Nigeria marked its 61st independence anniversary at a crucial moment. It became independent from Britain on 1st October, 1960. The nation was a product of amalgamation (merger) of Southern and Northern Protectorates by the colonialists to form the federation of Nigeria in 1914. The British met in the North, the Sokoto Caliphate and the Islamic state of Borno with elaborate structures and well articulated Trade and Commerce. Nigeria’s first ever coup, led by Nzeogu Kaduna in January, 1966 resulted in the assassination of Prime Minister, Sir Tafawa Balewa, Northern Premier, Ahmadu Bello , Brigadier Maimalali and Chief Akintola, Premier of the Western region etc.
Today, 51 years after the civil war (1967-1970), disgruntled elements seek a breakup like the outlawed IPOB led by the captured fugitive Nnamdi Kanu. The “National Question” is not about breaking up the country, but how to fine tune the nation to achieve a just and balanced society where no group feels alienated.
The General Gowon regime (1966-1975), a product of the July 1966 counter-coup, prosecuted the civil war (1967-1970). Created 12-states to replace the regional structure of the first Republic. Gowon constructed the Kainji Dam and HydroElectric Power Plant etc. He once declared “to keep Nigeria as one, is a task that must be done”.
General Murtala overthrew Gowon in 1975 citing corruption and a failed promise to return to civil rule by 1976. Murtala (1975-1976), set the stage for return to civil rule, evolved a new federal capital at Abuja, created six states (Niger, Bauchi, Gongola, Benue, Ogun, Imo and Bendel), purged the civil service of corrupt elements, established Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) under the late Babatunde Jose. Nigeria led a successful OAU (now AU) diplomatic offensive on Angola even as a late foreign minister the late General Joseph Garba said the UNITA rebels “were at the moment within 9 miles of Luanda” Murtala was assassinated on Friday, February 13, 1976 and was replaced by Gen Obasanjo.
The second republic ushered in the late President Shehu Shagari on October 1st 1979. He was overthrown in December 1983 by Gen Buhari on charges of corruption by the ruling party (NPN).Yet it was Shehu Shagari who established the now moribund Ajaokuta Steel complex in Kogi State with the support of the defunct USSR { Russia], set up Steel Rolling Mills at Katsina, Jos and Oshogbo as a foundation for industrial development. Buhari charged Shagari for the crime of the entire regime; but a learned judge, (I think it was justice Lawal Owais), dismissed the case. In his legal opinion, it would have amounted to “setting standards too high even for saints” Shagari urged Nigerians to ” Give and take” “Live and lets live”
Babangida who overthrew Buhari after 20 months in power in 1985, played a “Political Soldier” with dribbling skills which earned him the title of ‘Maradona’ . He created 2 official political parties, NRC and SDP and became a military president with civilian governors in the states. Tinkering with the transition, poor economic management, Liberia’s adventure to support his friend former President Samuel Doe and corruption in high places, trailed him. His major achievements (1985-1993) included, the transfer of the presidency to Abuja in 1992, creation of several new states: Akwa Ibom and Katsina; (1987) Abia, Enugu, Delta, Jigawa, Kebbi, Osun, Kogi, Taraba and Yobe; (1991), Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos, the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano express way, the Challawa Gorge Dam in Kano State and the Aso Rock Presidential villa in Abuja. Babangida was forced to “step aside” by the June 12, 1993 crisis. He set up an interim government headed by Chief Shonekan.
General Abacha removed Shonekan after 3 months. He tackled opponents with devastating results notably the execution of Ken Saro Wiwa, the Agoni Rights activist and a Playwright. In Despite charges of brutalities, of amassing ill-gotten wealth and plan to perpetuate himself in power (Tazarce), he created 5 new states in 1996: (Ebonyi, Bayelsa, Nasarawa, Zamfara, Gombe and Ekiti ), convened a National Constitutional Conference and the Vision 2020 document. In 1997 commissioned the now moribund, Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON) at Ikot Abasi in Akwa Ibom State. His pet project, the Petroleum (Special) Trust Fund, PTF was entrusted to General Buhari. Abacha suddenly died on June 8, 1998 and was replaced by General Abdussalami Abubakar. He promptly handed power back to the civilians to the delight of pro-democracy groups and leaders like the late President Mandela of South Africa. He released Obasanjo from Yola prison jailed on coup-plotting charges. What nearly spoiled the General’s show was the curious death of Abiola on 7th July 1998 while still officially under detention. It was after taking tea at a meeting with top American diplomats including Susan Rice, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs (1997-2001), Charges of a spending spree under the guise of completing transition projects trailed the regime. Gen Abdussalami still got away with his apparent failings amidst the democratic euphoria.
The return to democracy in 1999 produced General Obasanjo as president. Vengeance, intolerance and foreign-inspired Privatisation and Commercialisation trailed the regime. He was more a respecter of law as military ruler (1976-1979) than as civilian president (1999-2007). EFCC / ICPC, mobile telephone services and debt relief were among his achievements. He fought his Vice, Atiku Abubakar over the failed Third term bid. President Yar’Adua replaced Obasanjo in 2007.Yar’adua stabilized the petroleum sub-sector, launched a 7-point Agenda and set up the Owais panel on electoral reforms. Jonathan came to power after the death of Yar’ Aduwa on 5th May 2010. He convened a National Constitutional Conference. Niger Delta militants attacked Abuja during independence celebrations on October 1st 2010 with 12 people dead and 17 injured despite the Amnesty programme of late President Yar’ Aduwa which helped to pacify the region. Poor handling of the Boko Haram insurgency and corruption led to his defeat by Buhari of the APC in 2015. Jonathan’s acceptance of defeat and congratulating the winner, propelled him into an AU and ECOWAS shuttle diplomat.
President Buhari came to power in 2015 with a high popularity rating .Today 6 years later, he contends with security challenges, high inflation and a rising debt burden.Also banditry and kidnap for ransom compete with the insurgency in the North east for the available criminality space. It is imperative to address the pitfalls in our security architecture. The failure of the 3,000 megawatts Mambilla Hydro Electric Power project to get off the ground is a big minus to the Buhari regime’s quest for sustainable power supply six years after.
The Buhari regime is engaged in many capital projects as the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano highway, Kaduna- Kano rail project, Second Niger bridge, East-West Road project, the moribund Ajaokuta Steel Company etc with pressure for additional domestic and foreign financing sources.
Nigeria which went to other troubled spots to restore peace must itself stay afloat. We must develop symbiotic measures in resolving divisive issues such as zoning, open grazing and VAT for national unity and stability. Nigeria as stated by the late Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa: “is big enough to accommodate our differences.”
Isa writes from Kano
