Module 6 & 7 - Extensions Flashcards
(570 cards)
1
Q
Q: When did British colonial rule over Nigeria officially begin and end?
A
A: British colonial rule over Nigeria lasted from the mid-19th century until 1960 when Nigeria gained independence.
2
Q
What marked the beginning of British influence in the region?
A
A: The prohibition of the slave trade to British subjects in 1807.
3
Q
When did Britain annex Lagos, and what did it later establish in 1884?
A
A: Britain annexed Lagos in 1861 and established the Oil River Protectorate in 1884.
4
Q
When did Britain begin effectively occupying the Niger area?
A
A: Britain began effective occupation in 1885.
5
Q
What international event solidified British dominance over the Niger area?
A
A: The 1885 Berlin Conference acknowledged British dominance over the Niger area.
6
Q
What entity governed much of Nigeria from 1886 to 1899?
A
A: The Royal Niger Company, authorized by charter.
7
Q
Who governed Nigeria on behalf of the Royal Niger Company?
A
A: George Taubman Goldie.
8
Q
What happened to the territories in 1900?
A
A: The Southern Nigeria Protectorate and Northern Nigeria Protectorate passed from company hands to the British Crown.
9
Q
Who urged the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates?
A
A: Governor Frederick Lugard.
10
Q
What was the new entity formed after the amalgamation?
A
A: The Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria.
11
Q
How was regional autonomy handled post-amalgamation?
A
A: Considerable autonomy was maintained among the Northern Protectorate, Southern Protectorate, and the Colony of Lagos.
12
Q
What prompted progressive constitutional reforms in colonial Nigeria?
A
A: World War II.
13
Q
What did these post-WWII reforms provide for Nigerians?
A
A: Increased representation and electoral government by Nigerians
14
Q
What years define the official colonial period in Nigeria?
A
A: From 1900 to 1960.
15
Q
Name four major ancient civilizations in pre-colonial Nigeria.
A
A: Kingdom of Nri, Benin Empire, Oyo Empire, Sokoto Caliphate.
16
Q
Did these civilizations exist before European contact?
A
A: Yes, long before European colonization.
17
Q
What does the presence of these civilizations suggest about pre-colonial Nigeria?
A
A: It had established political systems, social structures, and civilizations.
18
Q
What were the three main regions after amalgamation?
A
A: Northern Protectorate, Southern Protectorate, and Colony of Lagos.
19
Q
How did these regions function under British rule?
A
A: With regional autonomy and indirect rule in many parts.
20
Q
Who was George Taubman Goldie?
A
A: The governor of Nigeria under the Royal Niger Company.
21
Q
Who was Frederick Lugard?
A
A: The Governor who orchestrated the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates.
22
Q
What system did the British use to administer Northern Nigeria?
A
A: Indirect rule through traditional rulers.
23
Q
Why was Lagos important to British colonization?
A
A: It was the first annexed region and later became the colony’s administrative hub.
24
Q
What was the significance of the 1885 Berlin Conference?
A
A: It formally acknowledged British dominance in the Niger region among European powers.
25
Which European powers participated in the Berlin Conference?
A: Major powers like Britain, France, Germany, Portugal, and Belgium.
26
What happened to the Royal Niger Company after 1899?
A: Its charter was revoked, and its territories were transferred to the British Crown.
27
What was the Oil River Protectorate later renamed?
A: The Niger Coast Protectorate.
28
What major global event accelerated Nigerian political reform?
A: World War II.
29
What was the effect of the post-WWII reforms on Nigerian politics?
A: Allowed more Nigerians to participate in governance and laid groundwork for independence.
30
When did Nigeria gain independence from British rule?
A: In 1960.
31
What did pre-colonial Nigerian Kingdoms, Empires, and Caliphates have in common?
A: They had well-organized socio-political systems and structures.
32
Who were the first Europeans to arrive in the region now known as Nigeria?
A: The Portuguese.
33
When did the Portuguese arrive in Nigeria?
A: In the 15th century.
34
What was the main reason the Portuguese came to Nigeria?
A: To establish trade with regions like the Benin Kingdom and Lagos.
35
What trade practice did European visitors engage in from the 15th century onward?
A: Purchasing enslaved Africans as part of the Atlantic slave trade.
36
What was the first Nigerian port used by European slave traders?
A: Badagry, a coastal harbour.
37
How did the Atlantic slave trade impact modern-day Nigeria?
A: It made regions in Nigeria key points for slave export, especially coastal towns like Badagry.
38
What was the role of Badagry in the transatlantic slave trade?
A: It served as a major slave export port used by European traders.
39
Under what pretense did British colonialism begin in Nigeria?
A: The pretense of policing and stopping the slave trade.
40
in what year did Britain outlaw slavery to British subjects?
A: 1807.
41
What did Britain promote as alternatives to the slave trade?
A: “Legitimate commerce” such as palm oil and cotton trade.
42
What infrastructure did Britain develop to support legitimate commerce?
A: Internal roads and systems to support palm oil and cotton markets.
43
What drove European countries to seek African resources?
A: The need for raw materials to sustain their industries.
44
Which countries were involved in the scramble for Africa?
A: Britain, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, and others.
45
What global competition arose from Europe’s need for raw materials?
A: The Scramble for Africa.
46
Why did European powers organize the Berlin Conference?
A: To formally partition Africa for colonization due to increasing competition.
47
When did the Berlin Conference take place?
A: 1884/85.
48
What was the outcome of the Berlin Conference?
A: Africa was divided among European powers for colonization.
49
What gave European powers an edge in colonization?
A: Their advancement in science and technology.
50
What industries benefited from African colonization?
A: Manufacturing, market expansion, and employment sectors in Europe.
51
By the 1820s, which northern Nigerian polity had British connections?
A: The Sokoto Caliphate.
52
Why did the British view the Sokoto Caliphate favorably?
A: It had a structured society, aristocracy, and religion, perceived as more “civilized.”
53
How were southern Nigerian societies perceived compared to the Sokoto Caliphate?
A: As more war-torn and aggressive.
54
What major health discovery helped colonial exploration in Nigeria?
A: The discovery of quinine.
55
When was quinine discovered as effective against malaria?
A: In the 1850s.
56
Why were explorers and missionaries previously unable to enter the southern interior?
A: Due to high malaria risk.
57
What role did quinine play in colonization?
A: It enabled Europeans to survive and explore southern Nigeria.
58
What did missionaries do once they had access to the southern interior?
A: They began religious conversion and expansion activities.
59
What was the implication of religious structuring in the Sokoto Caliphate for colonial policy?
A: It made indirect rule through local leaders more appealing.
60
How did Britain’s view of different Nigerian societies affect its colonial administration?
A: They preferred structured societies like the Sokoto Caliphate for indirect rule and viewed others as needing more control.
61
What enabled British influence across both northern and southern Nigeria?
A: Treaties and trade policies.
62
How did malaria play a role in British engagement with interior regions?
A: With quinine available, malaria no longer restricted British movement, allowing wider treaties and engagements.
62
What strategy did the British use in the 1850s to shape African politics?
A: Trade policies aimed at influencing politics and deposing rulers obstructing palm oil and raw material trade.
62
Why were certain rulers deposed by the British in the 1850s?
A: They stood in the way of profitable British palm oil and raw material extraction.
63
When was the Lagos Colony and Protectorate officially established?
A: On March 5, 1861.
63
What was the status of Lagos Colony after its establishment?
A: It became an annex of Britain.
64
What major colonial event occurred from 1884 to 1885?
A: The Berlin Conference.
64
What prompted a British policy shift in the 1880s in Africa?
A: Competition with French colonial expansion.
64
What major administrative changes occurred in 1884?
A: Establishment of the Northern and Southern (Oil River) Protectorates.
65
What was the main purpose of the Berlin Conference?
A: To partition Africa and set rules for European colonial claims and resource division.
66
What did the concept of "spheres of influence" mean at the Berlin Conference?
A: Determination of which European power controlled specific territories and resources in Africa.
67
Who benefitted from the Berlin Conference and who suffered?
A: European powers benefitted, while African peoples lost autonomy and resources.
68
What occurred in May 1906 regarding protectorates?
A: Lagos Colony and the Southern Protectorate were merged into the Colony and Protectorate of Southern Nigeria.
69
What was the Oil River Protectorate also known as?
A: The Southern Protectorate.
70
Why was the 1906 merger important?
A: It streamlined British colonial administration in southern Nigeria.
71
What major colonial restructuring happened in 1914?
A: The Northern and Southern Protectorates were amalgamated.
72
Who was the British official behind the 1914 amalgamation?
A: Governor-General Frederick Lugard.
73
What new entity was formed in 1914?
A: The Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria.
74
What regions did the amalgamation bring together?
A: The Northern Protectorate and the Colony and Protectorate of Southern Nigeria.
75
What historical event was marked in 2014 in Nigeria?
A: The 100th anniversary of the 1914 amalgamation.
76
Why is the 1914 amalgamation a significant event in Nigerian history?
A: It laid the foundation for modern Nigeria by uniting distinct regions under one colonial government.
77
How did Britain maintain control over diverse Nigerian regions post-amalgamation?
A: Through indirect rule and centralized administration.
78
What were Britain’s key interests in maintaining the protectorates?
A: Economic exploitation and administrative efficiency.
79
What was Britain’s justification for creating protectorates?
A: Protection of trade routes and suppression of rival European claims.
80
What was Lagos Colony's role before 1906?
A: It operated independently as a British colony before merging with Southern Nigeria.
81
What was the function of protectorates in British colonial policy?
A: To serve as territories under indirect rule, exploiting resources with minimal British interference in local governance.
82
What economic activity heavily influenced protectorate creation?
A: The lucrative palm oil trade.
83
What power dynamic did Britain reinforce through protectorate mergers?
A: Centralized colonial authority over decentralized indigenous systems.
84
What was one long-term consequence of the Berlin Conference for Nigeria?
A: Arbitrary borders and forced unity of culturally diverse groups under one colony.
85
How did Britain's economic goals shape Nigeria’s political geography?
A: They structured administration around trade and resource extraction, ignoring ethnic and cultural boundaries.
86
What system of governance did the British impose in much of West Africa?
A: The Crown Colony government.
87
What was the nature of British Crown Colony rule in Nigeria?
A: It was autocratic and bureaucratic.
88
Who conducted administrative and military control in colonial Nigeria?
A: White Britons based in both London and Nigeria.
89
What ruling approach did the British adopt in Nigeria?
A: Indirect rule.
90
Who was the main architect of indirect rule in Nigeria?
A: Sir Frederick Lord Lugard.
91
How did indirect rule function under Lugard?
A: It worked through native authorities who collected taxes and performed local administrative duties.
92
How did indirect rule manifest in Northern Nigeria?
A: Lugard ruled through the Fulani aristocracy, who cooperated to retain power and wealth.
93
Why did Fulani rulers align with the British under indirect rule?
A: To preserve their dominance and acquire wealth through collaboration.
94
What is colonialism?
A: A policy in which a developed country takes control of a less developed one, exploits it economically, and occupies it with settlers.
95
What are the key features of colonialism?
A: Control, settlement, and economic exploitation.
96
What advantage did European countries gain before the 19th century?
A: Advancement in science and technology.
97
Which European countries led in colonial expansion?
A: Britain, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal.
98
What drove European countries to seek colonies in Africa during the 19th century?
A: A desperate need for raw materials to fuel their industrial economies.
99
What major event was triggered by the European need for raw materials?
A: The Scramble for Africa.
100
Why did the scramble for Africa become competitive
A: Due to increasing demand for raw materials, markets, and employment opportunities.
101
What conference was held to manage European claims in Africa?
A: The Berlin Conference of 1884/85.
102
What did the Berlin Conference mark in African history?
A: The formal partitioning and colonization of Africa by European nations.
103
which West African countries were colonized by Britain after the Berlin Conference?
A: Nigeria, Ghana, The Gambia, and Sierra Leone.
104
How did Britain's colonization of West Africa relate to the Berlin Conference?
A: It followed agreements made during the conference on territorial claims.
105
What was one advantage of indirect rule for Britain?
A: It reduced administrative costs and manpower by using local rulers.
106
What tasks were assigned to native authorities under indirect rule?
A: Tax collection and local administration.
107
How did indirect rule affect British governance in Nigeria?
A: It allowed effective control with minimal British presence.
108
How did indirect rule affect British governance in Nigeria?
A: It allowed effective control with minimal British presence.
109
What was the role of local rulers under indirect rule?
A: They served as intermediaries between colonial officials and local populations.
110
How did indirect rule benefit native elites like the Fulani?
A: It preserved their social standing and gave them a share in colonial profits.
111
What were the two main centers of British authority in colonial Nigeria?
A: London and the colonial administration in Nigeria.
112
What characterized British colonial administration style?
A: Centralized control with regional delegation.
113
What was the main economic motive behind colonialism in Nigeria?
A: Exploitation of natural resources and establishment of markets.
114
How did European industrial needs influence colonization?
A: They drove the urgency to secure raw material supplies from colonies.
115
What broader global trend did colonialism in Nigeria reflect?
A: European imperialism fueled by industrial capitalism and geopolitical rivalry.
116
Into how many units did the British divide Nigeria for administration?
A: Three units.
116
When did British colonization of Nigeria officially begin?
A: In 1898.
116
What were the three administrative units of British Nigeria in 1898?
A:
Lagos Colony
Southern Protectorate
Northern Protectorate.
116
What name was given to the new southern territory after the 1906 merger?
A: The Colony and Protectorate of Southern Nigeria.
116
What occurred in May 1906 regarding colonial territories?
A: The Lagos Colony and the Southern Protectorate were merged into the Colony and Protectorate of Southern Nigeria.
116
What major colonial change happened in 1914?
A: The Colony and Protectorate of Southern Nigeria was amalgamated with the Northern Protectorate.
116
What was the result of the 1914 amalgamation?
A: Formation of the Protectorate of Nigeria
116
Who was the key British official in charge of the 1914 amalgamation?
A: Sir Lord Frederick Lugard.
116
What administrative policy did the British use to govern Nigeria?
A: The Indirect Rule System.
116
What is the Indirect Rule System?
A: A political system where British authorities governed through traditional rulers and their institutions.
117
Why was indirect rule appealing to the British?
A: It allowed cost-effective governance using existing traditional structures.
117
Who did the British rely on to control the local population?
A: Traditional rulers and their political institutions.
117
What functions were assigned to native authorities under indirect rule?
A: Tax collection and implementation of colonial policies.
117
What title is often given to Lord Lugard in the context of colonial Nigeria?
A: “Father of the Indirect Rule System.”
117
What was Lord Lugard’s role before the 1914 amalgamation?
A: He successfully applied indirect rule in Northern Nigeria from 1900 to 1906.
117
Why was indirect rule successful in Northern Nigeria?
A: Because traditional rulers like Emirs had strong, unquestioned authority.
117
When was indirect rule extended to Southern Nigeria?
A: After the 1914 amalgamation
118
How did illiteracy among traditional rulers affect colonial control?
A: It made them easier for the British to manipulate.
119
What was a key reason indirect rule worked better in the North than in the South?
A: Northern rulers had well-established authority and were respected by their subjects.
120
Who did the British appoint to assist with colonial administration?
A: District Commissioners.
121
Why were District Commissioners crucial to indirect rule?
A: They ensured that traditional rulers followed colonial interests while remaining behind the scenes.
121
What was the role of District Commissioners?
A: To advise Emirs and report on civil or military matters to British authorities.
121
How did indirect rule blend colonial and indigenous governance?
A: It preserved local leadership while enforcing British policies.
122
What governance style did indirect rule reflect?
A: Decentralized colonial control with centralized strategic oversight.
122
What did indirect rule allow the British to avoid?
A: The need to employ large numbers of British personnel.
122
Who had ultimate control under the indirect rule system?
A: British officials, despite using local rulers as intermediaries.
123
What long-term effect did indirect rule have on Nigerian governance?
A: It entrenched traditional power structures and delayed development of modern democratic institutions.
123
Why did indirect rule create issues in Southern Nigeria?
A: Southern communities lacked centralized traditional authorities.
123
What was the British motivation behind supporting traditional rulers?
A: To maintain order and facilitate colonial economic and political control.
123
How did the British use local networks under indirect rule?
A: For gathering intelligence on civil and military matters.
124
What type of traditional system existed in Western Nigeria?
A: Constitutional monarchy.
124
How effective was indirect rule in Western Nigeria?
A: It was only partially successful.
124
Why was indirect rule only partially successful in the West?
A: Because there were more elites who were democratic and questioned authority.
124
Why did indirect rule fail in Eastern Nigeria?
A: Due to egalitarianism and lack of centralized traditional authority.
124
What social structure in the East made indirect rule ineffective?
A: An egalitarian community with no clear ruling class.
125
Who did the British appoint in Eastern Nigeria to implement indirect rule?
A: Warrant Chiefs.
125
What were Warrant Chiefs?
A: Appointed officials given certificates (warrants) by the British to act as local authorities.
125
What key political milestones are included in Nigeria’s political evolution?
A: Amalgamation, political party formation, and nationalist movement.
125
What were Warrant Chiefs responsible for?
A: Tax collection, passing by-laws, and administering laws.
125
Why did Warrant Chiefs face resistance?
A: Due to their authoritarian approach and lack of legitimacy.
125
What term describes the authority given to Warrant Chiefs?
A: Warrant (a British-issued certificate of authority).
125
What factor hindered indirect rule across non-centralized societies?
A: Absence of recognized traditional authority figures.
125
What was a major flaw of indirect rule in
heterogeneous regions?
A: Imposed leaders often lacked community legitimacy.
126
What does the "Evolution of Nigeria as a Political Unit" focus on?
A: Development of Nigeria as a single political entity.
126
Why is learning about Nigeria’s political evolution important?
A: It explains the historical processes that led to independence and national unity.
126
What was Nigeria’s administrative state before 1900?
A: Different regions were under separate administrations.
127
What happened in 1900 regarding Nigeria's colonial structure?
A: All regions came under the British Colonial Office.
128
What was the first major amalgamation in Nigeria?
A: The merger of Lagos Colony and Southern Protectorate in May 1906.
128
What was the significance of 1900 in Nigeria’s political history?
A: It marked the start of centralized British colonial administration.
128
What entity was formed in the May 1906 amalgamation?
A: The Colony and Protectorate of Southern Nigeria.
128
What was the purpose of merging Lagos with the Southern Protectorate?
A: To create a more unified and manageable colonial structure.
129
How did amalgamation affect colonial governance?
A: It streamlined administration and prepared for further unification.
130
What was the long-term political significance of the 1906 amalgamation?
A: It set the stage for the 1914 full amalgamation of Nigeria.
131
How did amalgamation influence political party development?
A: It created a more unified colony where political mobilization could emerge.
132
What political processes followed Nigeria’s unification?
A: Formation of political parties and nationalist movements.
133
What were the goals of early Nigerian nationalist movements?
A: Independence, self-governance, and end of colonial rule.
134
What colonial policy left lasting effects on Nigerian political culture?
A: Indirect rule and its hierarchical administrative structure.
135
What role did traditional elites play in colonial Nigeria?
A: They acted as intermediaries between the people and the colonial government.
136
What is one major flaw of British indirect rule in Nigeria?
A: It relied on imposed authority rather than democratic legitimacy.
137
What did the failure of indirect rule in the East demonstrate?
A: That colonial models were incompatible with all indigenous systems.
138
What was the main reason for the 1906 amalgamation?
A: Economic—using Southern Nigeria's wealth to support financially weak Lagos Colony.
139
Did the British consult Nigerians before the 1906 amalgamation?
A: No, the amalgamation was carried out without input from Nigerians.
140
What was the financial situation of Lagos Colony before amalgamation?
A: It was financially weak and burdened with infrastructure costs like railway expansion.
141
What metaphor was used to describe the railway project in Lagos?
A: A “white elephant”—expensive and unproductive.
142
How did the British plan to use Southern Nigeria’s finances in 1906?
A: To subsidize administration and development in Lagos.
143
When was the second major amalgamation in Nigeria?
A: January 1914.
143
What territories were merged in 1914?
A: The Northern and Southern Protectorates.
143
Who organized the 1914 amalgamation?
A: The British government, particularly under Sir Frederick Lugard.
144
What was the principal reason for the 1914 amalgamation?
A: To use Southern Nigeria’s economic surplus to support the less buoyant North.
145
How was this reason similar to the 1906 amalgamation?
A: Both aimed to redirect economic surpluses from richer regions to support poorer ones.
146
What was the economic state of the Northern Protectorate pre-1914?
A: It was not economically buoyant.
147
Why did British colonial offices support amalgamation?
A: To relieve the British treasury by using Southern Nigeria’s booming trade to fund the North.
148
What is Frederick Lugard known as in relation to the 1914 amalgamation?
A: The “father of the January 1914 amalgamation.”
148
Q: What position did Lugard hold during the amalgamation?
A: He later became Lord and was a key colonial administrator in Nigeria.
148
What does this lack of consultation reveal about British colonial policy?
A: It was authoritarian and excluded native participation.
148
Were Nigerians consulted about the 1914 amalgamation?
A: No, their opinions were ignored.
149
How was colonial rule imposed on Nigeria?
A: Forcibly and without the consent of its people.
150
What was the colonial intention in Nigeria?
A: To exploit resources for Britain’s benefit, not for Nigerian development.
151
What triggered resistance among Nigerians?
A: Economic exploitation and exclusion from governance.
151
How did educated Nigerians respond to colonial policies?
A: Through protests and nationalist movements.
152
How did British economic goals affect governance in Nigeria?
A: Economic interests drove policy decisions, such as amalgamation and indirect rule.
152
How did British economic goals affect governance in Nigeria?
A: Economic interests drove policy decisions, such as amalgamation and indirect rule.
153
What burden did the British aim to relieve through amalgamation?
A: The British Treasury’s responsibility to fund the colonies directly.
154
What long-term impact did amalgamation have on Nigeria?
A: It created a united colony under British control but sowed seeds of regional imbalance.
155
How did amalgamation influence regional politics post-independence?
A: It created economic and political disparities that fueled later conflicts.
156
Was colonial policy in Nigeria designed to benefit the people?
A: No, it was exploitative and self-serving for the British Empire.
157
What did the British ignore while creating administrative changes?
A: Local needs, opinions, and traditional governance structures.
158
Why might the term “white elephant” be important in understanding colonial projects?
A: It symbolizes expensive infrastructure with little benefit to the local population.
159
How did economic inequality between the North and South affect colonial policy?
A: It led to forced unification to redistribute financial resources.
160
What was the ultimate colonial justification for Nigeria’s administrative unification?
A: Economic efficiency and British financial relief.
161
What were the British colonial goals in Nigeria?
A: Securing cheap raw materials and creating markets for British goods.
161
What were the three main types of benefits Britain sought from its colonies?
A: Economic, political, and social benefits.
161
How did British colonial policies reflect their objectives?
A: They were structured entirely around British economic and geopolitical interests.
161
What characterized Nigerian political parties before independence?
A: They were regionally and ethnically based.
161
When did political party development in Nigeria begin?
A: With the Clifford Constitution of 1922.
161
What was significant about the Clifford Constitution of 1922?
A: It laid the foundation for the formation of political parties in Nigeria.
161
What catalyzed the emergence of these political parties?
A: The parliamentary constitution of 1951.
162
When did the first wave of active political parties emerge?
A: In the 1940s and early 1950s, intensifying before the 1960 independence.
163
Name the three major political parties in early post-colonial Nigeria.
A:
National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC)
Northern People’s Congress (NPC)
Action Group (AG)
164
What does NCNC stand for?
A: National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons.
164
What does NPC stand for?
A: Northern People’s Congress.
164
Name two other significant but smaller parties during this period.
A:
United Middle Belt Congress (UMBC)
Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU)
164
What does AG stand for?
A: Action Group.
164
What does UMBC stand for?
A: United Middle Belt Congress.
164
What does NEPU stand for?
A: Northern Elements Progressive Union.
164
Which was the oldest of the major political parties?
A: NCNC, founded in 1944.
165
What was NCNC's role before 1951?
A: The dominant voice for Nigerian nationalism.
166
What challenge did the NCNC face after 1951?
A: The rise of the Action Group (AG) as a competitor.
167
What was NCNC originally organized to do?
A: Oppose colonial rule.
168
What difficulty did NCNC face post-opposition?
A: Transitioning from an anti-colonial movement to a functional political party.
169
How widespread was NCNC’s influence?
A: It extended as far as the Cameroons.
170
What made NCNC broad-based in its early years?
A: Its anti-colonial stance and inclusive nationalist message.
171
What was a unifying goal of early Nigerian political parties?
A: Achieving independence from British rule.
171
Why were early political parties largely ethnic or regional?
A: Due to Nigeria’s cultural diversity and the design of colonial administrative divisions.
171
How did colonial structures influence political party formation?
A: They encouraged regionalism and ethnic division, which reflected in the political parties.
171
What was a major limitation of pre-independence political parties?
A: Their inability to form a united national front early on.
172
What issue persisted into post-independence Nigeria from this political legacy?
A: Regionalism and ethnic politics.
173
How did these early parties shape Nigeria’s political landscape?
A: They laid the groundwork for modern political competition and rivalry.
174
What constitution spurred formal party-based elections?
A: The Parliamentary Constitution of 1951.
175
What does the development of political parties indicate about Nigerian nationalism?
A: It evolved from resistance to active political participation and democratic institution-building.
176
How did British colonial rule affect Nigerians socially and politically?
A: It alienated them, making them feel like foreigners in their own land.
177
What was the immediate result of this alienation?
A: The emergence of Nigerian nationalism.
177
Why was it difficult for Nigerians to participate in governance under colonial rule?
A: They were excluded from both economic and political processes by the British.
177
What is Nigerian nationalism?
A: A movement aimed at reforming colonial policies and gaining independence.
178
How was Nigerian nationalism received?
A: It gained support both within Nigeria and internationally.
179
Q: What were the three major forces behind Nigerian nationalist spirit?
A:
a. Public protests
b. Black diaspora influence
c. Western-educated Nigerian elites
180
What motivated public protests in Nigeria during colonial times?
A: A desire to reform the colonial system for fairer participation and benefits.
181
What was the aim of these protests?
A: To alter colonial policies and improve local governance.
182
How did the black diaspora contribute to Nigerian nationalism?
A: Through pan-African ideals and advocacy for African dignity.
182
Who were two key figures in the black diaspora that influenced Nigerian nationalism?
A: Marcus Garvey and Wilmot Blyden.
183
What ideology did Garvey and Blyden promote?
A: The dignity and empowerment of the African person.
184
How did Nigerian elites contribute to nationalism?
A: By using their western education to challenge colonial injustices.
185
What was the role of education in the nationalist movement?
A: It empowered Nigerian elites to advocate for systemic change.
186
What was the status of the educated class during colonial Nigeria?
A: They formed the vanguard of the nationalist agitation.
187
Name two prominent newspapers that supported Nigerian nationalism.
A:
The West African Pilot
The Negro World (by Marcus Garvey)
187
How did newspapers like “The West African Pilot” contribute to nationalism?
A: By spreading anti-colonial ideas and unifying nationalist voices.
188
What was “The Negro World”?
A: A diaspora newspaper that promoted African identity and anti-colonialism.
189
Besides newspapers, what else contributed to Nigerian nationalism?
A:
Development of political parties
Anti-colonial movements in Britain
190
What role did the Labour Party in Britain play in supporting Nigerian nationalism?
A: They supported anti-colonial agendas.
191
How did foreign political movements influence Nigerian nationalism?
A: They inspired local efforts to fight colonial oppression.
192
What ideals did Nigerian nationalism stand for?
A: Justice, self-governance, dignity, and reform of colonial rule.
193
What connection did Nigerian nationalism have to broader African movements?
A: It was part of a continent-wide push for decolonization and empowerment.
194
What role did cultural pride play in Nigerian nationalism?
A: It encouraged resistance to colonial systems that devalued African identity.
194
Why was colonial alienation a powerful trigger for nationalism?
A: It exposed the inequality and injustice of British rule.
194
How did Nigerian nationalism influence future generations?
A: It laid the foundation for the independence movement and modern politics.
195
What unifying message did nationalists promote?
A: National unity and liberation from colonial domination.
196
Who were early voices in Nigerian nationalism?
A: Educated elites, journalists, and diaspora advocates like Garvey and Blyden.
197
What international ideas influenced Nigerian nationalism?
A: Pan-Africanism, Black consciousness, and anti-imperialism.
198
How did British authorities react to rising nationalism?
A: Often with suppression, surveillance, and attempts to co-opt elites.
199
Why was colonial reform difficult to achieve peacefully?
A: Because colonial systems were designed for exploitation, not equity.
200
What is the Nigerian Youth Movement (NYM) known as?
A: The first true nationalist organization in Nigeria.
200
When was NYM formed?
A: In 1936.
201
Who were the founding leaders of the NYM?
A: Samuel Akinsanya, H.O Davies, Ernest Ikoli, and Dr. J.C. Vaughan.
202
When did Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and Chief Obafemi Awolowo join the NYM?
A: In 1937.
202
When was the NCNC formed?
A: 26th August 1944.
203
Who led the NCNC at its founding?
A: Herbert Macaulay (President) and Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe (Secretary).
204
What was a major aim of the NCNC in 1945?
A: To achieve internal self-government for Nigeria and the Cameroons under British mandate.
205
What powers did NCNC advocate Nigerians should exercise?
A: Executive, legislative, and judicial powers.
206
What issue arose within the NCNC that weakened national unity?
A: Perceived Igbo domination caused resentment and tribal tensions.
207
What effect did ethnic bias have on the nationalist spirit?
A: It shifted from national unity to tribal interest.
208
When was the Action Group (AG) founded?
A: In 1948.
208
Who founded the Action Group (AG)?
A: Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
209
What was the primary aim of the AG?
A: To defend Yoruba interests.
210
When was the Northern People’s Congress (NPC) formed?
A: In 1949.
211
Who were the founders of the NPC?
A: Mallam Aminu Kano and Mallam Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.
212
What was the NPC’s goal?
A: To protect the interests of Northerners.
213
What major political trend emerged with the creation of AG and NPC?
A: Ethnic nationalism and regional political divisions.
214
How did tribal-oriented politics affect Nigerian unity?
A: It weakened national unity and fostered political rivalry.
214
What term describes the negative impact of tribal politics on unity?
A: Centrifugal forces.
215
How did these parties contribute to fragmentation in Nigeria?
A: By prioritizing ethnic interests over national concerns.
216
Who was a central figure in both NYM and NCNC?
A: Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe.
216
What role did Herbert Macaulay play in Nigerian nationalism?
A: He was a pioneer and led the NCNC as its president.
217
How did Obafemi Awolowo’s approach to nationalism differ?
A: He created a party to specifically represent Yoruba interests.
218
What was the progression of party formation from 1936 to 1949?
A:
1936: NYM founded
1944: NCNC founded
1948: AG founded
1949: NPC founded
219
What long-term issue did early political divisions cause?
A: Enduring ethnic polarization in Nigerian politics.
220
How did regional parties affect the nationalist movement?
A: They diluted collective nationalist goals in favor of ethnic agendas.
220
Why is understanding these early parties important for students of Nigerian history?
A: They shaped Nigeria’s independence movement and post-colonial challenges.
221
What did the NCNC advocate in its 1945 objective?
A: Full internal self-government with powers shared by Nigerians.
222
What lesson does the tribalization of nationalist movements teach?
A: Unity is undermined when ethnic interests override national priorities.
223
What was the major contradiction in Nigeria’s road to independence?
A: The clash between national unity and ethnic/regional loyalty.
224
What were the major constitutional milestones leading to independence?
A:
The Richards Constitution (1946)
The Macpherson Constitution (1951)
The Lyttleton Constitution (1954)
224
When was Nigeria’s independence officially declared?
A: October 1st, 1960.
224
Who introduced the Richards Constitution?
A: Sir Arthur Richards.
225
What did the Richards Constitution recognize?
A: Nigeria's regional and cultural diversity.
226
What system of governance did the Richards Constitution introduce?
A: The federal principle with regional authority.
227
What was one major critique of the Richards Constitution?
A: It intensified regionalism rather than promoting national unity.
228
What was the goal of the Richards Constitution?
A: To provide a realistic framework for Nigeria’s diversity under colonial rule.
229
What key feature did the Macpherson Constitution introduce?
A: Regional autonomy within a federal union.
230
What central institution did it create?
A: A central government with a Council of Ministers.
231
What did the Macpherson Constitution encourage?
A: Political participation and party activity at the national level.
231
How did the Macpherson Constitution differ from Richards'?
A: It created a central executive council and appointed Nigerians as ministers.
231
What type of powers did regions hold under the Macpherson Constitution?
A: Devolved powers, allowing more regional self-governance.
232
What type of powers did regions hold under the Richards Constitution?
A: Delegated powers controlled by the central government.
233
What was a structural limitation of the Richards Constitution?
A: It centralized authority and did not allow Nigerian ministers.
234
Why did the Macpherson Constitution gain popularity?
A: It promoted more Nigerian involvement in governance.
234
How was the Macpherson Constitution more inclusive?
A: It included Nigerians in ministerial roles in a national council.
235
What prompted the Lyttleton Constitution?
A: The need to revise the Macpherson Constitution.
236
When was the Lyttleton Constitution enacted?
A: In 1954.
237
How was the Lyttleton Constitution different from Macpherson’s?
A: It was more comprehensive and formalized federalism.
238
Why was the Macpherson Constitution considered short-lived?
A: It did not sufficiently meet Nigeria’s growing political demands.
239
What core issue persisted through all the constitutions?
A: Balancing regional autonomy with national unity.
240
How did the Richards Constitution approach federalism?
A: Cautiously, with more central control.
241
How did the Macpherson Constitution expand federalism?
A: Through active regional participation and ministerial appointments.
242
What role did constitutional reforms play in Nigeria’s independence?
A: They gradually increased Nigerian control over governance.
243
What shift occurred between 1946 and 1954?
A: From centralized rule to devolved regional self-rule.ç
244
Why is the Macpherson Constitution considered pivotal?
A: It initiated true political activity and representation for Nigerians.
245
What was the shortcoming of the Richards Constitution despite good intentions?
A: It deepened regional division without promoting unity.
246
What does the 1954 Lyttleton Constitution symbolize?
A: The final framework before full Nigerian self-rule and independence.
247
How did these constitutions shape modern Nigeria?
A: They laid the groundwork for federalism and political representation.
248
What do these constitutional milestones demonstrate about Nigeria’s path to independence?
A: It was a gradual, negotiated process influenced by internal demands and external pressures.
249
What system of government did the 1954 Constitution establish?
A: A federal system.
249
What constitution remains the cornerstone of Nigeria’s current governance?
A: The Lyttleton Constitution of 1954.
249
Why is the 1954 Constitution historically significant?
A: It marked the formal end of the nationalist struggle for independence.
250
Did Nigerian independence eliminate internal challenges?
A: No, major structural and political challenges persisted.
250
What were the two most prominent post-independence challenges?
A: Ethnicism and tribalism.
250
Besides tribalism, what was another major grievance among Nigerians post-independence?
A: Marginalization of minority groups.
250
Why did minority groups feel marginalized?
A: Due to unequal power distribution and ethnic dominance in political structures.
251
How did the 1954 Constitution affect Nigeria's political landscape post-independence?
A: It laid the foundation for federal governance but also preserved regional divides.
252
What did the end of the nationalist phase mean for Nigerian politics?
A: Transition from anti-colonial unity to internal political competition and ethnic rivalry.
252
What topics were covered in this module?
A:
Advent of colonial rule
Colonial administration
Evolution of Nigeria as a political unit
Amalgamation
Formation of political parties
Nationalist movement
Struggle for independence
Pre-independence constitutions
252
What is the importance of understanding these historical stages?
A: They explain the roots of Nigeria’s political structure and its post-independence challenges.
253
What is the title of the next module?
A: Nigeria and Challenges of Nation Building.
254
What are the main content areas of the new module?
A:
Military intervention in Nigerian politics
Nigerian Civil War
255
What was a major consequence of the unresolved issues post-independence?
A: Military coups and civil conflict.
256
What challenge does the next module suggest Nigeria faced in maintaining unity?
A: Nation building amidst ethnic and regional divisions.
257
How does the 1954 Constitution relate to nation-building today?
A: It remains foundational but has not resolved inter-regional and ethnic tensions.
258
Why is 1954 seen as the “end” of the nationalist movement?
A: Because it initiated internal self-governance and shifted focus to internal development.
259
Define 'ethnicism' in Nigerian context.
A: Loyalty to one's ethnic group over the national interest, often causing division.
260
What is tribalism in politics?
A: Political favoritism based on ethnic or tribal affiliation.
261
Why is marginalization a recurring political theme in Nigeria?
A: Due to uneven access to political power and resources across ethnic groups.
262
How do colonial legacies affect modern Nigerian politics?
A: They institutionalized regionalism and unequal development.
263
Why is studying Nigeria’s pre-independence history important for youth today?
A: To understand the roots of contemporary political and social issues.
264
What would have improved the effectiveness of Nigeria’s independence?
A: Greater national unity and equitable inclusion of minority voices.
265
How did federalism attempt to manage Nigeria’s diversity?
A: By granting regional autonomy under a unified government structure.
266
What two elements were intended to balance Nigerian federalism?
A: Unity at the center and regional autonomy.
267
What aspect of British colonial policy left lasting challenges?
A: Favoring certain regions and ethnic groups in administration and resource access.
268
What is the contradiction of Nigerian independence?
A: Political freedom without full internal cohesion or equality.
269
Why was the 1954 Constitution not sufficient to prevent post-independence conflict?
A: It didn’t resolve deep-seated ethnic rivalries and fears of domination.
270
What will the study of military intervention reveal in the next module?
A: The consequences of political instability and breakdown of civilian rule.
271
Why is the civil war an important case study in nation-building?
A: It highlights the ultimate failure of unity and the cost of unresolved ethnic tensions.
272
When was the name “Nigeria” coined?
A: On January 8, 1897.
272
Who coined the name “Nigeria”?
A: British journalist Flora Shaw.
272
From what was the name "Nigeria" derived?
A: From the Niger River that runs through the country.
273
Who did Flora Shaw later marry?
A: Frederick Lugard, a British colonial administrator.
274
When did Nigeria gain independence?
A: On October 1st, 1960.
275
What is nation building?
A: A process of national integration and consolidation to create a shared national identity.
275
What is the goal of nation building?
A: To promote love for the nation, unity, and long-term political and social stability.
275
What challenge did Nigeria face immediately after independence?
A: The challenge of nation building.
276
What does nation building aim to unify?
A: The people of a nation both within and outside its borders.
277
What is one key benefit of nation building?
A: Sustainable development through national unification.
278
How does nation building help countries socially?
A: By creating social and cultural unity and a shared identity.
278
Why is nation building important for a state?
A: It ensures long-term political stability and national viability.
278
What mechanisms are commonly used for nation building?
A: National integration strategies, civic education, shared national institutions, and inclusive governance.
279
What is a major output of successful nation building?
A: A unified, patriotic, and development-oriented population.
279
What major political issue disrupted Nigeria's nation building?
A: Military intervention in politics.
279
What event further hindered Nigeria’s nation building after independence?
A: The Nigerian civil war.
280
What circumstances encouraged military coups in post-independence Nigeria?
A: Ethnic rivalry, political instability, and weak civilian leadership.
281
What was one major effect of military coups on Nigeria?
A: Setbacks in democratic development and political instability.
281
How did military rule impact national unity?
A: It deepened ethnic divisions and weakened trust in government institutions.
282
What was a major cause of the Nigerian Civil War?
A: Regional tensions and ethnic marginalization.
283
What is one lesson learned from the civil war?
A: That national unity requires inclusive governance and equality among regions.
283
What should students understand about military coups in Nigeria?
A: Their causes, consequences, and how they disrupted political progress.
283
Why is knowledge of Nigeria’s civil war important?
A: It teaches about the dangers of ethnic disunity and the value of peaceful dialogue.
284
How does Nigeria’s nation-building experience compare to others?
A: Unlike some countries that unified through nation-building, Nigeria struggled with ethnic and political conflict.
285
How is national integration related to nation building?
A: National integration is a core component, aiming to unify diverse groups into one national identity.
286
What is one measure of successful nation building?
A: A politically stable and culturally unified society.
287
Why is understanding nation building important in Nigeria’s context?
A: It helps address ongoing issues of division, underdevelopment, and governance.
288
What colonial event laid the groundwork for post-independence fragmentation?
A: The artificial unification of diverse ethnic regions without fostering integration.
289
What ensures sustainability in a nation post-independence?
A: Unity, inclusion, and equitable national development.
290
What remains Nigeria’s greatest challenge since 1960?
A: Balancing ethnic diversity with national unity to achieve true nationhood.
291
What role has the military played in Nigeria’s political development?
A: A dominant role, significantly shaping the political landscape.
291
What are two major post-independence challenges to nation building in Nigeria?
A:
Military intervention in Nigerian politics
Nigerian Civil War
291
: When did military intervention in Nigerian politics begin?
A: Shortly after Nigeria’s independence in 1960.
292
What is one primary duty of the military under Section 217(a)?
A: Maintaining Nigeria’s territorial integrity and securing its borders.
292
What does Section 217(b) authorize the military to do?
A: Suppress insurrection and assist civil authorities in restoring order.
293
What is the focus of the lecture note on military intervention?
A: History, causes, and effects of military intervention in Nigerian politics.
294
Where are the duties of the Nigerian military outlined?
A: Section 217 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
295
Who can authorize the military to intervene in civil matters?
A: The President, under conditions prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly.
295
How many military coups has Nigeria experienced since independence?
A: Five coups.
296
What time span saw frequent military rule in Nigeria?
A: 1966 to 1999.
297
What political system was in place between 1966 and 1999 in Nigeria?
A: Military rule, except for a brief democratic period between 1979 and 1983.
297
When did Nigeria briefly return to democracy before 1999?
A: During the Second Nigerian Republic (1979–1983).
298
What disrupted the Second Nigerian Republic?
A: A military coup in 1983.
299
When did Nigeria’s last military coup occur?
A: In 1993.
300
What followed the 1993 military coup in Nigeria?
A: The establishment of the Fourth Nigerian Republic in 1999.
301
What system did the Fourth Republic restore?
A: Multi-party democracy.
302
What consequence did repeated coups have on Nigeria?
A: Weakened civilian institutions and delayed democratic progress.
303
How did military rule affect political stability?
A: It led to political instability and repression.
304
What does the constitution say about military aid to civil authority?
A: The military may assist civil authority when law and order break down, upon presidential request.
305
What distinguishes the Fourth Republic from previous governments?
A: Continuous civilian rule with no military interruptions.
305
Why is understanding military intervention important?
A: To prevent recurrence and strengthen democratic governance.
306
When did Nigeria finally return to sustained democratic governance?
A: In 1999.
307
What is the ideal role of the military in a democracy?
A: National defense and support in emergencies, not political leadership.
308
What pattern can be observed in Nigeria’s early post-independence era?
A: Cycles of civilian rule interrupted by military coups.
309
Why is it important to follow Section 217 procedures strictly?
A: To maintain lawful military conduct and civilian supremacy.
310
What risks arise when the military oversteps its constitutional role?
A: Loss of democracy, human rights abuses, and public distrust.
311
Who provides oversight for military deployment in civil matters?
A: The National Assembly through specific Acts.
312
What is notable about Nigeria’s political climate since 1999?
A: Absence of coups and uninterrupted democratic governance.
313
What is one takeaway from Nigeria’s military history?
A: Stable democracy requires strong institutions and respect for constitutional roles.
314
What chapter follows this section on military intervention?
A: Likely a continuation on coup details or the Nigerian Civil War.
315
When did the January 1966 coup take place?
A: On January 15, 1966.
315
Who led the January 1966 coup?
A: Major Kaduna Nzeogwu.
315
What was the political outcome of the January 1966 coup?
A: It overthrew the Nigerian government and ended the First Nigerian Republic.
316
What was the ethnic and religious background of most coup plotters?
A: Igbo Christian southerners.
317
What regional perception did this create?
A: It created the impression that the coup was ethnically biased against the North.
317
Who was the Premier of the Northern Region killed?
A: Sir Ahmadu Bello.
317
Who was Nigeria’s Prime Minister assassinated during the coup?
A: Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.
318
Who was the Premier of the Western Region killed?
A: Chief Ladoke Akintola.
319
Which finance minister was assassinated?
A: Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh.
320
How many top-ranking northern military officers were killed?
A: Four.
321
What did the coup plotters claim were their goals?
A: To eliminate corruption, suppress violence, and hold new elections.
322
How did the coup leaders present themselves publicly?
A: As reformers promising a new, corruption-free system.
323
Who took over as Head of State after the coup?
A: Major General Johnson Aguiyi Ironsi.
324
Was Aguiyi Ironsi involved in the coup plot?
A: No, he was not part of the original conspiracy.
325
What did Ironsi do with Nigeria’s constitution?
: He suspended it.
325
What did he do with political parties and the legislature?
A: He dissolved the legislature and banned all political parties.
326
What form of government did Ironsi establish?
A: An interim federal military government.
327
Did Ironsi specify a return date for civilian rule?
A: No, he did not set a specific timeline for restoration of democracy.
328
What was one of Ironsi’s immediate goals upon taking power?
A: To restore discipline within the military.
329
What did the coup symbolize for Nigerian politics?
A: The beginning of military rule in Nigeria.
330
What significant political era did the coup end?
A: The First Nigerian Republic.
331
How did the North perceive the January 1966 coup?
A: As a targeted attack against northern leaders.
332
What ethnic tension did this coup intensify?
A: North-South divisions and distrust, particularly against the Igbo.
333
How did Ironsi govern Nigeria post-coup?
A: Through military decrees and authoritarian control.
334
What did the ban on political parties represent?
A: Suppression of civilian political expression.
335
Why did Ironsi form an interim military government?
A: To consolidate power and stabilize the country without civilian interference.
336
What constitutional action did Ironsi’s government take?
A: Abrogation (cancellation) of civilian constitutional structures.
337
How did Ironsi justify military takeover?
A: As necessary to restore order and eliminate corruption.
338
Did Ironsi's actions ease or escalate ethnic tensions?
A: They escalated tensions, especially in the North.
339
What was the long-term effect of the January 1966 coup?
A: It triggered a cycle of retaliatory coups, political instability, and ultimately civil war.
340
When did the July 1966 counter-coup begin?
A: On July 29, 1966.
341
What was the outcome of the July 1966 counter-coup?
A: It overthrew General Aguiyi Ironsi’s regime by August 1, 1966.
342
Who became Head of State after the counter-coup?
A: Lieutenant Colonel Yakubu Gowon.
343
Who was killed during the July 1966 counter-coup?
A: General Ironsi and Western Region Governor Lt. Colonel Francis Adekunle Fajuyi.
344
What prominent future leader was involved in this counter-coup?
A: Muhammadu Buhari.
344
What ethnic perception surrounded the 1966 coup and counter-coup?
A: Both had strong ethnic colorations—initially Igbo-led, then northern-led in retaliation.
345
What did the ethnic tensions fuel?
A: Widespread violence that contributed to the outbreak of the Nigerian Civil War.
345
What was Gowon’s pledge after the war ended in 1970?
A: To end military rule by October 1, 1976.
346
When did the 1975 coup take place?
A: On July 29, 1975.
346
What did Gowon do in 1974 regarding democratization?
A: He postponed it, stating that Nigerians lacked "moderation and self-control in pursuing sectional ends."
346
Who announced Gowon's removal?
A: Colonel Joseph Nanven Garba.
347
What was Garba’s relationship to Gowon?
A: A close friend.
348
Was the 1975 coup violent?
A: No, it was bloodless.
349
Where was Gowon when the coup happened?
A: At a meeting of the Organisation of African Unity in Kampala.
350
Who was appointed Deputy Head of State in 1975?
A: Brigadier Olusegun Obasanjo.
350
Who replaced Gowon as Head of State?
A: Brigadier Murtala Muhammed.
351
Who was reported to be the “real author” of the 1975 coup?
A: General Hassan Katsina.
352
What had happened to General Hassan Katsina before the coup?
A: He was demoted by Gowon.
353
What pledge did Murtala Muhammed make on October 1?
A: To return Nigeria to civilian rule.
354
What steps were proposed for democratization under Murtala?
A: Drafting a new constitution and institutional reforms.
355
When was power scheduled to return to civilian hands?
A: October 1, 1979.
355
What persistent issue was cited by Gowon to delay democratization?
A: Nigerians’ lack of national unity and control over ethnic divisions.
356
What did both coups reflect about Nigeria’s early post-colonial state?
A: Military dominance and weak civilian control.
357
What long-term impact did the 1966 coups have?
A: They set off a chain of ethnic distrust and military regimes.
358
How were the 1966 coups linked to civil war?
A: Ethnic killings and retaliation deepened regional divides.
359
What characterized Murtala Muhammed’s approach to governance?
A: Promises of reform and swift transition to democracy.
360
What was Obasanjo’s initial political position before becoming president?
A: Deputy Head of State under Murtala.
361
Which international outlet reported Katsina as the coup’s mastermind?
A: The New York Times.
362
What did the 1975–1979 transition period lead to?
A: Nigeria’s Second Republic and a return to civil governance.
363
Why is the 1975 coup viewed as a turning point?
A: It marked a peaceful shift and reintroduced plans for democratic governance.
364
When did the July 1966 counter-coup begin?
A: July 29, 1966.
364
Who became Head of State after Ironsi was overthrown?
A: Lieutenant Colonel Yakubu Gowon.
364
Who fell from power as a result of the July 1966 counter-coup?
A: Major General Johnson Aguiyi Ironsi.
365
Who was assassinated alongside Ironsi during the coup?
A: Lieutenant Colonel Francis Adekunle Fajuyi, Governor of the Western Region.
365
What was the ethnic character of both the original coup and the counter-coup?
A: The original coup was seen as Igbo-dominated; the counter-coup was northern-led.
365
What future leader was among the officers involved in the counter-coup?
A: Muhammadu Buhari.
365
What major conflict did these coups help ignite?
A: The Nigerian Civil War.
365
What pledge did Gowon make after the Civil War ended in 1970?
A: That military rule would end on October 1, 1976.
365
What reason did Gowon give for delaying democratic transition?
A: Nigerians had not shown “moderation and self-control in pursuing sectional ends.
366
What did Gowon do in 1974 regarding democratization?
A: He postponed it, citing lack of national maturity for democracy.
367
When did the 1975 coup occur?
A: July 29, 1975.
368
Who led the announcement of the 1975 coup?
A: Colonel Joseph Nanven Garba.
369
What was Garba’s relationship to Gowon?
A: He was a close friend.
370
Where was Gowon when he was overthrown?
A: In Kampala, attending a meeting of the Organisation of African Unity.
371
Who replaced Gowon as Head of State?
A: Brigadier Murtala Muhammed.
372
Who was named Deputy Head of State in 1975?
A: Brigadier Olusegun Obasanjo.
372
Was the 1975 coup violent?
A: No, it was bloodless.
373
What did Murtala Muhammed pledge in office?
A: To return Nigeria to civilian rule.
374
What actions did Murtala’s government plan before elections?
A: Drafting a new constitution and implementing institutional reforms.
375
What date was set for transferring power back to civilians?
A: October 1, 1979.
375
What foreign media outlet reported on the 1975 coup?
A: The New York Times.
376
Who was identified as the “real author” of the 1975 coup?
A: General Hassan Katsina.
376
What was Katsina’s role before the coup?
A: Former Chief of Army Staff, demoted by Gowon.
377
How did the 1966 coups influence ethnic relations?
A: They intensified North-South hostility and ethnic mistrust.
377
What is meant by “ethnic colouration” in the context of these coups?
A: The perception that coup actions favored one ethnic group over others.
378
What did both Gowon and Murtala Muhammed promise?
A: A return to civilian governance.
378
What undermined Gowon’s credibility?
A: His postponement of the 1976 transition plan
379
What did these coups represent in Nigerian history?
A: A shift from constitutional democracy to long-term military dominance.
380
What pattern began with the 1966–1975 coups?
A: Cycles of coups and delayed transitions to civilian rule.
381
What was the overarching consequence of these political events?
A: They destabilized governance and delayed national development.
382
When did the 1976 coup attempt occur?
A: February 13, 1976.
382
Who was assassinated during the 1976 coup attempt?
A: Head of State General Murtala Muhammed.
383
Who else was killed alongside Muhammed?
A: His driver, his aide, and Ibrahim Taiwo, the military governor of Kwara State.
384
What did the coup plotters call themselves?
A: "Young revolutionaries."
385
How did the coup plotters communicate their intentions?
A: Through a radio broadcast.
386
Why did the 1976 coup fail?
A: It lacked both civilian and military support.
387
Who condemned the coup?
A: Division commanders and government leaders outside Lagos.
387
Who became Head of State after Muhammed’s assassination?
A: General Olusegun Obasanjo.
388
Who was identified as the leader of the 1976 coup attempt?
A: Lieutenant Colonel Bukar Suka Dimka.
388
What was the main objective of Dimka’s coup?
A: To restore Yakubu Gowon’s regime.
389
How many people were arrested following the coup attempt?
A: 125 people.
390
What happened to those arrested?1976 coup
A: 32 people were sentenced to death in March.
391
Who among the condemned were high-profile figures?1976 coup
A: Lieutenant Colonel Dimka and Defense Minister Major General Illiya D. Bisalla.
392
What major policy did Obasanjo pursue after taking power?
1976 coup
A: Transition to civilian rule.
393
What was Obasanjo’s goal for the transition?
1976 coup
A: To end military rule by 1979.
394
What is the Second Republic in Nigerian history?
A: A brief democratic government following military rule.
395
When was the Second Republic established?
A: October 1, 1979.
395
Who became President during the Second Republic?
A: Shehu Shagari.
396
What role did Shagari assume?
A: President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
396
What long-term process did the failed coup accelerate? 1976 coup
A: The push toward civilian democratic governance.
396
Why was the 1976 coup particularly shocking?
A: It resulted in the assassination of a sitting head of state.
396
What broader consequence did the coup have on governance? 1976 coup
A: It prompted political reforms and a clearer plan for democratic transition.
397
What did repeated coups reveal about Nigeria’s post-independence era?
A: A pattern of military dominance and political instability.
397
What was the military's justification for most coups during this era?
A: Claims of restoring order or correcting corruption.
397
What legal action followed the 1976 coup attempt?
A: Mass arrests and capital punishment for conspirators.
397
What is Obasanjo credited for in Nigerian history?
A: Overseeing Nigeria’s peaceful transition to civilian rule.
398
What lesson did the 1976 coup teach future governments?
A: The dangers of internal military divisions and lack of national cohesion.
399
How did the Nigerian public respond to the coup’s failure? 1976 coup
A: It was largely condemned by civilians and loyal military factions.
400
What made Obasanjo’s regime distinct from prior military governments?
A: His commitment to organizing and completing a transition to democracy.
401
What does the Second Republic symbolize in Nigeria’s history?
A: Hope for democratic stability after years of military dictatorship.
402
Who was overthrown in the 1983 coup?
A: President Shehu Shagari.
402
When did the 1983 coup occur?
A: On December 31, 1983.
402
How did Brigadier Sani Abacha describe Shagari's government in a broadcast?
A: As “inept and corrupt.”
402
What did the 1983 coup bring to an end?
A: The Second Nigerian Republic.
403
What future position did Sani Abacha hold?
A: He later became Head of State in the 1990s.
404
Who played a key role in the 1983 coup according to reports?
A: Brigadier Sani Abacha.
405
Who was the only reported casualty of the 1983 coup?
A: Brigadier Ibrahim Bako, during a firefight in Abuja.
406
Who became Head of State after the 1983 coup?
A: Major General Muhammadu Buhari.
406
When was the 1985 coup carried out?
A: August 27, 1985.
406
Who led the 1985 coup?
A: Major General Ibrahim Babangida.
407
What position did Babangida hold before the coup?
A: Chief of Staff of the Army.
408
Where was Buhari when the coup occurred?
A: Away from Lagos.
409
Where was Buhari’s Chief Aide, Major General Tunde Idiagbon, during the coup
?
A: On pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
410
Who announced the coup on radio?
A: Major General Joshua Dogonyaro.
411
What did Babangida accuse Buhari’s regime of?
A: Being “rigid and uncompromising” and showing “inconsistency and incompetence.”
411
When did the 1990 coup attempt occur?
A: April 22, 1990.
411
Who led the 1990 coup attempt?
A: Major Gideon Orkar.
412
What was the main target during the coup?
A: Dodan Barracks.
413
What was the objective of the 1990 coup?
A: To overthrow General Ibrahim Babangida’s government.
414
What happened to Babangida during the coup?
A: He escaped successfully.
414
How long did the fighting during the 1990 coup last?
A: About ten hours.
415
How was the coup finally stopped?
A: Senior military commanders elsewhere declared support for Babangida.
416
How many individuals were executed due to their role in the 1990 coup?
A: 42 individuals.
417
When were the executions carried out?
A: July 1990.
418
What trend does the 1983–1990 period in Nigerian politics show?
A: Frequent military takeovers and political instability.
419
What justification was often given for military coups during this time?
A: Accusations of corruption, inefficiency, and incompetence.
419
What personal condition allowed Babangida’s 1985 coup to succeed?
A: Buhari and his key aide were both out of reach and unable to resist.
420
What pattern was common in these coups?
A: Radio announcements were used to address the nation.
421
What did these coups ultimately delay?
A: Democratic governance and institutional development.
422
What lesson can be drawn from the period of military coups in Nigeria?
A: That political instability thrives where governance lacks inclusiveness and transparency.
