Collection – Page 13 – Nation Upbuilding

A Timeline of Nigerian Independence

For many centuries, numerous tribes and peoples existed in the territories of what is today called “Nigeria”. Time saw the rise and fall of different kingdoms and states, and the constant evolution and dissolution of porous borders between the different peoples. The collective trajectory of this region has always been influenced by a dynamic confluence of internal and externals factors. To sketch a brief timeline of some of these factors that came together to produce the conglomeration known as “Nigeria”, as well as the march of events that led to the transfer of the political power of attorney known as “independence”, is the purpose of this essay. In view of the immensity of information about this subject, this work is naturally not exhaustive.

First elected representation in Nigeria

In 1914, Frederick Lugard amalgamated the Northern and Southern Protectorates into a newly formed country called Nigeria. Shortly afterwards, Sir Hugh Clifford succeeded Lugard in 1919 and was appointed Governor General of Nigeria. In 1922, a few years later, the colonial government setup a new constitution colloquially referred to as the “Clifford Constitution”, that was then implemented in 1923.

Decisions and consequences: The Obasanjo—Abacha web of fate

In 1963, Sani Abacha was a second lieutenant in the army, and by 1969 was only a major. As a major in the Federal side, he was the subordinate of his contemporaries such as Murtala Mohammed, Benjamin Adekunle (the Black Scorpion), Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo, and Chukwuemeka Ojukwu, among others. But during the civil war, it is documented that Sani Abacha had a breakdown and almost left the army, but Lieutenant Colonel Olusegun Obasanjo supported him and persuaded him to stay. At one point, Abacha’s dismissal papers were on Obasanjo’s desk during the war (due to his breakdown), but he refused to sign it.

The Great Relay: An Analogy for Nation-Building in Africa

Anyone who has been fortunate to participate in a relay race in track & field will, through personal experience, understand the operation of a great universal principle that applies to nation building in Africa.