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

WEEK 4 – MILITARY RULES IN NIGERIA 1998 – 1999

In 1998–1999, Nigeria was ruled by Abdulsalami Abubakar. He became Head of State after the sudden death of Sani Abacha in June 1998.

He ruled Nigeria for a short time (about 11 months) and handed over power to a civilian president, Olusegun Obasanjo, on May 29, 1999.

 

REASONS FOR MILITARY RULE (1998–1999)

1. Sudden Death of General Sani Abacha – The military took control after his death.

2. No Civilian Government in Place – Nigeria was already under military rule.

3. Need for Stability – The country needed peace and order during the transition.

4. Preparation for Democracy – The military wanted to organise elections and return to civilian rule.

 

ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE MILITARY GOVERNMENT (1998–1999)

1. Organised Democratic Elections (1999) – Nigerians voted for a civilian president.

2. Released Political Prisoners – Some detained leaders were freed.

3. Introduced a New Constitution (1999 Constitution) – This guided Nigeria’s return to democracy.

4. Peaceful Handover to Civilian Government – Power was handed over on May 29, 1999.

5. Improved Nigeria’s Image Abroad – Other countries began to trust Nigeria again.

 

CHALLENGES FACED BY THE MILITARY GOVERNMENT

1. Economic Problems – High unemployment and poverty.

2. Low Trust from Citizens – Many Nigerians did not trust military rule.

3. Ethnic and Political Tensions – Some groups wanted more fairness.

4. Corruption Issues – Mismanagement of public funds.

5. Short Time in Office – Only 11 months to fix many problems.

 

SUMMARY

Nigeria was under military rule in 1998–1999.

General Abdulsalami Abubakar was the Head of State.

His main achievement was returning Nigeria to democracy in 1999.

He handed over power to President Olusegun Obasanjo on May 29, 1999.

 

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS (MCQs)

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

1. Who was the Head of State of Nigeria in 1998–1999?

A. Abdulsalami Abubakar

B. Olusegun Obasanjo

C. Goodluck Jonathan

D. Muhammadu Buhari

 

2. Abdulsalami Abubakar became Head of State after the death of ______.

A. Olusegun Obasanjo

B. Yakubu Gowon

C. Nnamdi Azikiwe

D. Sani Abacha

 

3. In what year did Nigeria return to civilian rule?

A. 1993

B. 1998

C. 1999

D. 2003

 

4. The 1999 Constitution helped Nigeria to return to ______.

A. war

B. democracy

C. military rule

D. monarchy

 

5. Power was handed over to a civilian president on May 29, ______.

A. 1998

B. 1999

C. 2000

D. 2001

 

6. One major achievement of the 1998–1999 military government was ______.

A. starting a war

B. cancelling elections

C. organising democratic elections

D. banning political parties

 

7. The military government ruled Nigeria for about ______.

A. 5 years

B. 11 months

C. 10 years

D. 2 months

 

8. One challenge faced by the government was ______.

A. too much money

B. no elections

C. no citizens

D. economic problems

 

9. After the 1999 election, who became President of Nigeria?

A. Sani Abacha

B. Abdulsalami Abubakar

C. Olusegun Obasanjo

D. Tafawa Balewa

 

10. The main goal of Abdulsalami Abubakar’s government was to ______.

A. return Nigeria to democracy

B. continue military rule

C. divide Nigeria

D. stop education

 

FILL IN THE GAP QUESTIONS

11. Nigeria was under ______ rule in 1998–1999.

12. General ______ Abubakar was the Head of State in 1998–1999.

13. Nigeria returned to civilian rule on May 29, ______.

14. The ______ Constitution was introduced to guide democracy.

15. One achievement of the government was organising democratic ______.

 

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

16. Why did Abdulsalami Abubakar become Head of State in 1998?

17. Mention two achievements of the 1998–1999 military government.

18. Mention two challenges faced by the government.

19. Who did Abdulsalami Abubakar hand over power to?

20. How long did Abdulsalami Abubakar rule Nigeria?

 

ANSWER KEY

1. A 2. D 3. C 4. B 5. B 6. C 7. B 8. D 9. C 10. A 11. Military 12. Abdulsalami 13. 1999 14. 1999 15. Elections

16.bHe became Head of State after the death of General Sani Abacha in 1998.

17. Any two: Organised the 1999 democratic elections, Released political prisoners, Introduced the 1999 Constitution, Handed over power to a civilian government

18. Any two: Economic problems, Corruption, Political tension, Lack of public trust

19. He handed over power to Olusegun Obasanjo.

20. He ruled for about 11 months (1998–1999).