Nigeria @ 58: History, Challenges, Aspirations
Chiemelie Ezeobi, Peace Obi, Peter Uzoho and Ayodeji Ake take a look at the journey of Nigerian at 58 from its independence to the numerous coup d'etats, the transition to democratic rule and what today's anniversary portends for the nation
Born some 58 years ago, her birth was received with joy, high hopes and expectations. She was born into a family blessed with abundant resources both human and material. Welcome to Nigeria.
For Nigeria and Nigerians, October 1, of every year has been sacrosanct since 1960. The reason is not far-fetched. It was the day Nigerian gained its independence from Britain. The day has become a blueprint for subsequent independence celebrations.
As tradition demands, the day usually starts with a national broadcast by the Head of State (as was obtainable under the military regime) or the president (under the democratic dispensation). This is afterwards followed by a march past by the armed forces, paramilitary institutions and students. Cultural activities are also observed.
Journey to Independence
After decades of colonisation under the British government, Nigeria officially became an independent nation on October 1, 1960. However, the path to the creation of the country, Nigeria was paved with the British government's formal annexation of Lagos in 1861. As an entity came up, Nigeria came into being on January 1, 1914 when the Southern and Northern protectorates were merged by Lord Frederick Lugard, the first Governor-General of amalgamated Nigeria. It was a marriage not many of the people were in support of. In 1953, Anthony Enahoro moved the motion for Nigeria's independence which was not granted until a follow-up motion S.L. Akintola and Remi Fani-Kayode in 1957 and 1958, respectively. In 1963, Nigeria became a republic, three years after it gained independence.
On that fateful day, a teeming crowd found their way to the Tafawa Balewa Square, Onikan, Lagos in their cultural attires. Emotions ran high as the people waved the new green white and green flag. It was Independence Day. It all seemed surreal until Princess Alexandra of Kent, who represented Queen Elizabeth II of England, arrived amidst pomp and fanfare. She was in the company of Sir James Robertson, who was the then Governor- General. Going down to business, Princess Alexandra handed over the letter to Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa, signaling proof that Britain had relinquished its sovereignty over to Nigeria.
This was received by a tumultuous and thunderous cheer either by those watching the live proceedings or those watching from their television sets at home. At the stroke of midnight, the nation's green, white and green flag was hoisted accompanied by display of fireworks.
The Coups
One would have thought that with the much clamoured for independence, the nation would only go on to become a better version of herself. The opposite was the case as the first coup took place six years after, leading to several other coups. These succession of coups sent the fortunes of Nigeria spiraling downwards.
On January 15, 1966, the first ever coup was executed and it was a bloody affair. This coup d'etat by the Nigerian army truncated the country's nascent democracy and was led by Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwuand Emmanuel Ifeajuna, who ousted the Prime Minister, Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. The first military junta headed by MajorGeneral Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi took over power.
The bloody coup claimed the lives of notable individuals like Sir. Ahmadu Bello, the Sarduana of Sokoto and Premier of Northern Nigeria; Chief S.I. Akintola, the Premier of Western Region; Balewa and Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh. This was one of the events that led to the Nigerian Civil War.
Yet to recover from the January coup, another coup occurred and it lasted from July 28 to 30, 1966. It was staged by three young military officers from the Northern extraction. Popularly known as "Nigerian Counter-Coup of 1966", it was led by Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu and led to the death of the Head of State, Major-General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi; the Military Governor, Western Region, Francis Adekunle Fajuyi and other military officers. Major-General Gowon was sworn-in as the military head of state.
Eight years down the line, another set