GOVERNMENT

THEME – POLITICAL CRISES AND MILITARY RULE IN NIGERIA

TOPIC – MAJOR POLITICAL CRISIS IN NIGERIA

CLASS – SS 3

 

TOPIC – MAJOR POLITICAL CRISIS IN NIGERIA

LEARNING AREAS 

1. Major Political Crisis in Nigeria

2. Causes of Political Crisis

3. Consequences of Political Crisis

4. Implication of Political Crisis

5. Ways of preventing Political Crisis

 

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIAL

1. Textbooks

2. Pictures and charts

3. World map

4. Newspaper cuttings

 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. state the major political crisis in Nigeria.

2. discuss the main causes of the crisis.

3. examine the consequences.

4. discuss the political implication.

5. suggest ways of preventing political crisis.

 

CONTENTS OF THE LESSON

MAJOR POLITICAL CRISIS IN NIGERIA

1. Kano Riot, 1953

2. Eastern Regions Constitution, 1953

3. Census Crises 1962/63

4. Action Group Crisis 1962, 1967-70.

 

KANO RIOT, 1953

The Kano Riot of 1953 was a violent uprising in the city of Kano, Nigeria. The riot was triggered by political and economic grievances, including high taxes and resentment towards the colonial administration.

The riot began on May 16, 1953, when a group of protesters marched through the streets of Kano, burning government buildings and attacking the police. The riot quickly escalated, leading to widespread looting and violence.

The colonial authorities responded by deploying the military to quell the uprising, resulting in a crackdown that left hundreds dead and many more injured. The Kano Riot of 1953 was a significant event in Nigeria’s struggle for independence, highlighting the deep-seated grievances of the Nigerian people towards colonial rule.

The riot also had lasting implications for Nigeria’s political landscape, as it helped to galvanize the nationalist movement and paved the way for Nigeria’s eventual independence in 1960.

 

EASTERN REGIONS CONSTITUTION, 1953

The Eastern Regions Constitution of 1953 was a pivotal document in the constitutional development of Nigeria. It was crafted in response to the growing demand for self-governance and autonomy within the Eastern Region of Nigeria, which encompassed present-day states such as Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo.

The Eastern Regions Constitution of 1953 granted significant powers to the regional government, allowing for the establishment of a regional legislature, executive council, and judiciary. The constitution also provided for the election of regional representatives and the appointment of regional ministers.

This document marked an important step towards self-government in Nigeria, as it granted the Eastern Region a degree of autonomy and control over its own affairs. The constitution reflected the growing political awareness and aspirations of the Nigerian people, particularly in the Eastern Region, as they sought to assert their own identity and governance within the larger Nigerian federation.

Overall, the Eastern Regions Constitution of 1953 played a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of Nigerian politics and governance, setting the stage for further constitutional reforms and eventual independence from colonial rule.

 

CENSUS CRISES 1962/63

The Census Crises of 1962/63 was a significant event in the history of Nigeria that had far-reaching political consequences. The crises were sparked by the controversial population census conducted in 1962, which was seen as flawed and manipulated by certain regions to gain political advantage.

The population census was a crucial tool in Nigeria as it determined the allocation of political representation and resources among the various regions. The census results showed a significant population increase in the North, which was seen as disproportionate to reality and was believed to have been manipulated to favor the already dominant Northern region.

The Eastern and Western regions, feeling marginalized by the census results, rejected the figures and demanded a recount. This led to widespread protests and discord among the regions, with accusations of fraud and manipulation being exchanged.

The Census Crises of 1962/63 escalated into a major political crisis that eventually led to the collapse of the First Republic government in Nigeria. The crises exposed deep-seated ethnic and regional tensions within the country and highlighted the challenges of maintaining a united and cohesive nation.

The fallout from the census crises contributed to the political instability and ethnic tensions that characterized Nigerian politics in the years that followed, ultimately culminating in the country’s first military coup in 1966.

Overall, the Census Crises of 1962/63 served as a watershed moment in Nigeria’s political history, revealing the fault lines and challenges of nation-building in a diverse and complex country.

 

ACTION GROUP CRISIS 1962, 1967-70

The Action Group Crisis of 1962 and the subsequent crisis that unfolded between 1967 and 1970 were significant political events that had a profound impact on the history of Nigeria.

1. ACTION GROUP CRISIS of 1962

The Action Group was a prominent political party in Nigeria led by Chief Obafemi Awolowo, known for its progressive and socialist-leaning ideology. In 1962, the party was embroiled in a bitter power struggle that led to a split within the party. The crisis was fueled by internal divisions, personal ambitions, and external influences, particularly from the ruling Northern People’s Congress (NPC) party.

The crisis ultimately resulted in the factionalization of the Action Group, with one faction led by Chief Awolowo and another faction led by Chief Ladoke Akintola, who had close ties to the ruling NPC. The split weakened the party and paved the way for the political dominance of the NPC in the Western Region.

 

2. ACTION GROUP CRISIS OF 1967 – 1970

The Action Group Crisis resurfaced during the Nigerian Civil War (also known as the Biafran War) that lasted from 1967 to 1970. The crisis was reignited by the regional and ethnic tensions that had been brewing since the initial split in 1962. Chief Awolowo, who was a key figure in the Action Group, played a controversial role in the conflict.

During the civil war, Awolowo served as the Vice-Chairman of the Federal Executive Council and was responsible for implementing economic policies that were perceived as harsh and punitive towards the secessionist Biafran region. Awolowo’s actions, including the blockade of food supplies to Biafra, caused widespread suffering and famine among the civilian population.

The handling of the civil war and the role of the Action Group leaders, particularly Awolowo, remains a contentious issue in Nigerian history. Some view Awolowo’s actions as necessary to maintain the unity of Nigeria, while others criticize his policies as inhumane and excessive.

Overall, the Action Group Crisis of 1962 and the subsequent crisis during the Nigerian Civil War had a lasting impact on Nigerian politics, contributing to the fragmentation of the country along regional and ethnic lines and shaping the political landscape in the years that followed.

 

POLITICAL CRISIS

A political crisis refers to a situation where the normal functioning of a government or political system is disrupted, leading to instability, uncertainty, and potential conflict.

 

CAUSES OF POLITICAL CRISIS

Political crises can arise from a variety of factors which including:

1. Leadership Disputes

2. Corruption and Scandals

3. Economic Instability

4. Ethnic, Religious, or Social Tensions

5. Foreign Interference

6. Constitutional Crises

 

CONSEQUENCES OF POLITICAL CRISIS

Political crises can have significant and widespread consequences, impacting various aspects of society, governance, and the economy. Some of the key consequences of a political crisis include:

1. Instability and insecurity

2. Erosion of trust and legitimacy

3. Economic downturn

4. Social division and polarization

5. Weakened institutions

6. Human rights abuses

7. International implications

 

IMPLICATION OF POLITICAL CRISIS

Political crises can have far-reaching consequences for a country and its citizens. Some of the implications of a political crisis are –

1. Economic instability

2. Social unrest

3. Breakdown of institutions

4. International repercussions

5. Loss of trust in government

 

WAYS OF PREVENTING POLITICAL CRISIS

1. Strong governance and rule of law

2. Promoting inclusivity and dialogue

3. Investing in conflict prevention and resolution mechanisms

4. Strengthening democracy and civic engagement

5. Addressing socio-economic inequalities

6. Building a culture of tolerance and respect

7. International cooperation and support

 

LESSON PRESENTATION

TEACHER’S ACTIVITIES

The teacher,

1. leads discussion on the major political crises in Nigeria.

2. shows films of political crises in Nigeria.

 

STUDENT’S ACTIVITIES

The students,

1. participate in the discussion.

2. watch movies showing different political crises in Nigeria.

3. take notes as instructed by the teacher

 

LESSON EVALUATION

Teacher asks students to,

1. List 4 major crisis in Nigeria.

2. Explain the political implication.

3. Suggest ways of preventing crisis.