History – Primary 6 Weekly Short Class Lesson Notes for Second Term

WEEK 3 – MILITARY RULES IN NIGERIA 1993 – 1998

Military Rule by General Sani Abacha (1993 – 1998). Nigeria was under military rule between 1993 and 1998 under Sani Abacha. He became Head of State on 17 November 1993 and ruled Nigeria until his death in 1998.

 

REASONS FOR MILITARY RULE BY GENERAL SANI ABACHA

The military took over government during this period because of:

1. Political crisis after the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election.

2. Failure of the Interim Civilian Government.

3. Political instability and insecurity.

4. Economic problems in the country.

5. The belief that the military could restore law and order.

 

ACHIEVEMENTS OF GENERAL SANI ABACHA’S GOVERNMENT

Despite criticisms, his government recorded some achievements:

1. Creation of States – Created six states, increasing the number of states to 36.

2. Improved Foreign Reserves – Nigeria saved more money during his regime.

3. Road Construction and Repairs – Some major roads were constructed and repaired.

4. Peacekeeping Role – Nigeria played a leading role in peacekeeping in other African countries.

5. Establishment of Agencies – Some government agencies were strengthened.

 

WEAKNESSES OF GENERAL SANI ABACHA’S GOVERNMENT

1. No democracy – Nigerians were not allowed to choose their leaders.

2. Human rights abuses – Many people were detained without trial.

3. Suppression of press freedom – Journalists and activists were arrested.

4. Corruption – Large amounts of public money were misused.

5. Poor international image – Nigeria was criticised by other countries.

 

SUMMARY

General Sani Abacha ruled Nigeria from 1993 to 1998.

His rule was a military government.

The government had some achievements but also many weaknesses.

Nigerians later returned to civilian rule after his death.

 

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS (MCQs)

INSTRUCTION – Choose the correct answer from the options A – D. 

1. Nigeria was ruled by General Sani Abacha between ______.

A. 1985 – 1993

B. 1993 – 1998

C. 1999 – 2003

D. 2007 – 2011

 

2. General Sani Abacha came to power in ______.

A. 1985

B. 1990

C. 1993

D. 1999

 

3. General Sani Abacha was a ______ ruler.

A. military

B.. civilian

C. traditional

D. colonial

 

4. One reason for Abacha’s military rule was the ______ after June 12 election.

A. celebration

B. farming problem

C. sports competition

D. political crisis

 

5. How many states were created during Abacha’s rule?

A. 3

B. 6

C. 12

D. 19

 

6. One achievement of Abacha’s government was ______

A. creation of states

B. free elections

C. press freedom

D. civilian rule

 

7. Which of these was a weakness of Abacha’s government?

A. promotion of democracy

B. respect for human rights

C. free speech

D. detention without trial

 

8. During Abacha’s rule, Nigeria’s image in the international community was ______

A. very good

B. improved

C. poor

D. excellent

 

9. Abacha’s government is often criticised for ______.

A. too much democracy

B. corruption

C. free education

D. free elections

 

10. General Sani Abacha ruled Nigeria until ______.

A. 1995

B. 1996

C. 1998

D. 2000

 

FILL IN THE GAP QUESTIONS

11. General Sani Abacha ruled Nigeria from 1993 to ______.

12. Abacha became Head of State after a ______ government.

13. Six ______ were created during Abacha’s rule.

14. Many people were detained without ______ during Abacha’s government.

15. Abacha’s government was criticised for human rights ______.

 

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

16. Who was General Sani Abacha?

17. State two reasons for military rule by General Sani Abacha.

18. Mention two achievements of Abacha’s government.

19. State two weaknesses of General Sani Abacha’s government.

20. How did Abacha’s rule affect Nigeria’s international image?

 

ANSWER KEY

1. B 2. C 3. A 4. D 5. B 6. A 7. D 8. C 9. B 10. C 11. 1998 12. military 13. states 14. trial 15. abuses

16. General Sani Abacha was a Nigerian military ruler who governed Nigeria from 1993 to 1998.

17. I. Political crisis after the June 12 election, II. Failure of the Interim Civilian Government

18. I. Creation of six states, II. Improvement of foreign reserves

19. I. Human rights abuses, II. Corruption

20. Nigeria’s international image was poor because of human rights abuses and lack of democracy.