Nigeria's Political Structure and History (What you need to know)
END OF COLONIAL RULE AND INDEPENDENCE
Britain colonized and ruled Nigeria for sixty years. Between 1900-1960. During the sixty years of British rule, there were reclassification of different regions for administrative purposes, mainly The Northern, Southern and Western Regions. The regions was established with the aim of uniting the country as a single state.
In 1912 Sir Fredrick Lugard is appointed governor of both northern and southern Nigeria and is given the task of merging them together. He does so by 1914, when the entire region becomes the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria.
During the later 1950s an African political structure is gradually achieved. From 1957 there is a federal prime minister. In the same year the Western and Eastern regions are granted internal self-government, to be followed by the Northern region in 1959. Full independence follows rapidly, in October 1960. Three years later, it became a Republic.
Sir Fredrick Lugard
BIRTH OF DEMOCRACY AND POLITICAL PARTIES IN NIGERIA
Dr. Nmamdi Azikiwe
Nigeria was scheduled for Independence from Britain in 1960, and three main political parties ran in the preparatory elections in 1959.
• The National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) which had control of the Eastern Region (Igbo) led by Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe. • The Northern People’s Congress (NPC) which had control of the Northern Region (HausaFulani), led by Ahmadu Bello. • The Action Group (AG) which had control of the Western Region (Yoruba), led by Obafemi Awolowo.
When no party won a majority during the 1959 elections, the NPC combined with the NCNC to form a government. Obafemi Awolowo
Ahmadu Bello
FIRST DEMOCRATICALLY ELECTED CIVILIAN PRESIDENT OF NIGERIA
Shortly after Nigeria became a Republic in 1963, three years after Independence, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe was elected the first President of the Federal Republic Nigeria, while Sir Abubakar Tafa Balewa remained as Prime Minister.
However, there was great controversy over the 1963 population census, which the Igbo thought overestimated the number of Hausa-Fulani in order to give the Northern region more representation in the federal parliament.
The NCNC split with the NPC and joined with a splinter of the Action Group led by Obafemi Awolowo to form the United Progressive Grand Alliance (UPGA) while the NPC led a coalition with Akintola's faction of the old AG to form the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP).
Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe President
Sir Abubakar Tafa Balewa Prime Minister
DEMOCRATIC/CIVILIAN AND MILITARY REGIMES SINCE INDEPENDENCE
FIRST MILITARY COUP (1966)
FIRST MILITARY COUP (1966)
In January of 1966, Just three years after Nnamdi Azikiwe was elected the President of the Federal Republic, some army officials led by Major Gen. Aguiyi-Ironsi staged a coup d'etat to overthrow the Azikiwe government.
Members of the army killed Abubakar Tafa Balewa, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Akintola, and some senior officers; Azikiwe was outside of the country at the time. Johnson AguiyiIronsi was placed in charge of the new military government.
Aguiyi-Ironsi tried to restore discipline within the army, suspended the regional constitution, dissolved all legislative bodies, banned political parties, imprisoned Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and formed a centralized Federal Military Government.
Though Aguiyi-Ironsi gave some concessions to northerners, many Hausa-Fulani felt the coup was a plot to make the Igbo dominant in Nigeria.
Maj. Gen. JT Aguiyi-Ironsi First Military Head of state
SECOND MILITARY COUP (JULY, 1966)
In July of the same year, northern officers accused Aguiyi-Ironsi of plotting to make the Eastern Region (Igbos) dominant in the central government, staged another coup, killing Aguiyi-Ironsi and many other Igbo officials.
The Muslim officers chose Yakubu "Jack" Gowon (who was a Christian) as the new ruler. Gowon had not actually been involved in the coup, but they felt he would be the best compromise candidate to head the Federal Military Government. His first steps included restoring Federalism, and releasing Awolowo from prison.
Gowon vowed to start Nigeria along the road to civilian government. However, when Gowon moved to split the 4 existing regions into 12 states in 1967, Chukwuemeka Ojukwu, the leader of the Eastern Region refused to accept this and declared that the Eastern Region would become it's own independent republic named Biafra.
In June 1967, civil war broke out which lasted until Eastern Region (Biafra) surrendered in January of 1970
Maj. Gen. Yakubu Gowon
THIRD MILITARY COUP (JULY, 1975)
In 1974, Gowon broke his promise to return the nation to civilian rule, and in July of 1975 there was another military coup; for a change, Gowon was not killed.
Murtala Mohammed took over, promising the continuation of the federal system of government with constitutional laws guaranteeing fundamental human rights, maximum democratic participation, and an orderly return to civilian rule.
Plans were made to move the national capital from Lagos, but this became a tremendous drain on the economy.
Gen. murtala Mohammed
FOURTH MILITARY COUP (FEBRUARY, 1976)
In February of 1976, there was an attempted coup by Buka Dimka, and though it was unsuccessful, it was very bloody; Murtala Mohammed was killed.
Olusegun Obasanjo was chosen to take his place as the new ruler, and promised to continue what Mohammed had started. During his term, he raised University fees, and this led to student riots.
The government banned student organizations, restricted public opposition to the regime, controlled union activity, nationalized land, and increased oil industry regulation.
However, in 1978, a new constitution was written that would return the country to civilian rule, and elections were held in 1979.
Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo
RETURN OF DEMOCRACY (OCTOBER, 1979)
In October 1, 1979, Alhaji Shehu Shagari was named the new president in the 1979 elections, though many felt that he did not meet the requirements for winning.
He stayed in power for his entire term, and when the new elections were held in 1983, he won again.
Many people were convinced that the elections were rigged and that Obafemi Awolowo had actually won; violence erupted in many areas, and every election was contested in court.
Alhaji Shehu Shagari
MILITARY RETURN/ FIFTH COUP (DECEMBER, 1983)
Another coup took place on December 31 1983, although this one was actually quite welcome at the time because many Nigerians felt that the nation had deteriorated into shameless corruption and economic mismanagement.
Shagari was placed under house arrest, and Muhammadu Buhari was named the new leader. Buhari set out to try to revive the economy, giving this priority over returning the country to civilian rule.
He also restricted freedom of the press, suppressed criticism of the government, and outlawed many political and labour organizations.
In addition, he declared a War Against Indiscipline to deal sternly with indecent public behaviour, inadequate sanitation, corruption, and smuggling, while encouraging patriotism.
His fiscal policies made it difficult for many companies to run profitably, and eventually led to high inflation. His inflexibility led to increasing discontent.
Gen. Muhammadu Buhari
SIXTH MILITARY COUP (AUGUST 27, 1985)
Yet another coup that took place on August 27, 1985. This time Ibrahim Babangida (Buhari's chief of army staff before the coup) was named Chairman of the Federal Executive Council. Babangida claimed that the reasons he rebelled against Buhari was the insensitivity of the regime to the feelings of the Nigerian masses. He began his rule claiming to be a human rights activist, and did release some of the politicians that Buhari incarcerated. However, he also hounded opposition interest groups, and detained many people for political offenses. Economically, Babangida introduced market reforms, freeing exchange and interest rates which led to a sharp drop in the value of the Nigerian currency while raising lending rates to more than 40 percent.
In April of 1986, there was an attempted coup by Mamman Vatsa; he and his followers were executed. On April 22, 1990, there was another attempted coup by Gideon Orkar that failed, but almost killed Babangida. Unlike the other coups, this coup was believed to have been heavily funded by civilians, implying that the civilian leaders of Nigeria were willing to accept another military ruler over the current government.
A new constitution was set up in 1990, and the country was to return to civilian rule in 1992. As the date approached, there were suspicions that this promise was not going to be kept. Pressure started mounting, and finally, in 1992, the Federal Council allowed an election to take place.
However, the Babangida government annulled the results of that election, claiming fraud, and postponed additional elections for a year. Another election was held in June of 1993 and the winner was declared to be Moshood Abiola. Babangida again claimed fraud, and annulled the results of the second election, which was believed to be the first fair election held in the history of Nigeria.
Hundreds were killed in demonstrations, human rights and pro-democracy activists were arrested, and opposition newspapers were shut down. Internal and external pressure mounted, and finally on August 27, 1993, Babangida resigned. Ernest Shonekan, a civilian, was appointed President.
Ibrahim Babangida
A SHORT RETURN OF DEMOCRACY (AUGUST 27, 1993)
Sir Ernest Shonekan's rule was the shortest in history, lasting less than 3 months; he was overthrown by Sani Abacha on November 17, 1993.
Abacha is believed to have been instrumental in both the 1983 and the 1985 coups, and was Babangida's defence minister.
Sir Ernest Shonekan
ANOTHER MILITARY TAKE-OVER (NOVEMBER 17,1993)
In November 1993, Abacha Overthrew Sir Ernest Shonekan. Sani Abacha is probably the most 'famous' president of Nigeria if only because of his brutality. Initially, Abacha promised to return the government to civilian rule within two years. In the meantime, he dismantled all elected institutions, terminated all national and state assemblies, closed independent publications, banned all political activity, and suspended the constitution.
In 1995, Abacha announced a three-year program of transition to civilian rule. On March 1, 1995 there was another attempted coup by Lawan Gwadabe. Also suspected as part of this coup were Olusegun Obasanjo and Shehu Musa Yar'Adua. They were sentenced to 25 years of imprisonment for this. Yar'Adua died while in prison, and Obasanjo was there for the remainder of Abacha's life.
On December 21, 1997, there was another attempted coup on the Abacha government by Oladipo Diya, and he was imprisoned. In April of 1998, Diya, 4 other officers, and a civilian were sentenced to death, while many others were sentenced to prison terms of varying lengths. Elections to return to civilian rule were set for August 1, 1998, with a return date to civilian rule set for October 1, 1998. However, in April, Abacha became the only nominated candidate for the presidency. Opposition to his rule had been mounting more and more in recent months, because it was suspected that he did not intend to step down. Demonstrations and riots broke out, and many were killed. On June 8, 1998 Abacha died of a heart attack at the age of 54.
Gen. Sani Abacha
THE LAST MILITARY REGIME IN NIGERIA (JUNE 8, 1998)
Shortly after the death of Abacha, Abdulsalam Abubakar took his place. Eager to restore democracy and to free all the political prisoners, he set up a transition program that would lead the country back to democracy by May 29, 1999.
He also restored national and state assemblies, independent publications and also restored the constitution suspended by the late Sani Abacha.
Ahead of the 1999 election, more than ten different political parties were registered, by mainly PDP (Peoples Democratic Party), AC (Action Congress) dominating the system with high profiled politicians.
Abdulsalami Abubakar
THE FINAL RETURN OF DEMOCRACY (MAY 29, 1999)
Jailed during Abacha's regime on charges of allegedly plotting against the Abacha government, Obasanjo was supposed to serve a 25 year term.
However, after the death of Abacha he was released from prison by Abubakar, and was subsequently encouraged to run as President. After much persuasion, he was selected as the presidential flag bearer of the already dominant People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the upcoming 1999 general elections.
After a series of primaries, Obasanjo was declared the new democratically elected president, and he was inaugurated as the new democratic/civilian president of The Federal Republic of Nigeria on May 29, 1999.
Chief Olusegun Obasanjo
DEMOCRACY CONTINUES (MAY 29, 2007)
The 2nd President of Nigeria's Fourth Republic. Umaru Musa Yar’Adua served as governor of Katsina State in northern Nigeria between May 29, 1999 and May 28, 2007 .
He was declared the winner of the controversial Nigerian general election of 2007, held on April 21, and was sworn in on May 29, 2007.
He is a member of the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP). After a protracted illness in 2010, Yar’Adua died in his hospital bed in Germany May 5, 2010. Goodluck Jonathan, his vice, took over from him.
Umaru Musa Yar’Adua
NIGERIA’S POLITICAL STRUCTURE
OFFICIAL NAME: Federal Republic of Nigeria
FORM OF STATE: Federal republic, comprising 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT, Abuja)
LEGAL SYSTEM: Based on English common law (The common law is judicially created law that is developed on a case by case basis. it is made by judges sitting in courts, applying legal precedent to the facts before them)
NATIONAL LEGISLATURE: National Assembly, comprising the 109-seat Senate and the 360-seat House of Representatives; both are elected by universal suffrage for four-year terms
NATIONAL ELECTIONS: Most recent legislative election, march 2015, most recent presidential election, march 2015; Muhammadu Buhari was elected to the presidency, while his party, the APC, won a majority of seats in both houses of the National Assembly;
HEAD OF STATE: President, elected by universal voting system to serve a four-year term
STATE GOVERNMENT: State governors, State houses of assembly, Local Government Areas and Councils.
NATIONAL GOVERNMENT: The Federal Executive Council, which is chaired by the president.
MAIN POLITICAL PARTIES: People’s Democratic Party (PDP); All Progressive Congress (APC); All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA); Labour Party (LP); Social Democratic Party (SDP) etc. Currently, there are more than 30 political parties registered in Nigeria.
GEO-POLITICAL ZONES AND THEIR STATES
There are six geopolitical zones in Nigeria. It is a division of the country into six zones which consist of states with similar cultures, history, background and close territories. The zones were created during the regime of Ibrahim Babangida.
1. NORTH CENTRAL- (7 states) Niger State Kogi State Benue State Plateau State Nassarawa State Kwara State Abuja (Capital Territory)
2. NORTH EAST- (6 states) Bauchi State Borno State Taraba State Adamawa State Gombe State Yobe State
3. NORTH WEST- (7 states) Zamfara State Sokoto State Kaduna State Kebbi State Katsina State Kano State Jigawa State
4. SOUTH EAST- (5 states) Enugu State Imo State Ebonyi State Abia State Anambra State
5. SOUTH SOUTH- (6 states) Bayelsa State Akwa Ibom State Edo State Rivers State Cross River State Delta State
6. SOUTH WEST- (6 states) Lagos State Oyo State Ekiti State Ondo State Ogun State Osun State
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF DEMOCRACY IN NIGERIA
ADVANTAGES
1. Citizen Representation. With democracy as a form of government in Nigeria, the people have the say in who is elected into any form of government office. These elected officials then make decisions based on what the people want, and in the best interest of majority of the people. They represent the citizens in ways that they could not do for themselves.
2. A Place To Turn To. By having elected officials in all areas of the country, if someone has an issue that they think should be addressed or something that they feel should change, they can easily access their local official. These officials can then help them with their problems and guide them through the steps they need to take to get it to the next level of government.
3. High Participation. Knowing that they have a voice in the government, representatives urges the people to be more educated and up to date on issues that are happening in the country. Each year we see an increase in the amount of people showing up to vote for their officials.
4. Freedom Of Expression. In Nigeria today, there is basic respect for human rights and freedom of expression as the fundamental of her citizens. People speak freely; people move freely the rule of law largely is observed.
5. It prevents monopoly of authority. Due to the fact that the government is bound by an election term where parties compete to regain authority, democracy prevents monopoly of the ruling authorities in Nigeria. And, the elected ruling party would make sure their policies will work for the people, as they will not be able to remain in power after their term with bad records—they will not be re-elected.
DISADVANTAGES
1. Misplaced Trust Once the election process is over, the people’s voice in government is virtually done. They have to put their faith and trust in the person that they elect to communicate and do things that they’ve promised to do. This is rarely the case. Many times these elected officials have ulterior agendas that are not in the best interest of the citizens.
2. The Majority Rules The election process of representative government focuses solely on the majority. The minority groups, no matter how significant their issues may be, are rarely represented simply because they do not have the majority of the votes to get an official into office. This causes a feeling of separation with these groups as well as feeling like their issues are not as important.
3. No Accountability Once elected, officials can do whatever they please, and this often includes breaking campaign promises that they made to be elected in the first place. When things go wrong, or not in favour of the people, there are no repercussion for these officials. The only possible consequence that could come is that they would not be re-elected.
4. Corruption Corruption has become a norm in Nigeria. It has eaten deep into the Nigerian politics and is a serious impediment to the development of the country. Corruption has become a structural sin that is so contagious and all Nigerians, both the guilty and the innocent, have been paying costly for it. All over the world, Nigerians are generally feared as criminals and dangerous people, with the country being referred as ‘The Corruption Hub of Africa’.
5. It involve immoral practices during elections. To lure the masses, politicians in Nigeria during election campaigns engage in all sort of immoral practices, where candidates would use muscle power to draw the majority of votes, even trying to tarnish their opponents’ reputation. Money and power may be abused to influence the people to disregard opposing parties.
CONCLUSION
All this still boils down to one inescapable conclusion. Nigeria's democracy is being dominated if not by the military itself, then by men who made their names during the military rule.
It will take many years yet for this "transitional" phase to end and a fully-fledged civilian democracy in which the backing of the military men will no longer be a significant factor in our electoral processes.
Compiled by: Franklin Okechukwu Bernard
email: frankokey75@gmail.com
Compiled by: Franklin Okechukwu Bernard
email: frankokey75@gmail.com
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