Emergence Of Nigeria As A Political Entity [Part 3]
In our previous episodes, we discussed the history of Nigeria before the independence. We also took an analysis of what led to the amalgamation of Nigeria and consequently, the effects of the colonial rule in Nigeria and how Nigeria gained her independence. Here, we will look at the political situation of Nigeria after the independence.
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According to some Nigerian history scholars and even from "oral tradition" of people that were privileged to witness Nigeria in the pre-independence and post-independence era, it has been believed by many that Nigeria; as a confederation; is a total mistake - saying that it would be better to refer to Nigeria as a cluster of various tribes and ethnic groups instead of a confederation. Well, obviously, Nigeria is home to over 250 different ethnic groups with over 400 sub-languages with varying traditions, religion, socio-political organizations etc.
This, and many more, is the reason some have quipped that Nigeria as a single political entity is only on paper and not on practice. On the other hand, some other historians; the likes of the renowned Ajayi; have argued that Nigeria is a definition of a true political entity, and unity can also be found in ethnic, cultural and traditional diversity.
Well, the differences in the school of thought between those that believed that the amalgamation was wrong and those that believed it was right led to tension within Nigeria. Just like anyone expected, the tension led to the most gruesome war in the history of Nigeria; the Nigeria-Biafran civil war.
Nigerian-Biafran Civil War
The Nigeria civil war lasted from 1967 (7 years after independence) to 1970 with a causality rate of over 2 million people (particularly Biafrans). There were many factors that triggered the civil war (both the immediate factors and the remote factors), but top on the list was ethnic diversity and marginalization. After the independence in 1960, the southern protectorate, which was later grouped under Eastern Nigeria which had majorly Igbo population, demanded for a separate republic (republic of Biafra) different from "one Nigeria". But like any other freedom fighting course, it led to conflict in political interest and Nigeria saw the demands of Biafrans as treason and an attack on national peace, while Biafrans saw Nigeria as inhibiting their freedom and liberation to form their own republic. This was how it turned into a full blown war with the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu at the mantle of leadership of the Biafran troops.
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The effects of the Nigerian-Biafran civil war was catastrophic - lives were lost, people were internally displaced, hunger etc. Before the war, however, a military coup d'etat was done and was led by the then Maj. Nzeogwu (a Southerner). The coup saw the assassination of the former Prime Minister of Nigeria; Tafawa Belewa (a Northerner). To counter the coup, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (a Northerner) led a counter-coup which saw the assassination of some prominent Southerners (particularly the Igbo tribes) including Aguyi Ironsi and also led to some South-Easterners forced out of the North, while some were brutally murdered. Gen. Yakubu Gowon installed himself as the military head of state.
With all these aforementioned cruel treatments, war brewed; even when some parties sought to resolve the issue peacefully, success was not in view. Of course, what do you expect with a country that was ruled by the military? It is worthy to note that; at that time; as against civilian rule, Nigeria was ruled by the military. As a matter of fact, Nigeria was better referred to as "Federal Military Government of Nigeria" instead of "Federal Republic of Nigeria", because most of the leaders installed themselves through coup.
All these were what remotely led to the civil war. Well, Nigeria had more external support than Biafra - the likes of United Kingdom (as a former colonial master and creator of "one Nigeria" through amalgamation), USSR, US, Saudi Arabia (of course major parts of the North were islamists of Arabian descent), Syria etc. With their many supports, Nigerian troops were able to capture many Biafran states like Enugu (which was the then capital of Biafra), Abia etc.
Even though the Nigerian military government saw the civil war as an instrument to maintain the unity of Nigeria, many around the world; even Biafrans themselves; saw it as a coordinated genocide on Biafrans. Asides the people that died in battle (which were majorly Biafrans), supplies were cut of from Biafra and about 2 million South-Easterners (Biafrans) starved to death. When the Biafrans could not keep up with the war, the leader of the Biafran troops; Lt. Col. Chukwuemeka Ojukwu left Nigeria with his family and his second-in-command surrendered to Nigeria. This led to the cessation of the war and "one Nigeria stood"... still on paper maybe. This video documentary will give you an insight of the Nigeria-Biafran civil war.
After the war, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, who was at the helm of affairs in Nigeria, introduced a rehabilitation programme called "Three-R" (Reconstruction, Reconciliation, and Rehabilitation) to even out the effects of the war. Also, an order was given that all Biafran currency holders should lodge them into designated banks and declared that the Nigerian Naira (and kobo) is the only recognized national legal tender. Also, the Biafran flags, coat of arm etc were ordered to be dismounted. However, till now, some Biafrans still believe that they are still marginalized even with the "one Nigeria" slogan.
Authored by @samminator
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This is one of the main issues with Africa and what held back growth was the boarders that were drawn did not take into account the various tribes and sub cultures its the same with South Africa and many other african nations. Forcing people under one umbrella and expecting them to get along and be prosperous was always going to be a tough task
Imagine we redrew the lines of Europe and put the french and Germans together, how smooth a transition would that have been?
While some will still hold on to the old ways the rest will eventually start to form a new one but that takes many generations
Exactly. Forcing people under the umbrella of "one nation" when they are clearly politically and culturally disjointed is one of the reasons of tension and clash in the countries of Africa.
Thanks for reading
I have seen many films that have dealt with the civil war in Nigeria and its consequences. Also, like the rest of the world, I have seen the painful images of children starving as a result of the war. They became virals and almost emblematic to talk about what was happening in Africa. I have to be honest and say that everything that has to do with military governments makes me sick to my stomach. In the end, this type of civil confrontation leaves in evidence hidden resentments, the bad coexistence between groups or people, and the thirst for power of a minority. This type of war only lasts because behind it there is internal and external support. In the case of Nigeria, France and Spain supported the rebels. As always, interesting post, @samminator.
Every time we read "civil war" in the history of any country we wonder, why?
Why do they have to happen? Why can't they be stopped? Why do they keep happening?
A war between neighboring countries, with all their possible differences, is still a painful sight to see, but a war among brothers and sisters is a tragedy beyond repair.
The history of Nigeria has resemblances of the history of Venezuela. We, too, had centuries of colonial occupation, followed by centuries of military regimes that fought only for their egoes and personal interests. From 1830 to 1958 we had nothing but militaries ruling the country. In the last 20 years, despite the current (seemingly) civilian president, we have nothing but a militaristic government.
When I read about the three Rs, I could not help remembering Chavez's three "r"s plan back in 2008.
"revisión, rectificación y reimpulso" (revision, rectification, boosting)
They knew they were screwing up big time, and yet they expected different results doing exactly the same crap.
Now we need the three rs you mention here
"Reconstruction, Reconciliation, and Rehabilitation"
But, reconciliation after civil wars are usually impossible, at least honest reconiliation. Healing takes time, especially when politicians keep screwing up on behalf of the majority and people blindly suport such politicians.
Reading the history of the Nigerian civil war again makes me feel sad. 2million people died? Damn, that's pretty huge. I hope the same mistake that was made will not be repeated again. That's if only history will teach lesson.
Nice piece again @samminator
Your last statement got me thinking buddy. I'm not sure history teaches much lessons nowadays, cos some of these mistakes are still repeated over and again
Very expository piece again. Many things led to the Nigerian civil war but if you ask me, some of what the southerners complained are still happening even till now. Like the marginalization issue and all. I guess history hasn't taught enough lesson here.
Kudos @samminator
Before the infamous military incursion into governance in Nigerian politics, life was good and expectation for a better and greater nation was high. So personally I see the military intervention as something that disrupted the flow of democracy which is something that somewhat aggravated the Biafra issue most times.
Good post @samminator
I like your view of the whole situation. Thanks buddy for taking out time to read and provide your own view
So painful how things are going. I will love to see a rulling opportunity been given to the Igbos, at least, they are third largest ethinic tribe. Seeing them not ruling is a pain in the butt. People things they might act smart, but I believe they cant. Things has really changed over the years, I believe a government of democracy wont permit that.
Now seeing how people lost their during the war that lasted so long, it is definitely a pain in the butt. I pray the one Nigeria stands one day as we are far away.
When the military rules a nation, it is not uncommon for scuffles to be witnessed. Of course, the people's opinion wouldn't count and the government will be based on "power" and not democracy. I believe this was one of the causes of the civil war. Well, I'm glad Nigeria is in democracy regime now where people's opinions count (to an extent though).
Nice work @samminator
This is historical. I love Nigerians
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Nigerians are good and loveable people.
We love you too
Before the infamous military incursion into governance in Nigerian politics, life was good and expectation for a better and greater nation was high. So personally I see the military intervention as something that disrupted the flow of democracy which is something that somewhat aggravated the Biafra issue most times.
Good post @samminator