first
President of the country.

ACTORS IN THE FIRST REPUBLIC

Ahmadu Bello (1959–1966) : The original regional premier of Northern Nigeria

Samuel Akintola (1960–1966) : The original regional premier of Western Nigeria
Michael Okpara (1960–1966): The original regional premier of Eastern Nigeria
Dennis Osadebay (1964–1966): The original regional premier of Mid-Western Nigeria.
Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe(1963-1966): The first President of Nigeria ( Ceremonial president)
Sir. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa(1960-1966): The first and only Prime minister.

ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE FIRST REPUBLIC

❖ AN OPPORTUNITY TO GOVERN: The first republic came in in the early period

of Nigeria’s independence and this gave them the opportunity to Nigerians to govern
their own country. Though the leaders in the first republic made mistakes, the country
was able to provide a set to replace them. This is evident in the 1963 Republican
Constitution of Nigeria
❖ PERSONAL PROGRESS FROM NIGERIANS: The becoming of Nigeria as a
republic gave Nigerians the ability to take part in the affairs of their country. The
previous years of colonial rule did not give the proximity of trials of personal ideas,
initiative or policies to the Nigerians but this moment of self-rule gave people the
freedom. Some people went into banking and big businesses, while others contributed
to policies or offer opinions on them. The world or gates of knowledge was opened to
thousands of Nigerians to know more about their country. Example of this could be
traced backed to the becoming of Lagos ( rise of the family business empires).
❖ CULTURE: The First Republic gave revival to the lost heritage of Nigeria. Old skills
in sculpture wee revived, the arts developed. Writings in poetry and prose flourished.
Evidence of this are the notable slogans on trucks, designs on clothes that are still been
seen today.
 ❖ Business Expansion: Though neo- colonialism slowed this down so much, the new
government was able to take measures like Nigerianising of Managerial and
professional jobs. Training enabled some Nigerians to take the place of expatriate
technicians, civil servants and manager.
❖ Public Information: Better means of information were created. Those included radio,
television , cinema and book publishing. The newspaper expanded their circulations.
By 1967, Nigeria was far ahead of many other African countries with Fifteen weeklies.
A good example of this is the success of WNTN( Western Nigeria Television Network)
during that moment.

WEAKNESSES OF THE FIRST REPUBLIC POLITICAL WEAKNESSES

POLITICAL INSTABILITY

Independent Nigeria did not inherit a united nation state. It was a joining of multiple
heterogeneous community together. Therefore, ethnic tensions and rivalries often led to
political instability and power struggles. Some ethnic groups felt marginalized or excluded
from political power, leading to feelings of resentment and discontent. This, in turn, fueled
regional and ethnic-based movements that sought to assert their interests and gain more
influence. The inability to effectively manage these tensions and address the concerns of
all ethnic groups ultimately contributed to the collapse of the first republic. However,
political instability and conflict failed to provide the favorable atmosphere to reign during
the 1960-1966, Nigeria first republic government.

REGIONALIZATION OF POLITICS

The diverse ethnic groups, numbering more than 250, and their respective roles in the
political landscape, played a pivotal part in the events that led to the collapse of the First
Republic. A lot of ethnic group were defined into the 3 region( North, West and East) and
this made it difficult for each ethnic group to be a representative in power. Therefore,
struggle for power and resources among these groups, combined with the regionalization
of politics, contributed to the instability that ultimately led to the republic’s downfall.
These ethnic divisions and competition caused serious political disorder and turmoil
 ranging from census crises of 1962, election violence of 1964 and the leadership crises of
the western region in 1965.

NEPOTISM

During Nigeria’s First Republic (1963-1966), instances of nepotism were reported, where political
leaders favored their family members or close associates in various aspects of governance.

Political leaders were accused of appointing family members or close friends to key government
positions, irrespective of their qualifications or experience.

Government Contract: There were allegations that government contracts were disproportionately
awarded to businesses owned or associated with politicians’ family members, leading to concerns
about fair competition.

WEAK OVERSIGHT MECHANISM

Inadequate checks and balances within the governmental structure allowed for limited oversight,
contributing to a lack of accountability in decision-making. The government during first republic
(1963 -1966) misuse there powers by making any decisions on there own that is affecting the
states since there is no check and balances to question there authority.

ECONOMIC WEAKNESS

CORRUPTION SCANDALS

Allegations of corruption, embezzlement, and misappropriation of public funds were prevalent,

indicating a lack of accountability in managing financial resources. The government in the first
republic embezzled the funds of the state in which there was no accountability and improvement
in the standard of the living in the state.
OVER-RELIANCE ON THE RESOURCES OF OIL

Nigeria’s over-reliance on oil revenue was a major economic issue which subjected the country to
fluctuations in global oil prices. When prices were high, Nigeria made a lot of money, but when
prices fell, the country’s economy suffered. The over dependence on oil also meant lack of
diversification in the economy. Since the government relied so heavily on oil revenue, it didn’t
invest enough in other sectors, for instance textile, mining, agriculture and manufacturing. This
made the country’s economy unstable and not nearly as productive as it should and could have
been. This failure of the first republic is the main problem battling with Nigeria’s economic sector
today. This citation is good evidence of the point “ In the 1960s and 70s, as production in Nigeria
shifted from agriculture to oil, the groundnut pyramids disappeared.”

OVER- CONCENTRATION ON CASH CROPS

Another major economic mistake was the simultaneous over reliance and neglect of agriculture.
The Nigerian government agricultural wise, focused solely on producing and exporting cash crops
like cocoa, palm oil, rubber, groundnut, neglecting other agricultural produce. A good example of
this is the large concentration on exportation of groundnuts and cocoa in 1963-1967.

THE LACK OF INVESTMENT IN AGRICULTURAL INFRASTRUCTURE.

The government focused its resources on developing the oil industry, rather than on improving
roads, storage facilities, and irrigation systems. This made it difficult for farmers to get their
products to market, which further reduced productivity. The government’s focus on oil and
selective neglect of agriculture led to a decline in agricultural output, which hurt the economy and
caused widespread hunger.

UNEVEN RESOURCES ALLOCATION

During the early years of the first Republic, resource distribution among regions was influenced
by various factors, including historical patterns, economic activities, and political decisions. Often,
regions with abundant natural resources or strategic economic importance received more attention
and investment. This led to disparities as some regions prospered while others faced neglect.
Political considerations and power dynamics further influenced resource allocation, contributing
to imbalances that fueled regional tensions.

CIVIL UNREST

ETHNO-POLITICAL AGRIEVED PROTEST

Regional imbalances and power struggles heightened ethnic tensions, with the three major groups
vying for influence. Instances of electoral fraud and perceived unfairness in political representation
fueled public dissatisfaction. Accusations of rigged elections and political manipulation
heightened tensions, contributing to the widespread unrest. People were disillusioned with the
democratic process, and their frustration found expression through organized protests seeking
electoral transparency and accountability.

One notable historical event during Nigeria’s First Republic that exemplifies civil unrest is the
“Tiv Riots” of 1960 in the Northern Region. The Tiv people, an ethnic group primarily located in
the Middle Belt region, protested against perceived political and economic marginalization. The
unrest was fueled by issues such as land disputes, unfair taxation, and inadequate representation.

RELIGIOUS WARS

Religious differences, particularly between the predominantly Muslim North and largely Christian
South, contributed to the complex fabric of civil unrest. Tensions between religious groups fueled
protests and demonstrations, reflecting the broader societal challenges in managing religious
diversity within the political framework.

Additionally, the “Kano Riot” of 1953 in the Northern Region is noteworthy. This riot erupted
over political and religious issues, with protests the appointment of Alhaji Sir Ahmadu Bello as
the Sardauna of Sokoto and the Premier of the Northern Region. The unrest reflected underlying
ethnic and religious tensions within the region.
THE COLLAPSE OF THE FIRST REPUBLIC

KEY EVENTS THAT MARKED THE DECLINE OF THE FIRST REPUBLIC.

ETHNIC AND REGIONAL TENSION:

Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule in 1960, forming a diverse nation with
three major ethnic groups: the Hausa-Fulani in the North, the Yoruba in the West, and the Igbo in
the East. The amalgamation of these regions into one nation created a complex tapestry of ethnic
and regional identities.- At independence in 1960, Nigeria adopted a federal structure to
accommodate its diverse ethnic groups. The country was divided into regions, each with a
considerable degree of autonomy. However, this autonomy also fueled regional rivalries. The
North was the most populous region, giving it significant political influence. This demographic
advantage, combined with a desire for political power, contributed to the dominance of Northern
leaders in the early years of independence. The 1964 population census exacerbated tensions.
There were allegations of manipulation to inflate the population of the North, leading to a larger
allocation of parliamentary seats and resource distribution. This further heightened mistrust
between regions. The period leading up to the 1965 federal elections was marked by political
violence, especially in the Western Region. The “Wetie” riots in 1964 involved arson and violence,
exacerbating ethnic and political tensions between the Yoruba and Igbo communities. The federal
elections of 1965 were marred by allegations of widespread fraud. The disputed elections
intensified regional and ethnic rivalries. The Western Region became a hotbed of political conflict,
with accusations of electoral malpractices deepening the divide. In 1962, the Tiv Riots in the North
resulted in significant casualties. The aftermath of this incident contributed to Northern grievances,
creating a sense of victimhood and amplifying regional tensions. Political parties often aligned
along regional and ethnic lines, reinforcing divisions. The Northern People’s Congress (NPC) was
seen as a predominantly Northern party, while the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons
(NCNC) had strong support in the East, and the Action Group (AG) in the West. The first military
coup on January 15, 1966, resulted in the assassination of political leaders, including Sir Ahmadu
Bello, the Premier of the Northern Region. This event deepened Northern grievances and
intensified ethnic tensions. Ethnic and regional tensions in Nigeria during this period were fueled
by a combination of demographic imbalances, political maneuvering, disputed elections, and
episodes of violence. These tensions played a crucial role in the events that led to the collapse of
the First Republic in 1966, setting the stage for subsequent political and social developments in
the country.

CORRUPTION AND NEPOTISM

Corruption and nepotism during Nigeria’s early years of independence contributed to a sense of
disillusionment among the populace. Events such as embezzlement scandals, controversial
elections, and political infighting underscored the challenges posed by corruption and its negative
impact on governance and national development.

In the early years of independence, corruption became a growing concern. Political leaders were
accused of embezzling public funds, accepting bribes, and engaging in corrupt practices. The lack
of effective checks and balances facilitated the proliferation of corruption. The 1962 embezzlement
scandal involved accusations against prominent politicians, including Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh,
the Minister of Finance. The scandal highlighted corrupt practices within the government,
contributing to public disillusionment. As the years progressed, corruption continued to escalate.

There were reports of widespread bribery, embezzlement, and other corrupt practices at various
levels of government. The 1964 federal elections were marred by allegations of electoral
malpractices, including vote rigging and manipulation. Such practices further eroded public trust
and contributed to the perception of a corrupt political system.

Nepotism was evident in the allocation of positions and resources. Political appointments and
resource allocation were often perceived as biased toward specific ethnic and regional groups. This
fostered a climate of nepotism, where leaders favored individuals from their own ethnic or regional
backgrounds, disregarding merit-based considerations.

Corruption and nepotism hindered national development. Resources that could have been allocated
to crucial infrastructure projects and social programs were diverted, exacerbating economic
challenges and contributing to public dissatisfaction.
ASSASSINATION OF POLITICAL LEADERS:

The period from Nigeria’s first republic which eventually collapse due to the first military coup
in 1966 was marked by a series of political assassinations that significantly shaped the nation’s
history. In the first military coup on January 15, 1966, led by Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu,
political leaders such as Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Premier of the Northern Region, and Prime
Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa were assassinated. The coup leaders cited corruption and the
need for a more equitable distribution of resources as motivations for their actions.

The Western Region Premier, Chief S. L. Akintola, who narrowly escaped assassination during
the first coup, was later killed in its aftermath. These assassinations, combined with the power
vacuum they created, fueled ethnic and regional tensions. The situation worsened with the
subsequent counter-coup on July 29, 1966, which resulted in the assassination of Major General
Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, who had assumed leadership after the first coup. Colonel Francis Adekunle
Fajuyi, the Military Governor of the Western Region, was also killed during this counter-coup.

The impact of these political assassinations on governance was profound. The loss of key political
figures exacerbated the prevailing instability, contributing to a complex web of political violence.
These events played a role in shaping the trajectory of Nigerian politics, leaving a legacy of
mistrust and instability.

ECONOMIC DISRUPTION

The Nigerian economy during this period was heavily dependent on oil revenues. While oil exports
brought substantial income, it also made the economy vulnerable to fluctuations in oil prices.
Nigeria’s economy became increasingly reliant on oil exports, which accounted for a significant
portion of government revenue. The dominance of the oil sector led to neglect of other vital sectors
like agriculture.

Despite Nigeria’s agricultural potential, the sector experienced a decline. Economic policies did
not adequately support agriculture, leading to food shortages and contributing to economic
instability. Mismanagement of resources and overemphasis on oil revenue led to a decline in
Nigeria’s foreign reserves. The government struggled to maintain a stable economic environment,
resulting in inflation and currency devaluation. Economic disruptions and political instability
deterred foreign investments. The uncertain economic climate and lack of confidence in the
government’s ability to address economic challenges hampered external investments.

Economic policies exacerbated income inequality. The benefits of economic growth were not
distributed equitably, leading to dissatisfaction among various segments of the population.
Political instability and frequent changes in government contributed to economic disruptions. Lack
of continuity in economic policies and governance affected long-term planning and economic
development.

In 1964, there was a brief oil boom that brought increased revenue to the Nigerian government.
However, this windfall was not effectively managed to diversify the economy or invest in critical
infrastructure. The decline in the agricultural sector was evident in various regions. The “Wetie”
riots in the Western Region in 1964, for instance, were fueled in part by economic grievances
related to agriculture.

Rapid population growth and urbanization strained resources and infrastructure. The economic
challenges were exacerbated by the inability of the government to effectively manage the
consequences of demographic shifts.

Economic disruption in Nigeria during the first republic was characterized by overreliance on oil,
declining agricultural output, mismanagement of resources, and political instability. These
challenges laid the groundwork for the economic complexities that Nigeria faced in subsequent
decades. The impact of these disruptions underscored the importance of diversified and sustainable
economic policies for the long-term stability of the country.

THE ROLE OF THE MILITARY COUP OF 1966 IN THE COLLAPSE

The military coup of 1966 stands as a pivotal moment in Nigerian history, acting as a catalyst for
the collapse of the First Republic. Its impact resonated far beyond the immediate event, shaping
the nation’s political landscape for decades to come. On January 15, 1966, a group of British-
trained army officers carried out a violent military coup to overthrow Nigeria’s democratic
government. It was represented to Nigerian people by coup leaders as an attempt to end corruption.
The 1966 coup was fast, it looked like a small revolution which made things only worse exposing
the vulnerability of Nigeria. Soldiers attacked the government very fast and easily which started a
series of numerous coups in Nigeria. Although the 1966 coup was not completely successful, it
laid the foundation for the following coups and counter-coups in the country

Nigeria has been independent of the British only for 6 years. The 1966 military coup has drawn
the curtain on the First Republic of Nigeria. What the military rulers gained by their movement
was a chaos caused by bad governance. The coup leaders found themselves with no plan of action
being unprepared for the responsibility of building the nation. Their competence was doubtful.
While on the day of the coup, they behaved confidently harassing the ministers to hand over the
power to them, the next day they realized that military regime is unable to provide the country
with the spirit of peace and development.

THE IMMEDIATE AFTERMATH OF THE COLLAPSE OF THE FIRST REPUBLIC

SUSPENSION OF THE 1963 CONSTITUTION:

One of the most significant immediate impacts of the 1966 coup was the effective suspension of
the 1963 republican constitution. Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi took control of the
government as military head of state after the coup on January 16. Barely two weeks later, he
issued the Constitution Suspension and Modification Decree which allowed him to rule by decree
without constitutional limitations (Africa Year Book and Who’s who pg.264). This concentration
of authority with the Federal Military Government was facilitated by suspending those parts of the
constitution which interfered with the army’s administration (Siollun pg.46). Decree No. 1
essentially dismantled the system of checks and balances between the executive, legislative and
judiciary branches that had been laid out in the 1963 constitution. This shift to rule by decree
without constitutional restrictions meant that the coup leaders could consolidate and enforce their
authority at will.

The main justification provided by Aguiyi-Ironsi for this suspension of constitutional rule was that
it was necessary to restore order and stabilize the chaotic situation after the coup (Anber and
Robinson pg.263). However, critics have pointed out that suspending the constitution also served
to remove any legal barriers to Ironsi and the military exercising total control over the country
DISSOLUTION OF REGIONAL-FEDERAL STRUCTURES

In addition to suspending the constitution, the military government also promptly dissolved the
federal structure of the first republic. One major motivation for officers like Nzeogwu staging the
coup was to correct the perceived injustice and mismanagement in Nigeria’s regional governments
dominated by ethnic groups (Anber and Robinson pg.263)

In conclusion, the violent 1966 military coup which ended Nigeria’s first republic had two
immediate impacts on the country’s political structures – the suspension of the newly approved
constitution and the dissolution of the regional-federal governmental model. These moves allowed
the military officers to consolidate their control by ruling through decrees, removing restrictions
on their power, and centralizing authority with the Federal Military Government. Thus Nigeria’s
brief attempt at democracy and constitutionalism after independence was quickly replaced by
autocratic military rule which persisted for most of the following three decades. The collapse of
the first republic therefore represented a tragic turning point in the country’s postcolonial history.

ESTABLISHMENT OF MILITARY RULE UNDER AGUIYI IRONSI

On the night of January 15, 1966, a group of young army officers staged a violent coup d’état that
abruptly ended Nigeria’s First Republic. Major Patrick Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu led this
group of predominately Igbo officers in assassinating key political leaders including the Prime
Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, and the powerful Northern Premier, Sir Ahmadu Bello
(Siollun pg.15). In the chaotic aftermath of the military mutiny, Major General Johnson Aguiyi-
Ironsi, the most senior military commander, emerged to take control of the government as
Nigeria’s new military Head of State. General Ironsi moved swiftly to establish centralized
military rule, dissolving the federal structure, banning political parties, and ruling by decree,
ushering in two decades of military dictatorships.

Initial Consolidation of Authority;

Aguiyi-Ironsi took office on January 16, 1966 with the official purpose of restoring order to
Nigeria after the divisive coup. He immediately began dismantling institutions of the First
Republic in order to shore up control for the Federal Military Government (FMG). The General
suspended the 1963 constitution, abolished the civil service, and purged rivals to consolidate his
regime (Ejiogu pg.190). Ironsi also placed all members of the police, navy, and state security under
the direct command of the army to strengthen military control (Forsyth pg.52). Critics accused him
of exploiting the bloody chaos as a pretext to maximize power for himself and the military
establishment (Forsyth pg.53). Regardless of motivation, these swift actions effectively terminated
Nigeria’s nascent democracy overnight and ushered in full military rule.

Dissolution of Federal Structure:

Beyond suspending the constitution, one of the most impactful actions Ironsi took was dissolving
Nigeria’s federal structure via Decree 34 in May 1966. He eliminated regional governments in
favor of centralized military command, abrogating the delicate power sharing between North, East,
and West regions (Ejiogu pg.49). According to Ironsi, dismantling federalism was essential to
“remove the last vestiges of the intense regionalism of the recent past” and unify governance
(Siollun pg.66)

Emergence of Military Dictatorship:

Aguiyi-Ironsi’s tenure lasted less than a year before he too was toppled and killed in July 1966.
However, the swift authoritarian changes he implemented entrenched military control over
Nigerian society, laying foundations for decades of dictatorships (Falola pg.193). The officers and
commanders who benefited from Ironsi’s over-centralization moved to institutionalize military
rule across subsequent regimes (Forsyth pg.53). Thus while Ironsi portrayed military leadership as
a temporary necessity, his establishment of centralized command made the military reluctant to
restore civilian rule and inaugurated an era of rights abuses, corruption, and conflict over control
of the Nigerian state.
CONCLUSION

There is a popular maxim that goes thus …. “ If the foundation is faulty, what can the righteous ?”

Unresolved issues like amalgamation of heterogeneous ethnic group into a country without
understanding of each other, ethnic rivalries, among others were the faulty foundation that Nigeria
has been built on. This foundation carried the building of the first republic on. These underlying
matters has already produced an independent nation not so strong and with corruption and lack of
transparency from the leaders coupled with protests and riots from the aggrieved citizens in
response, it cut the life of the First Republic Government of Nigeria short leading to it’s decline.

Finally, the military coup of 1966 broke was the last straw that broke the camel’s (Nigeria’s First
Republican Government) back which led to it’s collapse. But just like a evolution in life, the
extinction of a generation gives rise to another. The collapse of the first republic ushered in
Military Rule (1966-1979), with second republic(1979-1983) following it, also third
republic(1992-1993) till the present Fourth Republic of Nigeria( 1999- Till date) with military
interceptions in some years.

The passing of each era are anchored with weaknesses to pick a strength from and hopefully, the
elected leaders will pay attention to this lesson to join hands with the people to repair and birth a
new and greater Nigeria.
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