THE MILITARY IN GOVERNMENT
Since 1945, the impression has been created that take – over of political control by the armed forces or ensuring the replacement of one civilian government by another is a norm rather than an exception in modern political systems. Successful and unsuccessful direct intervention in Africa, Central and South America, Asia etc, are witnesses to this fact. Nigeria, for example, as one of the new states was not left out in this exercise. On the 15th of January 1966, some young military officers led by Major Chukwuma Nzeogwu sacked the First republic civilian government (1963-66). Egypt experienced the first military coup in 1952 when colonel Abdel Nasser took over power.…
MILITARY RULE IN NIGERIA
In the early hours of January 15,1966, Nigeria witnessed the first military coup led by Major Chukwuma Nzeogwu and other majors in the army. It was a bloody military intervention in the political history of Nigeria. Some key political leaders e.g. the prime minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, S.L.Akintola, Premier of Western region, the minister of finance, Chief Okotie Eboh, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Premier of Northern region and many other top ranking officers in the armed forces were killed. Later, Major-General Aguiyi Ironsi, came into the scene to take the mantle of leadership of the country. His tenure was however, shortlived. A counter coup was staged on July 29, 1966…
