Chief Enahoro joined the struggle for Nigeria’s independence in the early 1940s acting as a student leader and leading protests. name of the Crown. I have been in prison many times because of the independence of Nigeria and my first imprisonment was at the age of 21. However, in 1962, a faction arose within the AG under the leadership of Ladoke Akintola who had been selected as premier of the West. Lower Niger Independence Movement (LONIM) The harmonization process of all the disparate pro-Biafra groups agitating for our peoples’ self-determination, either within the context of today’s Nigeria or outside of it, is already ongoing under the aegis of the Lower Niger Independence Movement (LONIM).This movement is inspired by the fundamental pillars of Biafranist ideology or Biafranism. The movement is unique in that it combines a sectarian, radical Islamic agenda with violence. Top 3 Leaders of the political Independence movement. The point of no return was reached in January 1966, when, after the collapse of order in the west following the fraudulent election of October 1965, a group of army officers attempted to overthrow the federal government, and Prime Minister Balewa and two of the regional premiers were murdered. The military intervention worsened the political situation, as the army itself split along ethnic lines, its officers clashed over power, and the instigators and leaders of the January coup were accused of favouring Igbo domination. Explain how the Pan-African movement and nationalism led to independence in Kenya and Nigeria. Kenyans were tired of being treated unfairly, and demanded to be free. Enahoro was the first to move the motion for Nigeria’s independence and was usually referred to as the “Father of the Nigerian State”. “There is a need to come … Federal Government Prime Minister Balewa declared martial law in the Western Region and arrested Awolowo and other members of his faction charged them with treason. Obasanjo pursued Mohammed’s desire to return the country to civilian rule. At first, it was one of the most stable governments of the new African countries. Following a UN-supervised referendum, the northern part of the Trust Territory of the Cameroons joined the Northern region in June 1961, while in October the Southern Cameroons united with Cameroun to form the Federal Republic of Cameroon. But hoping that a man like Trump, who cares about no one but his own ego and getting himself elected, will only break your heart. Members of the public were angry, and many openly challenged the relevance of a democracy that could not produce leaders who would improve their lives and provide moral authority. Nnamdi Kanu wants independence for south-eastern Nigeria. The Independence Movement Date. The president was invested with greater power but could assume office only after winning one-fourth of the votes in two-thirds of the states in the federation. The next two years were marked by stiff resistance in the shrinking Biafran enclave and by heavy casualties among civilians as well as in both armies, all set within what threatened to be a military stalemate. For instance, the Nigerian People’s Congress (NPC) represented conservative, Muslim, largely Hausa and Fulani interests that dominated the Northern Region. image caption Nnamdi Kanu wants independence for south-eastern Nigeria Facebook says it removed the page of Nigerian separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu for violating its rules on harm and hate speech. INDEPENDENCE DAY ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, MUHAMMADU BUHARI, PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA ON THE OCCASION OF NIGERIA’S SIXTIETH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY, THURSDAY 1ST OCTOBER 2020. Independence. It is influenced by the Westminster System model in the composition and management of the upper and lower houses of the bicameral legislature. As part of the process of turning a year older, Nigeria will be celebrating her independence day once again. The movement was created when Nigeria was the British colony, and those people who promoted nationalism in Nigeria wanted the country to gain its independence from foreign rule, and they succeeded because our country became independent in 1960. On May 30, 1967, Ojukwu declared the secession of the three states of the Eastern region under the name of the Republic of Biafra, which the federal government interpreted as an act of rebellion. Recent events have changed the scene beyond recognition, so that we find ourselves today being tested to the utmost. … The traditional institution in Northern Nigeria facili- tated the application of indirect rule. However, the monarch of Nigeria was still the head of state but legislative power was vested in a bicameral parliament, executive power in a prime minister and cabinet and judicial authority in a Federal Supreme Court. Nigeria's administrative boundaries in 1960. In 1974 Gowon postponed until 1976 the target date for a return to civilian rule, but he was overthrown in July 1975 and fled to Great Britain. Gowon’s attempt to hold a conference to settle the constitutional future of Nigeria was abandoned after a series of ethnic massacres in October. As a result, modern Africa continues to wrestle with many of the same political problems … Nigerian Independence - 1960 . After the Napoleonic wars, the British expanded trade with the Nigerian interior and by 1885; it was well known in the international scene that the British had a considerable influence on this West African sphere. The Biafran movement headed up by Nnamdi Kanu says it plans to establish more embassies in various countries in 2016. Nigeria attained her independence from 53 years ago from Britain but before the attainment of independence, there were heroes among her citizens that fought for self governance. In August Biafran troops crossed the Niger, seized Benin City, and were well on their way to Lagos before they were checked at Ore, a small town in Western state (now Ondo state). Davies, and Samuel Akinsanya founded the Nigerian Youth Movement (NYM) in 1934. In September Nigeria’s military launched Operation Python Dance II, its second military exercise in South East Nigeria this year. The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom allowed on Friday a case filed by 42,335 Nigerian claimants against Shell‘s parent company and a Nigerian subsidiary to proceed in UK courts.. Dispatch 50 Years On, Biafra’s Pain Is Still Fresh Activists are calling for independence in eastern Nigeria once more as the government tries to stamp out separatism. “The independence movement must decide which direction it’s heading in, whether that of ERC or JxC,” says Bartomeus. In July 1966 northern officers staged a countercoup, Aguiyi-Ironsi was assassinated, and Lieut. The oil boom that followed the war allowed the federal government to finance development programs and consolidate its power. Nigeria - Nigeria - Rise of Boko Haram: Among the most-pressing concerns in Jonathan’s first full term as president was the ongoing threat presented by Boko Haram, an Islamic sectarian movement founded in 2002 in northeastern Nigeria; the group claimed to want to end the corruption and injustice in the country and impose Sharīʿah, or Islamic law. The stakes are high. In 1941, the NYM became moribund because of the internal dissensions within it. He is considered the founder of Nigerian nationalism as the movement was under his influence in the 1920s. The highly diverse people with different culture and government had been brought together by … Hence on the 1st of October 1954, the colony became the autonomous Federation of Nigeria. Conflicts were endemic, as regional leaders protected their privileges; the south complained of northern domination, and the north feared that the southern elite was bent on capturing power. In 1953, he became the first to move the motion for Nigeria’s independence and is usually referred to as the father of “Nigeria State.” His motion was however rejected and a successful motion did not come till 1958, the motion … The period of trou- bles was characterised by the rise of militant party politics - particularly those of the NCNC, the Zikist Movement, Zikist National Vanguard and the Action Group (A.G.). The president is both head of state and head of the federal government; the leader is elected by popular vote to a maximum of two four-year terms. independence movement. Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo, became head of the government. After World War II, in response to the growth of Nigerian nationalism and demands for independence, successive constitutions legislated by the British Government moved Nigeria toward self-government on a representative and increasingly federal basis. Antiquarian African maps, Arabic manuscripts from Timbuktu, early 20th century photographs, text of the speech by Nigerian independence leader Nnamdi Azikiwe (1904-96) on the day he became governor-general of Nigeria, South African San rock paintings, early travel journals. On the 1st of October 1960, the Federation of Nigeria was granted full independence under a constitution that provided for a parliamentary government and a substantial measure of self-government for the country’s three regions. He had posted a video of a militia group attacking and killing cattle in a herders' settlement. He was assassinated in February 1976 during an unsuccessful coup attempt, and his top aide, Lieut. Here’s an excerpt of the speech the then Prime Minister, Tafawa Balewa gave on that day, “When this day in October 1960 was chosen for our Independence, it seemed that we were destined to move with quiet dignity to our place on the world stage. Nigerian demands for self-government and independence had two discernible periods: the peri- od of troubles from 1944 to 1957 and the period of diarchy or cooperation 1951-59. (6 Oct 1960) Lagos racecourse was the scene, and it was the afternoon of Nigeria's great day with thousands awaiting the climax. Gen. Murtala Ramat Mohammed, initiated many changes during his brief time in office: he began the process of moving the federal capital to Abuja, addressed the issue of government inefficiency, and, most important, initiated the process for a return to civilian rule. The crisis was compounded by intercommunal clashes in the north and threats of secession in the south. How Did Nigeria Gain Independence in 1960. Although based in Lagos, the NYM was the first Nigerian nationalist organization to promote politics outside of the capital. Nigeria is a federal republic modelled after the United States, with executive power exercised by the President. Nigeria was granted independence on October 1, 1960 but the journey to achieving the right to self-government started seven years before when Anthony Enahoro moved the motion for self-governance in the British-led parliament in 1953. Nigerian nationalist movement promoted and promotes the unity of all citizens of the country. He came into the limelight in 1944 when he was made editor of the Southern Nigerian Defender at the age of twenty one, becoming the youngest newspaper editor in the history of Nigeria. Hence on the 1st of October 1954, the colony became the autonomous Federation of Nigeria. Unfortunately, economic development by the British during the colonial period was unequally distributed in the territory that became the country of Nigeria. The NCNC, now headed by Azikiwe (who had taken control after Macaulay’s death in 1946), formed a coalition with Balewa’s NPC after neither party won a majority in the 1959 elections. A new constitution established a federal system with an elected prime minister and a ceremonial head of state. The History Of Nigerian Independence. However, Bello chose to remain as premier of the North and as party boss of the NPC, selected Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, a Hausa, to become Nigeria’s first Prime Minister. Colonization lasted until 1960 until an independence movement succeeded in gaining Nigeria its independence. Ojukwu fled to Côte d’Ivoire on January 11, 1970, and a Biafran deputation formally surrendered in Lagos four days later. 1940-1947: The nationalist movement gains momentum during World War II as Nigerian soldiers are exposed to Allied propaganda that touts liberty, freedom, and equality. Even in this climate, however, Shagari was reelected president in August–September 1983, although his landslide victory was attributed to gross voting irregularities. From 1959 to 1960, JajaWachuku was the First Nigerian Speaker of the Nigerian Parliament also called the “House of Representatives.” JajaWachuku replaced Sir Frederick Metcalfe of Britain. A largely peaceful nationalist movement in Nigeria led the British to move Nigeria gradually toward independence between 1945 and 1960. Mass media influence. The movement is unique in that it combines a sectarian, radical Islamic agenda with violence. Here are the main features of the Nigerian Independence Constitution Of 1960 . He was part of an intellectual movement that was trying to create a unified Nigerian culture before independence. The Yoruba-dominated AG became the opposition under its charismatic leader Chief Obafemi Awolowo. With all three provinces under Nigerian rule, they united. The masses of Nigeria have endured years of misrule since Nigeria gained its ‘flag independence’: instead of the change that both the military rulers and politicians keep promising since 1960, our rulers don put us for reverse, ‘na back the country take dey walk’ as the Abami Eda – Fela Anikulapo Kuti told us. I am not saying your movement is not important, or that you don’t deserve independence. Shortly thereafter, federal troops entered Enugu, the provisional capital of Biafra, and penetrated the Igbo heartland. 5. Such political parties as the Nigerian Youth Movement, National Democratic Party, The Action Group and Other Political parties fought for freedom and independence of Nigeria from British rule. On October first, 1960, Nigeria became an independent state. Balewa continued to serve as the prime minister, a position he had held since 1957, while Azikiwe took the largely ceremonial position of president of the Senate. Upon independence, it was widely expected that Ahmadu Bello the Sardauna of Sokoto, the undisputed strong man in Nigeria who controlled the North, would become Prime Minister of the new Federation Government. In 1934 the Nigeria Youth Movement (NYM) was form, it produced the Nigerian Youth charter that eventually shaped the Nigeria independence struggle and led to the independence. Akintola was appointed to head a coalition government in the Western Region. Kudirat Abiola 1951 – June 1996. We can hardly discuss Ghana’s independence history without taking a stroll down memory lane to discuss a little about the pre-colonial era. A new constitution established a federal system with an elected prime minister and a ceremonial head of state. On October 1, 1963, Nigeria became a republic. However, despite striving towards becoming an independent nation, the political parties in the country still remain quite fragmented. Capturing 89 seats in the federal parliament was the second largest party in the newly independent country the National Council of Nigerian Citizens (NCNC). The NCNC, now headed by Azikiwe (who had taken control after Macaulay’s death in 1946), formed a coalition with Balewa’s NPC after neither party won a majority in the 1959 elections. Nigerian Independence Day: The Good Side of the Nigerian Society Fifty three years ago on October 1, 1960, Nigeria became a sovereign nation, gaining independence from Britain. What’s In My Head? Nigeria's government has sought to unify the various peoples and regions of Nigeria since the country's independence in 1960. These ordinances were amended and extended to Southern Nigeria in 1914, … Peacemaking attempts by the Organization of African Unity (now the African Union) remained ineffective, while Biafra began earning recognition from African states and securing aid from international organizations for what was by then a starving population. Dispatch 50 Years On, Biafra’s Pain Is Still Fresh Activists are calling for independence in eastern Nigeria once more as the government tries to stamp out separatism. ON day like this, exactly 57 years ago, Nigeria was on a festive and historic mood. In 1960, Nigeria was granted political independence as a sovereign state under the 1960 Constitution which provided for a parliamentary system of government, 3 … He was on two occasions jailed by the colonial government for sedition and writing satiric articles. The Biafran movement headed up by Nnamdi Kanu says it plans to establish more embassies in various countries in 2016. The development of the press has also contributed to the nationalism in Nigeria. Fighting broke out in early July and within weeks had escalated into a full-scale civil war. Chairs were thrown and one member grabbed the parliamentary Mace and wielded it like a weapon to attack the Speaker and other members. In 1953, he became the first to move the motion for Nigeria’s independence and is usually referred to as the father of “Nigeria State.” His motion was however rejected and a successful motion did not come till 1958, the motion was made by Chief Remi Fani-Kayode. Final independence was achieved in 1960. J.C. Vaughn, Ernest Ikoli, H.O. "The leaders in the 50s and 60s provide me with a great deal of inspiration," Nigerian-American activist Opal Tometi, co-founder of the Black Lives Matter movement, told the BBC. In his speech, then prime minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa said: "When this day in October 1960 was chosen for our Independence, it seemed that we were destined to move with quiet dignity to … After World War 2 Following WWII, the growth of Nigerian nationalism and demands of independence were overwhelming and forced Britain to write constitutions that moved Nigeria towards self-rule. Eventually, the police with tear gas were required to quell the riot. Azikiwe became president of the country, although as prime minister Balewa was still more powerful. Kudirat was the wife of MKO Abiola and a first lady in the making who was ripped off before her time. The NPN’s party leaders used political power as an opportunity to gain access to public treasuries and distribute privileges to their followers. The final Biafran collapse began on December 24, 1969, when federal troops launched a massive effort at a time when Biafra was short on ammunition, its people were desperate for food, and its leaders controlled only one-sixth of the territory that had formed the Biafran republic in 1967. Nigeria's first political party to have nationwide appeal was the NCNC, founded in 1944 when Azikiwe encouraged activists in the National Youth Movement to call a conference in Lagos of all major Nigerian organizations to "weld the heterogeneous masses of Nigeria into one solid bloc." Ring in the new year with a Britannica Membership, Kingdoms and empires of precolonial Nigeria, Controversies surrounding the 2007 presidential election, Nigeria under Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan, The 2015 elections and electorate concerns, Recession, fight against corruption, and insecurity, Nigeria's administrative boundaries in 1960. It was JajaWachuku that received Nigeria’s Instrument of Independence, also known as Freedom Charter, on Independence Day. Many political parties emerged, but only five were registered: the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), the Unity Party of Nigeria, the People’s Redemption Party (PRP), the Great Nigeria People’s Party, and the Nigeria People’s Party. Directions: BEFORE the presentation, write down everything that you know about Kenya, & Nigeria in the “heads” below. He was part of an intellectual movement that was trying to create a unified Nigerian culture before independence. In subsequent attempts to reconvene the Western parliament, similar disturbances broke out. Unrest continued in the West and contributed to the Western Region’s reputation for, violence, anarchy and rigged elections. The Nigerian nationalists' goal of achieving an independent sovereign state of Nigeria was achieved in 1960 when Nigeria declared its independence and British colonial rule ended. Although they followed different paths, they shared a common beginning: resistance to domination by foreign powers. He started the nationalist movement because of the belief that the people of different backgrounds living in the British colony of Nigeria needed to come together as one. The British entrenched this Northern Nigerian (Sokoto Caliphate) Model through a number of proclamations notably, the Native Authorities Ordinance of 1901, Native Court Ordinance of 1902 and the Native Revenue Proclamation of 1904. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. Balewa continued … Although based in Lagos, the NYM was the first Nigerian nationalist organization to promote politics outside of the capital.Furthermore, the NYM was also the first organization to stress national unity over racial divisions, notably between the Igbo and Yoruba ethnic … Despite this division, the country still was segmented into three large geographic regions, each of which was essentially controlled by an ethnic group: the west by the Yoruba, the east by the Igbo, and the north by the Hausa-Fulani. After World War II, in response to the growth of Nigerian nationalism and demands for independence, successive constitutions legislated by the British Government moved Nigeria toward self-government on a representative and increasingly federal basis. Shagari was not able to manage the political crisis that followed or to end Nigeria’s continuing economic decline, and the military seized the opportunity to stage a coup on December 31, 1983, that brought Maj. Gen. Muhammad Buhari to power.