SCHEME OF WORK FOR THIRD TERM

FFEDERALISM: DEFINITION

Federalism can be defined as a system of governmental organization whereby two or more states
agree to form a common government while retaining their distinctive autonomy. Federalism is
the sharing of power between the central government and the component units. Eg between the
central and the region in the colonial time and between the central government, state and local
government in the modern time. Federalism has been present in Nigeria since the former British
colony was reorganized into a federation of three regions in 1946 by the Richards Constitution.

Federalism is a system of government in which power and functions are shared in line with the
exclusive, concurrent and residual legislative lists according to the 1979 and 1999 constitutions
of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

FEATURES OF NIGERIA FEDERATION

1. There is constitutional division of powers between the levels of government.

2. A federal state has a bicameral legislature, i.e. two houses of legislature.

3. The constitution of a federal state is supreme, i.e. sovereignty can only be located in the
constitution.

4. The constitution of a federal state is often written and rigid.

5. A federal state is heterogeneous and geographically large.

6. Dual loyalty is entertained in a federal state. For instance, a Nigerian can at the same time be a
Lagosian.

7. There is a body charged with fostering good relations among different levels of government.

REASON FOR THE ADOPTION OF FEDERALISM IN NIGERIA.

1. To protect and preserve the local independence of every ethnic group in the country.

2. For the purpose of developing all part of the country.

3. Federalism was adopted to form to form a common and stronger government so as to secure
the sovereignty of the country.

4. Federalism takes care of ethnic and cultural diversity.

5. It was also adopted to protect the interest of the minority

STRUCTURE OF NIGERIAN FEDERALISM

1960-1966

Nigeria was a federation of three regions namly: North West and East. The Mid-Western Region
was formed from the Western Region in 1966 and Lagos as capital.

1967 -1975

After the coup and subsequent civil war, the Federal Military Government under Gowon created
states out of the three big regions as follows:

Eastern Region was divided into East-Central (Enugu), Rivers (Port Harcourt), and South-
Eastern (Calabar) states;
Northern Region was divided into Benue-Plateau (Jos), Kano (Kano), Kwara (Ilorin), North-
Central (Kaduna), North-Eastern (Maiduguri), and North-Western (Sokoto) states

Western Region was divided into Lagos (Lagos) and Western (Ibadan) states. Mid-Western and
the states of former Eastern Region made a bid to secede from Nigeria as the states of Biafra and
Republic of Benin, resulting in the Nigerian Civil War.

1976-Till Date
More states were created out of the existing 12 states to have a total of 19 states by Major
general Muritala Mohammed created more 7 state in addition to the existing 12 to make it 19
states

on February 3, 1976.

In 1979, military left political scene and a democratically elected government was constituted
known as second republic. The civilian government could not create any states but maintain the
federal structure they met. A uniform local government as third tier government was recognised
in the federal structure

1985
General Ibrahim Babangida's administration created Akwa Ibom and Katsina states and
additional nine additional states (including Edo and Delta) in August 1991. This brought the total
number of states in the country to 30 and Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory with its own
minister.

1993

General Sani Abacha came created six more states on 1st October 1996, bringing the present
number of states in the country to 36.
PROBLEMS OF NIGERIAN FEDERALISM

1. Minority Issues and Creation of Sate:-

2. Inter-ethnic Rivalry and Issues of Secession:-

3. Power sharing:- Power-sharing among the component units brings about problems to Nigerian
federalism because it is not always properly defined.

4. Corruption, favouritism and nepotism:- This remains evidently clear all over governmental
institutions even the country at large, where people :et awarded for contracts on connections and
kick-backs.

5. The problem of federal character principle:- Appointments into federal establishments in the
country are not always based on merit which may not go well with some minor ethnic groups.

6. Absence of truly national political parties

7. Leadership problem – accepting a credible national leader as leadership is usually based on

ethnicity

8. There is problem of endless agitations

9. Unhealthy inter - ethnic rivalry

DEVELOPMENT OF POLITICAL PARTIES IN NIGERIA 1: PRE- INDEPENDENCE

ERA: NNDP, NYM, NCNC

NIGERIA NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC PARTY (NNDP)

The elective principle of Clifford Constitution encouraged Nigerians to begin the formation of
political parties to enable them participate in a democratic process. In 1923, Herbert Macauley
formed the Nigeria National Democratic Party (NNDP) The party dominated politics in Lagos
until 1938, when the Nigerian Youth Movement (NYM) overtook it in elections. From just one
political party NNDP which was formed in 1923, the country Nigeria now over 50 political
parties.

THE NIGERIA YOUTH MOVEMENT (NYM)

The Nigerian Youth Movement (NYM) was founded in 1935 after the introduction of the
Clifford constitution which made a provision for elective Principle of 1922 which paved way for
the formation of political parties in Nigeria. Its members are also lagos residence alone. They
later brought People from other parts of Nigeria to have a national outlook
THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF NIGERIA AND CAMEROUNS (NCNC)
The National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons [NCNC] was formed in 1944 by Dr.
Nnamdi Azikiwe and Herbert Macaulay. Herbert Macaulay was its first president, while Azikiwe
was its first secretary. NCNC was made up of a rather long list of nationalist parties, cultural
associations, and labor movements that joined to form NCNC. The party at the time was the
second to take a concerted effort to create a true nationalist party. The party is considered to be
the third prominent political party formed in Nigeria also based in Lagos
One of the major aim was the extension of democratic principles and advancement of the interest
of the people of Nigeria and Cameroons under British mandate.
PROBLEMS OF THE PRE-INDEPENDENCE POLITICAL PARTIES IN NIGERIA
1. The political parties during the pre-independent were regionally based.
2. Intra and inter party conflicts was the order of the day.
3. Political parties were unable to provide quality education, personalities rather than issues.
4. Funding problems
5. Cross carpeting
6. Lack of ideology

POLITICAL PARTIES IN THE FIRST REPUBLIC: NPC, NCNC, AG, UMBC

THE NORTHERN PEOPLE’S CONGRESS (NPC)
The Norther People Congress (NPC) was an offshoot of a cultural organisation known as
Jamiyar Mutanen Arewa founded in the North. The leadership of this NPC was placed on Alhaji
Ahmadu Bello and he was he was assisted by Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. The motto of NPC
was ‘One North, One People Irrespective of Religion, Rank or Tribe.’ The party dominated the
Northern part of Nigeria and produced the first and only Prime Minister of Nigeria in the first
republic.
THE ACTION GROUP (AG)
The Action Group (AG) was a Nigerian political party established in Ibadan on March 21, 1951
by Chief Obafemi Awolowo. It was also an offshoot of Egbe Omo Oduduwa. The party
dominated the politics of the West. The party was known for its free education policy. The party
was also known to have promoted the motion for self-government.
UNITED MIDDLE BELT CONGRESS (UMBC)
United Middle Belt Congress (UMBC) was a political party in Nigeria during the nation’s First
Republic to take charge of the middle belt of Nigeria of present-day Benue State, Kogi State,
Plateau State, Nasarawa State, Adamawa State and Kwara State. It was to serve as alternative
political platform to the Northern People’s Congress, and ease the political tension that region.
The party entered into an alliance with the Southwest Nigeria dominant Action Group of Chief
Obafemi Awolowo.
DEVELOPMENT OF POLITICAL PARTIES IN THE SECOND REPUBLIC
NPN, UPN, NPP, GNPP, PRP, NAP
National Party of Nigeria (NPN)
Basically, the Northern section of Nigeria began to organize to form a northern party to prepare
for a return to democracy, they also approached southern Nigerians about the prospect of a truly
national party. The party zoned the chairmanship of the party to the South West and this paved
the way foe a Northern presidential candidate, Alhaji Shehu Shagari. One of the campaign
promise was implementation of Green Revolution as an agricultural policy.
Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN)
The Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) was a Nigerian political party that was dominant in western
Nigeria during the second republic (1978-1983). Chief Obafemi Awolowo was the leader and the
presidential candidate of the party. The party also had a national outlook. They championed free
education policy
the most coherent plan of action during the electioneering campaign of 1979. The party
jettisoned building a coalition of comfort in a polarized political environment but based
partnerships on the cooperation of like minded advocates of democratic socialism. The Action
Congress of Nigeria was regarded as a natural successor to the Action Group and UPN. The
party won all the gubernitorial election in Western States
Nigerian Peoples Party (NPP)
The Nigerian Peoples Party (NPP) was one of the major political parties that contested elections
in the Nigerian Second Republic. The party was led by Alhaji Waziri Ibrahim. The party
participated in the 1979 general election. Waziri wanted to be the chairman of the party and
presidential candidate which other members resisted hence his decision to quit party to form his
own party. In 1979, the party chose former president Nnamdi Azikiwe as its presidential
candidate.
of total votes in the senate election. In the House of representative election, the party won about
43 seats and close to 10% of the overall votes in the election. In the presidential election, Ibrahim
Waziri, the party’s candidate, took home about 10% of the total votes in the election.
Great Nigeria Peoples Party (GNPP)
The GNPP emerged as a splinter group from the NPP in the latter party's crisi of November
1978. This party was formed and led by Waziri Ibrahim. He succeeded becoming the party's
executive president and also presidential candidate in both 1979 and 1983 elections. These are
what was denied him in NPP that made him to quit the party. He participated in the 1979 and
1983 general elections.
Peoples Redemption Party (PRP)
The People’s Redemption Party was a political party in Nigeria in the Second Republic. It waa
led by Mallam Aminu Kano after his withdrawal from the National Party of Nigeria. The PRP
was highly regarded as a progressive left of center political party. It participated in the 1979
general election and the gubernitorial elections in Kaduna and Kano
The original party was banned following the Military Coup of 1984 led by General Buhari. In the
Fourth Republic, the party with the same name resurfaced under the leadership Abdulkadir
Balarabe Musa; it could however not gather the same level of support as its Second Republican
namesake.
Nigeria Advanced Party (NAP)
The Nigeria Advance Party was a progressive political party during the Second Nigerian
Republic, registered for the 1983 elections. Headed by lawyer Tunji Braithwaite, known for his
opposition and as a lawyer, the party was the only new political organization allowed to field
candidates for the 1983 elections. The party was composed of southern Nigerian intellectuals
favoring a reformist government.
The party was launched on 13 October 1978 in Ibadan. Party leaders initially took a cautious
attitude towards the idea of free education, but later advocated free university education and
mandatory primary education. It positioned itself as an alternative to the old politicians of the
first republic.
In its first two decades, Nigeria witnessed extensive military rule. Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo was
the last military head of state prior to the 1983 elections.
PROBLEMS OF POLITICAL PARTIES IN THE FIRST AND SECOND REPUBLIC
1. The political parties during the pre-independent were regionally based.
2. Intra and inter party conflicts was the order of the day.
3. Political parties were unable to provide quality education, personalities rather than issues.
4. Funding problems
5. Cross carpeting and lack of ideology
7. The activities of these political parties led to the breakdown of law and order

DEVELOPMENT OF POLITICAL PARTIES IN THE THIRD REPUBLIC SDP AND

NRC
In a bid to return the country to civilian rule, Babagida administration registered only two
political parties having banned the 13 political association jostling to become political parties.
The parties are the Social Democratic (SDP) Party of Nigeria, popularly known as SDP and
the National Republican Convention (NRC). Everything about the parties ranging from
naming, logo, ideologies, slogans, manifestos etc were done by the government. They only
advised the people to join the parties that suit them. According to government, this was done to
have political parties with national outlook, SDP was a political party created to encompass the
ideals of a center left political organization.
SDP presented Chief MKO as his presidential candidate while Alhaji Tofa was the presidential
candidates of NRC. Elections have been conducted into the state, houses of assembly of each
state, senate and house of representatives. The only exercise that would have concluded that
electoral process was the presidential election. This was peacefully conducted but Babadigga
did not see it so. He annulled the election adjudged as one of most peacefully election in Nigeria
This singular exercise and the subsequent exit of Babangida saw the death of these two political
parties especially as the next administration disbanded the two political parties
PROBLEMS WITH POLITICAL PARTIES IN THE THIRD REPUBLIC
1. The parties were formed by the government
2. It did not give the citizen various options to choice
3. It prevents right to freedom of choice
4. It restricted the citizens to two political parties, therefore many people did not participate in
the political process
5. Logo, ideology were designed by the government
6. the two political parties were under the directives of government .

DEVELOPMENT OF POLITICAL PARTIES IN THE FOURTH REPUBLIC

PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP)
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is a major contemporary political party in Nigeria. Its
policies generally lie towards the centre-right of the political spectrum. It won every Presidential
election between 1999 and 2011, and was until the 2015 elections, the governing party in the
Fourth Republic although in some cases, amid a few controversial electoral circumstances.
Currently, PDP controls only 12 states out of 36 states in Nigeria.
OBJECTIVES
To major ensure the liberty of Nigerians as well as eradicate poverty
To preserve the integrity of Nigeria
To address the problem of illiteracy and promote learning and conducting of research in science
and technology
Eradication of imperialism and neo-colonialism
To promote the rights of the children and the rights of disabled people in the country
PERFORMANCE
It won majority seats in National Assembly
Creation of EFCC and ICPC
Creation of additional 13 universities in Nigeria
Leading in the Federal level since 1999 till 2015
Introduction and the use of Global System Mobile i.e telecommunications in Nigeria...E.T.C
ALL NIGERIA PEOPLES PARTY (ANPP)
The All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) was under the leadership of Late Chief Edwin Ume-
Ezeoke, its candidate in the presidential elections of 19 April 2003, former military ruler
Muhammadu Buhari, won 32.2% of the vote. Buhari was again the ANPP candidate in the 2007
presidential election, taking second place and about 18% of the vote according to official results.
The party assumed a new leadership following its September 2010 National convention in Abuja.
A
PERFORMANCE
The ANPP is the household party in the extreme north of Nigeria, primarily due to its mass
appeal. It is the strongest opposition party, controlling seven of the nation’s thirty-six states. The
party’s biggest achievement in the 2003 election was its gubernatorial victory in Kano State
where it defeated the ruling People’s Democratic Party to take control of one of the country’s
most populous states.
Following the 2007 election, the ANPP challenged the victory of Umaru Yar’Adua and his
People’s
Members of ANPP join hand with CPC and ACN to form APC
CONGRESS FOR PROGRESSIVE CHANGE (CPC)
The Congress for Progressive Change originated in The Buhari Organization (TBO) formed in
2006 by General Muhammadu Buhari, a former military ruler of Nigeria, and his associates. The
first National Chairman was Kano Central senator Rufai Hanga. In 2007, Buhari was the
candidate of All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). When APC was formed buhari became the
candidate of APC in 2015 and 2019 general election
MAJOR POLITICAL CRISES IN NIGERIA

KANO RIOTS OF 1953

This is an avoidable and unfortunate incident that led to the death of many people and
destruction of property. It was a disagreement over the proper time to attain independence. It
was between Northern and Western legislature. While the West supported immediate
independence for Nigeria, the Northerners were opposed to it that they were not ready hence the
famous "as soon as practicable". As if that was not enough, another Northern member of the
House moved a motion for adjournment, a motion which Southern members of AG and the
National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) viewed as a delay tactics. All the AG
and NCNC members in the house walked out as a result of the adjournment motion.

Causes of the riot

1. The Northerners opposed motion for independence as moved by Chief Anthony Enahoro

2. The AG and NCNC staged a workout because they know they could not win due to numerical
strenght

3. As the northern people came out they were booed and embarrassed

5. When the AG and NCNC went up North to sensitize the people on the need for independence,
they were met by hostile crowd. A kind of payback time.

6. The planned succession of the north if their demands were not met

7. The fact the Igbos were dominating the activities of Kano hence most of the casualties were
Igbos and Hausas

When the Northern delegates left the House, they were confronted by hostile crowds in Lagos
who riot. The riot took place at Sabon Gari an area predominantly occupied by southern
Nigerians.

Yorubas , the casualties in the Sabon Gari area were mostly Igbos. Shops in the Sabon Gari
market were looted and violent attacks took place. But the Native Authority police and the Army
were called upon and prevented further entry of hooligans into the Kano area. The skirmishes
further spilled into the indigenous Kano areas such as Fagge where small unorganized groups of
people of different ethnic groups clashed.

The political implication of the riot were as follows:

1. The relationship between North and South deteriorated.

2. Action Group and the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons went into temporary
alliance against the Northern People's Congress thus bridging relationships.

3. Granting of greater regional autonomy to the three regions.

4. Removal of power of intervention by the center in all residual matters

5. it led to LONDON conference of 1954

6. it caused tribal hatred

CENSUS CRISIS OF 1962/63

The essence of any election are

1. It was used for constituency delimitation and allocation of seats in the House of
Representatives.

2. It determined the political strength of a region.

3. Population played a vital role in revenue allocation or sharing.

4. It determined a region’s quota system for recruitment into the Federal public service.

For these reasons all the stakeholders took the exercise very seriously. The result of the census
was not accepted by the eastern and western region. The 1962 exercise was rejected and another
one was conducted in 1963. This was rejected again but the government accepted it. The matter
was taken to court but they lost that case and those census figure stood. It was used to
implement all policies of government.

Below was the result of the election

Northern Region 29,777,968

Eastern Region 12,388,646
Western Region 10,278,500
Mid-West Region 2,533,337
Lagos 675,352

The figures were rejected by the Eastern and Mid-west on the basis of irregularities. The result
was accepted by the federal government, Western and Northern regions. The Eastern and Mid-
west region took the case to court but lost the case at the Supreme Court.
The implications are
1. It weakened the coalition government of NPC and NCNC.

2. It laid foundation for the struggle for power between the Northern and Eastern regions.

3. It led to the military intervention in 1966.

4. It showed that census was not all about head count but had political dimension.

ACTION GROUP CRISIS OF 1962

The Action Group crisis of 1962 was an intra party crisis. It was a clash that happened based
onthe differences in opinion and personality between the party leader Chief Obafemi Awolowo
and his deputy Chief S. L. Akintola.
CAUSES OF ACTION GROUP CRISIS OF 1962

1. The adoption of democratic socialism as a new ideology of the party by Chief Obafemi
Awolowo which was rejected by Chief S. L. Akintola and his supporters.
2. The refusal of Awolowo to honour Balewa’s invitation to join the government of national
unity.
3. The stand of Awolowo to remain as the opposition leader in the Federal parliament.
4. The refusal of Awolowo to support the appointment of Akintola as the new premier of the
Western region.
5. The removal of Akintola as premier of Western region.
6. The expulsion motion that expelled Akintola and his supporters from the party at the Jos
Conference.
7. Inability of the executive of the party to settle the disagreement amicably.
8. Awolowo wanted to be consulted before major decisions were taken in the region by the
premier.
9. The suspicion of Awolowo that Chief Akintola wanted to displace him as the leader of the
party.
IMPLICATIONS OF THE CRISIS

1. It led to the breakdown of law and order in Western region.

2. It led to the declaration of a state of emergency in the Western region.
3. It weakened the Action Group as the official opposition party.
4. Awolowo was charged with treasonable felony and imprisoned for 10 years.
5. It led to the first military coup of 1966.

FEDERAL ELECTION CRISIS OF 1964

In preparation for the 1964, All the parties came together or formed alliances under two major
political parties namely Nigeria National Alliance (NNA) and United Progressive Grand
Alliance (UPGA). The parties that formed UPGA were Action Group (AG), National Council of
Nigerian Citizen (NCNC), Northern Element Progressive Union (NEPU) and United Middle Belt
Congress (UMBC). On the other hand, NNA consisted of Northern People Congress (NPC),
Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP), Mid-West Democratic Front (MDF), Niger Delta
Congress (NDC) and Dynamic Party (DP).
UPGA =AG+NCNC+ NEPU+ UMBC
NNA = NPC+NNDP+MDF+NDC
CAUSES OF FEDERAL ELECTION CRISIS OF 1964

1. The determination of the ruling party (NPC) to win election at all costs.
2. The formation of two alliances to contest election.

3. Kidnapping of the UPGA candidates in the Northern part of the country.

4. The intimidation of political opponents and the violent nature of the electioneering Campaign.
5. The disappearance of electoral officers when UPGA candidates wanted to file their
nomination papers.
6. The declaration of the ruling party candidates elected as unopposed.
7. The refusal of the minister (Balewa) to postpone the election.

GENERAL IMPLICATIONS OF THE CRISIS

1. There was breakdown of law and order

2. It created hatred and disunity between the Northern and the Southern leaders.
3. It led to loss of confidence in the legitimacy of the government elected.
4. It weakened democracy in Nigeria.
5. The Action Group was excluded from the government of national unity formed by the
Balewa’s government.
6. It prepared the ground for the military coup of 1966.

WESTERN NIGERIA ELECTION CRISIS OF 1965

The Western election Crisis of 1965 happened between A. G. (one of the parties that formed
UPGA) and NNDP (one of the parties that formed NNA).

CAUSES OF THE WESTERN NIGERIA ELECTION CRISIS OF 1965

1. The determination of NNDP to win the 1965 elections at all cost.

2. The determination of A. G. leaders and supporters to prevent any attempt to rig the election.
3. The victimization and intimidation of A. G. leaders and supporters by the ruling party through
the violent nature of the electioneering campaign.
4. A. G. candidates were prevented from obtaining their nomination papers.
5. The declaration of the ruling party’s candidate unopposed.
6. The failure of the electoral commission and the security agencies to perform their duties
without fear or favour.
7. Passing of electoral bills that put A. G. at the disadvantages.
8. The imposition of the Curfew on areas where A.G. had majority of their voters.

POLITICAL IMPLICATION OF THE CRISIS

1. It led to loss of lives and properties (i.e Operation “wet e”).

2. It weakened democracy in Nigeria.
3. Chief S. L. Akintola was sworn in as the premier of the Western region.
4. Chief D. S. Adegbenro (leader of A. G.) was arrested but later discharged.
5. It showed the intolerance on the part of the ruling party for the opposition.
6. It showed the influence of the power of incumbency on the electoral commission and the state
security agencies.

GENERAL ELECTION OF 1979 (Constitutional Crisis of 2nd Republic)

Five political parties participated in the 1979 General election. The parties are:
1. National Party of Nigeria (NPN)

2. Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN)

3. Nigeria People’s Party (NPP)

4. Great Nigerian People’s Party (GNPP)

5. People’s Redemption Party (PRP)

Result of the election as announced by the Federal Electoral Commission (FEDECO) are:
Party names Senate House of Rep. Guber of 19 States
 NPN 36 168 7

UPN 29 111 5

NPP 16 78 3

GNPP 8 43 2

PRP 6 49 2

Total 95 449 19 states

For the presidential election, no party won two third of 19 states, it was Shehu Shagari of NPN
who won 25% in 12 states that was declared winner by FEDECO, this led to Constitutional
Controversy between NPN and UPN, because people found it difficult to interpret ⅔ majority of
19. So many people came up with different interpretation of ⅔ of the state of Federation. This
was the bone of contention. UPN challenged this decision at tribunal and at Supreme Court
where it was ruled that NPN should be duely elected since 12⅔ of 19 is equal to 13 (i.e
approximately 13). The Supreme Court however ruled that its controversial judgment should not
be cited as a precedent.

THE GENERAL ELECTION OF 1983

The National Advanced party was registered to participate in the 1983 general election. Alhaji
Shehu Shagari of NPN was declared the winner of the election. The elections were characterized
by malpractice like multiple voting, falsification of election result, buying of voter’s registration
cards, illegal printing of ballot papers and kidnapping of electoral officers. The unexpected
victory of NPN in Oyo and Ondo states sparked off violent, rioting, arson (crime of setting a fire
to cause damage), killing of people.

CAUSES OF THE CRISIS

1. The desire of the ruling party NPN to win the election by all means.
2. Political parties were sectionally based.
3. The fear the NPN was using its position to gain illegitimate control of most of the Western
states.
4. The allegation of electoral malpractice by FEDECO officials.

5. The allegation that party representatives were kept away from the polling stations.
IMPLICATIONS OF 1983 ELECTION CRISIS

1.It led the loss of lives and properties in Oyo and Ondo states.
2.It made people to lose confidence in the electoral process.
3. It weakened democracy.
4. It showed the incapability of the Civilian government to conduct credible election.
5. It led to military coup of December 31, 1983.

KADUNA STATE EXECUTIVE / LEGISLATIVE CRISIS OF 1981

The legislative house of Kaduna had a majority of NPN members while the PRP was the
minority. The governorship election was won by PRP candidate, in person Balarabe Musa. The
NPN in the house that formed the majority made the state ungovernable for the governor.
CAUSES OF THE CRISIS

1.The rejection of the list of commissioners submitted to the house on three consecutive
occasions.

2. The decision of the governor to rule Kaduna state between 1979 and 1981 without
commissioners.

3. The House of assembly accused the governor of committing various offences.

4. A committee that was set up to investigate the allegations levied against him found him guilty
of the allegations.

5. The removal of the governor by the house through the process known as impeachment.

6. PRP did not have the majority seats in the state assembly.

IMPLICATIONS OF THE CRISIS

1. It led to the removal of Governor Balarabe Musa.

2. It showed that the political leaders do not tolerate opposition.
3. It showed that Nigeria politicians are not fully matured to practice democracy.
4. It made the House of Assembly in various states of the federation to threaten their governors
with impeachment.

THE NIGERIAN CIVIL WAR (1967 – 1970)

The civil war began on 6th July, 1967 and finally ended on 15th January, 1970.

THE REMOTE CAUSES

1. The irregularities of 1962 and 1963 census crisis, the result did not favour the East.
2. The division in the Nigeria army between 1964 and 1965 as a result of ethnic sentiment. The
promotion was based on ethnic and not on seniority.
3. The division of the country into unequal 4 regions by governor Richard since 1946.
4. The promulgation of Decree No 34 (by Gen. Aguyi Ironsi on May, 24 1966) that says Nigeria
will no longer operate Federal system of government, but unitary system.
5. The tension created by the election crisis of 1964 and Western election crisis of 1965.
6. The fear of tribal domination in the Nigeria army, as at that time it was Igbos that dominated
the army, this was also evident in coup d’etat of Jan. 1966 where top Civilian Politians were
killed and none of Igbos politicians was killed.
7. The refusal of Aguiyi Ironsi to try the civilian politician before killing them.
8. The discovery of oil in the Eastern part of the country.

THE IMMEDIATE CAUSES OF THE WAR

1. The killings of the Ibos in the major Northern cities between May 24th and 29th, 1966 after
the promulgation of Decree No. 34.

2. The assassination of Major Gen. Aguiyi Ironsi, and sacking of his regime on July 29, 1966
through a counter coup.

3. The refusal of Lt. Colonel Odumegwu Ojukwu to recognize Lt. Colonel Gowon as the Head of
state and take instructions from him.

4. The failure of Gowon to execute the agreement reached with Ojukwu at Aburi in Ghana.
5. The creation of 12 states out of 4 regions by Gowon. The Eastern which was under the
leadership of Lt. Col. Ojukwu was divided into 3 states namely: (1) Rivers (2) Cross River and
(3) East Central states. The purpose of this was to reduce Ojukwu’s area of influence.

6. The declaration of Eastern region as the Republic of Biafra The declaration of war on Nigeria
by the Eastern region on June 30, 1967.

POSITIVE IMPACT OF THE WAR

1. It led to creation of 12 states.
2. It reduced the possibility of any component secession.
3. It strengthened the federal government.
4. It led to the launching of the NYSC scheme and the program of reconstruction, rehabilitation
and reconciliation.
5. It enabled Nigerians to appreciate the importance of friendly neighbours.
NEGATIVE IMPLICATION OF THE WAR

1. It led to loss of lives and properties.

2. It costs the nation a lot of money.
3. It led to displacement of families and suffering of innocent citizens.
4. It brought economic activities in the country to a stagnant position.
5. It led to rural / urban migration.
6. It led to unemployment.
7. It led to increase in crime rate.
8. It led to destruction of schools.
9. It led to the abandonment of academic activities.
10. It spoilt the name of Nigeria both locally and internationally