Major Political Crises in the Development of Nigeria.pptx

Presentation of the different political crises that shaped the political development of Nigeria.

1. Political Crises in Nigeria

2. Lesson Objectives Discuss and explain the causes and political implications of the Kano riots of 1953. Discuss and explain the causes and political implications of the Action Group crisis of 1962. Discuss and explain the causes and political implications of the Nigerian Civil War.

3. Kano Riots of 1953 On April 1, 1953, Chief Anthony Enahoro of the Action Group moved a motion on the floor of the House of Representatives for self-government in 1956. This proposal was not accepted by the NPC led by Ahmadu Bello because of the educational backwardness of the north. Therefore, the NPC proposed a counter motion postponing self-government indefinitely. This led to bitterness and rancor between politicians from the north and those from the south.

4. Causes of the Kano Riot of 1953 Disagreement between the northern elites and their southern counterparts over the motion made by Anthony Enahoro . The booing and jeering of the northern political leaders in Lagos. A tour of the northern region by the Action Group led by S.L. Akintola. The retaliation of northerners to avenge the insults on their leaders in Lagos.

5. Political Implications of the Kano Riot of 1953 Worsened the sour relationship between the north and the south. Showed that only a federal system will work for Nigeria. Convening of the 1953 London Conference by Oliver Lyttleton. Breakdown of the 1951 Macpherson constitution. Adoption of a federal constitution in 1954. A temporary alliance between the NCNC and the A.G. Granting of greater regional autonomy.

6. Action Group Crisis of 1962 In 1962, the Action Group, which controlled western Nigeria, was led by Chief Obafemi Awolowo with Chief S.L. Akintola as the deputy leader of the party. Awolowo was an elected member of the House of Representatives while Akintola was elected premier of the Western Region.  A crisis broke out within the party that eventually resulted to its breakup. 

7. Causes of the Action Group Crisis of 1962 Personality clashes between Obafemi Awolowo and S.L. Akintola. Introduction of democratic socialism as party ideology. The question of who to enter into alliance with. The allegation that Awolowo wanted informed of the decisions of the Western region government. Decision of the party congress to sack Akintola.

8. Political implication of the Action Group Crisis State of emergency in the Western region. Western region government sacked. A sole administrator for the region appointed by the feds. Awolowo and some of his supporters arrested and charged for treason. Formation of the United Progressive Party (UPP) by Akintola and co. Creation of the Mid-western region.

9. The Nigerian Civil War The Nigerian Civil War was fought for three years between July 6, 1967 and January 15, 1970. It was a war between the Nigerian federal government and the Eastern Region of Nigeria. The major actors were: General Yakubu Gowon and Lt. Col. Chukwuemeka Ojukwu. The following countries recognized the republic of Biafra: Tanzania, Gabon, Ivory Coast, and Zambia.

10. Causes of the Civil War Western Region election crisis of 1965. Military intervention in Nigerian politics from 1966. Perception of the first coup as an “Igbo” coup. Abolition of federalism by the Agu Ironsi military government. Reluctance of the Ironsi administration to bring to justice the organizers of the first military coup. Ethnicity in the military. The massacre of Igbo people in the north on September 1966. Intentions of the Ojukwu government to control crude oil resources.  Personality clash between Gowon and Ojukwu. Abolition of regionalism in 1967. Refusal of Gowon to implement Aburi agreements Political ambition of some military officers.

11. Positive Consequences of the Civil War The war kept Nigeria united and maintained the territorial integrity of the country. It reduced the possibility of another such secessionist attempt by other ethnic groups. It increased the powers of the central government vis-à-vis the states. It resulted in the creation of more states in Nigeria. It enabled Nigerians, especially in the Eastern parts, to look inwards technologically.

12. Negative Consequences of the Civil War Loss of lives, property and investments. Reduction in the population of Nigerian military. Increase in criminality during and shortly after the war. The war tarnished the image of the country abroad. Economic activities came to a halt. Disruption in the educational sector. Widespread displacement of families and citizens.