The Politics Of The First Republic And Military In Nigeria
Overview
The Politics Of the First Republic and Military in Nigeria during the post-independence era was characterized by a series of struggles, controversies, and crises that significantly shaped the country's political landscape. One of the key objectives of this course material is to examine the reasons behind the intense struggle for control of the central government among political parties and regional interests.
Struggle For The Control Of The Centre: The period witnessed intense competition for power at the federal level, with major political parties such as the Northern People's Congress (NPC), National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), and the Action Group vying for dominance. The struggle was fueled by differing ideologies, regional interests, and the quest to control the vast resources of the Nigerian state.
Furthermore, the issue of revenue allocation was a contentious topic that generated heated debates and controversies during the First Republic. The allocation of resources among the regions was a highly politicized issue, with each region clamoring for a larger share of the revenue. This course material delves into the complexities of revenue allocation and how it contributed to the political tensions of the era.
Minority Question: The creation of states and the delineation of boundaries to address the concerns of minority ethnic groups further escalated political tensions. The demand for state creation to protect the interests of minority groups led to conflicts and suspicions among the different regions.
Moreover, the 1962/63 census controversies added another layer of complexity to the political landscape of the First Republic. The disputes over the census figures and the alleged manipulation of population data for political gains intensified the mistrust among political parties and regions.
The Action Group Crisis and the general elections of 1964/65 were pivotal moments that tested the stability of the First Republic. The internal rift within the Action Group and the subsequent electoral disputes raised questions about the credibility of the democratic process and the willingness of political actors to respect electoral outcomes.
Lastly, the course material also delves into the significance of military intervention and the establishment of the Ironsi Regime following the coup d'état of January 1966. The military intervention marked a turning point in Nigerian politics, leading to a series of military regimes that shaped the country's governance structure for years to come.
In conclusion, understanding the politics of the First Republic and Military in Nigeria is crucial for comprehending the complexities of post-independence governance, the dynamics of power struggles, and the enduring impact of historical events on the country's political development.
Objectives
- Account for the controversies in revenue allocation
- Account for the controversies generated by the 1962/63 census
- Give reasons behind the struggle for the control of the centre
- Account for the controversies generated by the minority question and the creation of states
- Assess the significance of military intervention and the Ironsi Regime
- Examine the problems created by the Action Group crisis and the General Elections of 1964/65
Lesson Note
Lesson Evaluation
Congratulations on completing the lesson on The Politics Of The First Republic And Military In Nigeria. Now that youve explored the key concepts and ideas, its time to put your knowledge to the test. This section offers a variety of practice questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you gauge your grasp of the material.
You will encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. Each question is thoughtfully crafted to assess different aspects of your knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Use this evaluation section as an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the topic and to identify any areas where you may need additional study. Don't be discouraged by any challenges you encounter; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.
- What caused the controversy surrounding the struggle for the control of the centre in Nigeria during the First Republic? A. Ethnic differences B. Religious conflicts C. Ideological disputes D. Economic disparities Answer: A. Ethnic differences
- What was one of the major issues related to revenue allocation that created controversies during the First Republic in Nigeria? A. Unequal distribution of resources B. Lack of natural resources C. Corrupt government officials D. Low government revenue Answer: A. Unequal distribution of resources
- Which factor contributed to the controversies surrounding the minority question and the creation of states in Nigeria's politics during the First Republic? A. Increased population of minority groups B. Lack of political representation for minorities C. Ethnic rivalry among major groups D. Religious differences Answer: B. Lack of political representation for minorities
- What was the primary cause of the controversies generated by the 1962/63 census in Nigeria during the First Republic? A. Inaccurate counting methods B. Ethnic bias in counting C. Lack of census data D. Political interference in the census process Answer: A. Inaccurate counting methods
- Which event worsened the problems in Nigeria during the First Republic as a result of the Action Group crisis and the 1964/65 General Elections? A. Economic recession B. Ethnic violence C. Military intervention D. Legislative paralysis Answer: C. Military intervention
Recommended Books
|
Nigeria: Background to Nationalism
Subtitle
Struggles for Sovereignty and Independence
Publisher
Longman
Year
1979
ISBN
9780582649032
|
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|
Nigeria: The First Republic
Subtitle
1960-1966
Publisher
Ibadan University Press
Year
1983
ISBN
9789781211899
|
Past Questions
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