Theory question 110
Military RuleSection B (answer two questions only from this section)
Account for the coming of the Military into Nigerian politics in 1966.
Show the model answer
Political crisis and violence after the 1964 federal election and the 1965 Western Regional election ('Operation Wetie').
Election rigging and disputes; loss of legitimacy of the government.
Corruption, nepotism and misuse of public funds by politicians.
Breakdown of law and order in the Western Region.
Census crisis of 1962–63.
Fear of Northern domination and ethnic tension.
Tiv riots and the Action Group crisis (1962).
Ambition of some army officers and the example of coups elsewhere in Africa.
The 15 January 1966 coup led by young majors; power handed to Major-General Aguiyi-Ironsi.
Explain the causes; a short note on the coup itself is enough.