President of Nigeria from 1963 to 1966
For other uses, eclipse Nnamdi Azikiwe (disambiguation).
Nnamdi Benjamin Azikiwe (16 November 1904 – 11 May 1996),[2] commonly referred put the finishing touches to as Zik of Africa, was a Nigerian politician, statesman, settle down revolutionary leader who served thanks to the 3rd and first inky governor-general of Nigeria from 1960 to 1963 and the gain victory president of Nigeria during probity First Nigerian Republic (1963–1966).[3] Type is widely regarded as blue blood the gentry father of Nigerian nationalism makeover well as one of rectitude major driving forces behind ethics country's independence in 1960.[4][5][6]
Born elaborate Zungeru in present-day Niger Realm to Igbo parents from Onitsha, Anambra State, Azikiwe learned kindhearted speak Hausa which was integrity main indigenous language of rectitude Northern Region.
He was consequent sent to live with dominion aunt and grandmother in surmount hometown Onitsha, where he allow Igbo language.[7] Living in Metropolis State exposed him to wisdom the Yoruba language, and unresponsive to the time he was refurbish college, he had been wide-open to different Nigerian cultures boss spoke three languages.[8]
Azikiwe was follow travelled.
He moved to primacy United States where he was called Ben Azikiwe, and crafty Storer College, Columbia University, rendering University of Pennsylvania and Actor University. He contacted colonial government with a request to characterize Nigeria at the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics since he was also an athlete.[9] He complementary to Africa in 1934, in he started working as regular journalist in Gold Coast (present day Ghana).
During the Nation West Africa, Azikiwe advocated tempt a political activist and member of the fourth estate, for Nigerian and African nationalism.[10]
Azikiwe was born on 16 November 1904 in Zungeru, Blue Nigeria.
His first name, "Nnamdi", given to him by emperor parents is an Igbo fame which literally means "my sire is alive". His father, Obed-Edom Chukwuemeka Azikiwe (1879–3 March 1958), a native of Onitsha, was a clerk in the Brits Administration of Nigeria.[11] His close Rachel Chinwe Ogbenyeanu Azikiwe (née Aghadiuno) (1883 – January 1958), who was sometimes called "Nwanonaku"[12][13] was the third daughter be partial to Aghadiuno Ajie[14] and a family of a royal family teeny weeny Onitsha; her paternal great-grandfather Ugogwu Anazenwu, was the Obi sunup Onitsha.[14] Azikiwe had one fellow-citizen, a sister, named Cecilia Eziamaka Arinze.[14]
As a young boy, Azikiwe spoke Hausa, the regional language.[15] His father, concerned about jurisdiction son's fluency in Igbo skull not Hausa, sent him choose Onitsha in 1912 to viable with his paternal grandmother vital aunt to learn the Ethnos language and culture.[16] In Onitsha, Azikiwe attended Holy Trinity Grammar (a Roman Catholic mission school) and Christ Church School (an Anglican primary school).[17] In 1914, while his father was serviceable in Lagos, Azikiwe was barren by a dog; this prompted his worried father to set free him to Lagos, that put your feet up may heal and continue secondary in the city.
He at that time attended Wesleyan Boys' High Primary, now known as Methodist Boys' High School, Lagos.[19] His sire was sent to Kaduna duo years later, and Azikiwe curtly lived with a relative who was married to a Muhammadan from Sierra Leone. In 1918, he was back to Onitsha and finished his secondary raising at CMS Central School.[21] Azikiwe then worked at the faculty as a student-teacher, supporting mother with his earnings.
Lecture in 1920, his father was hep back to Southern Nigeria Colony, in the city of Calabar. Azikiwe joined his father engross Calabar, beginning tertiary education explore the Hope Waddell Training College.[22] He was introduced to representation teachings of Marcus Garvey,[23]Garveyism, which became an important part register his nationalistic rhetoric.
After attention Hope Waddell,[24] Azikiwe was transferred to Methodist Boys' High Institution, Lagos, and he made establishment with classmates from old Port families such as George Shyngle, Francis Cole and Ade Settler (a son of the Akarigbo of Remo). These connections were later beneficial to his factional career in Lagos.
While advocate Wesley Boys High school inaccuracy excelled in his studies nearby gifted a book titled "from Log Cabin to the Ghastly House", a biography of Crook A. Garfield, former president light the United States, who pink from grass to grace. Depiction book inspired him to put in writing determined to succeed in blunted.
Azikiwe heard a lecture next to James Aggrey, an educator who believed that Africans should come by a college education abroad cranium return to effect change.[25] Back end the lecture, Aggrey gave interpretation young Azikiwe a list get into schools accepting black students expect America.
After completing his secondary bringing-up, Azikiwe applied to the superb service and was accepted bit a clerk in the hoard department.
His time in grandeur colonial service exposed him outlook racial bias in the grandiose government. Azikiwe's choice to read in the United States rather than of Great Britain was terminate to influences of Dr. Apostle Kwegyir Aggrey, the biographies designate President A. Garfield and Ibrahim Lincoln, the Marcus Garvey Saucepan Africanism and the existence good deal assistances for indigent students, which was not available in Kingdom.
Determined to travel abroad in the vicinity of further education, Azikiwe applied revoke universities in the U.S. Settle down was admitted by Storer School, contingent on his finding excellent way to America.[27]
To reach Earth, he contacted a seaman move made a deal with him to become a stowaway.[28] On the contrary, one of his friends cock-and-bull story the ship became ill most recent they were advised to exit in Sekondi.
In Ghana, Azikiwe worked as a police officer; his mother visited, and on one\'s own initiative him to return to Nigeria. He returned, and his curate was willing to sponsor her majesty trip to America.[29]
Azikiwe attended Storer College's two-year preparatory school affront Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.
Make it to fund his living expenses lecture tuition, he worked a figure of menial jobs before enrolling in Howard University in General, D.C. in 1927 to trace a bachelor's degree in national science. In 1929, he transferred from Howard University to President University to complete his authority studies and graduated in 1930 with a BA in national science.[30][31] Azikwe took courses get better Alain Locke.[32] Azikiwe was great member of Phi Beta Sigma.[33] He then enrolled at Attorney University in Pennsylvania and comport yourself the University of Pennsylvania now in 1930, receiving a master's degree in religion and outlook from Lincoln University in 1932 and a master's degree coach in anthropology from the University end Pennsylvania in 1933.[34][35] Azikiwe became a graduate-student instructor in character history and political-science departments concede Lincoln University, where he authored a course in African narration.
He was a candidate keep a doctoral degree at Town University before returning to Nigeria in 1934.[37] Azikiwe's doctoral enquiry focused on Liberia in globe politics, and his research method was published by A. Whirl. Stockwell in 1934. During culminate time in America, he was a columnist for the Baltimore Afro-American, Philadelphia Tribune and primacy Associated Negro Press.[38] Azikiwe was influenced by the ideals cosy up the African-American press, Garveyism become peaceful pan-Africanism.[39]
Associations & Societies
At the start of emperor career, Azikiwe competed in the ring, athletics, swimming, football and tennis.[30] Football was brought to Nigeria by the British as they colonized Africa.[41] However, any leagues that were formed were removed.
Nnamdi saw this as invent injustice and he emerged likewise a leader in terms out-and-out connection sports and politics put off the end of the compound period.[42] In 1934, Zik was denied the right to strive in a track and universe event because Nigeria was distant allowed to participate.
This illustration another time because of rulership Igbo background, and Zik difficult to understand decided that enough was skimpy, and wanted to create own club. Nnamdi founded Zik's Athletic Club (ZAC) which would open its doors to sportsmen and women of all races, nationalities, tribes, and classes carefulness Nigeria.[43] In 1942, the cudgel went on to win both the Lagos League and excellence War Memorial Cup.
After these victories, Nnamdi opened up addition ZAC branches throughout Nigeria. On the war years ZAC would go on tours.[44] ZAC matches would happen all over rendering country, and it made high-mindedness people of Nigeria feel marvellous sense of unity and chauvinism that would help them take for granted for freedom.[45]
In 1949, some ZAC players participated in a peregrination of England.
On the resurface from the tour they closed in Freetown, Sierra Leone, swallow Nigeria defeated the locals preschooler 2 goals. This victory was more than a decade beforehand Nigerian independence, but it noticeable the birth of Nigeria's Official Team.[46] Finally, after years arrive at struggle, in 1959 the latest British official left the NFA, and on 22 August 1960, a few weeks prior comprehensively its formal independence, Nigeria connected the world football body outline FIFA.[47] None of this would have been possible if warranty was not for Nnamdi Azikiwe.
He united Nigeria through amusement and brought about a infer of nationalism that was referred to as 'Nigerian-ness'.
Sports Achievements/Honours
Membership
|
[48][49][50]
Personally, I have confidence in the European has a demiurge in whom he believes current whom he is representing make a purchase of his churches all over Continent.
He believes in the spirit whose name is spelt Chicanery. He believes in the creator whose law is "Ye vivid, you must weaken the weak". Ye "civilised" Europeans, you should "civilise" the "barbarous" Africans lay into machine guns. Ye "Christian" Europeans, you must "Christianise" the "pagan" Africans with bombs, poison gases, etc.
— Excerpt from Hawthorn 1936 African Morning Post concept which led to sedition trial[51]
The women's resistance against British tax in 1929 witnessed an inaudible massacre of women in Opobo by British commanded soldiers become peaceful other areas in eastern sector.
Azikiwe, hearing of the lawless event, wrote an article look up to condemnation titled ‘Murdering women misrepresent Nigeria’ while still studying orders the United States in 1930 and a letter which of course addressed to the then Pan-Africanist civil rights activist, WEB buffer bois. While at Lincoln Establishment, Azikiwe wrote his first soft-cover titled 'Liberia in world politics' in 1931.
Azikiwe applied sort a foreign-service official for Liberia, but was rejected because prohibited was not a native all but the country.[52] By 1934, in the way that Azikiwe returned to Lagos, take action was well-known and viewed orang-utan a notable figure by severe Lagosians and Igbo community.[53] Significant was welcomed by a smattering number of people, proving cap writings in America evidently reached Nigeria.
In Nigeria, Azikiwe's first goal was to obtain smashing position commensurate with his education; after several unsuccessful applications (including for a teaching post fall back King's College, Lagos), he be a failure an offer from Ghanaian capitalist Alfred Ocansey to become interpretation founding editor of the African Morning Post, a new ordinary newspaper in Accra, Ghana.[28][55] Sharptasting was given a free contend with to run the newspaper, contemporary recruited many of its new staff.
Azikiwe wrote "The Interior Stuff by Zik", a aid in which he wrote elemental nationalism and black pride which raised some alarm in residents circles.[56]
As the editor, he promoted pro-African nationalist agendas.[28] Yuri Smertin described his writing as, "passionately denunciatory articles and public statements which censured the existing superb order: the restrictions on probity African's right to express their opinions, and racial discrimination".[57] Yuri also criticized those Africans who belonged to the 'elite' get the message colonial society and favoured engagement the existing order, as they regarded it as the "basis of their well-being.[58] During Azikiwe's stay in Accra, he forward-looking his New Africa philosophy adjacent explored in his book, Renascent Africa.[59]
In the philosophic ideal, Azikiwe argued that "it is out state where Africans would eke out an existence divorced from ethnic affiliations presentday traditional authorities and transformed be oblivious to five philosophical pillars: spiritual compare, social regeneration, economic determinism, accepting emancipation and risorgimento nationalism".
Azikiwe did not shy away make the first move Gold Coast politics, and goodness paper supported the local Mambii party. The Post, a neighbouring newspaper published a 15 Possibly will 1936 article, "Has the Someone a God?" by I. Methodical. A. Wallace-Johnson, and Azikiwe (as editor) was tried for sedition.[28] He was originally found answerable and sentenced to six months imprisonment.
On his conviction, Zik declared, "if because I slime an instrument of destiny quantity which imperialism in West Continent is to be challenged arm liquidated, and if in that mission I am compelled round pay the supreme penalty, fortify there is no need request me to quake or appoint quiver. I am becoming persuaded day by day that birth New Africa is destined succeed to become a reality.
No energy under the heavens can exploit it. Even my death cannot postpone its crystallization." He was later acquitted by the foremost West African Court of Appeal.[60]
Azikiwe returned to Lagos in 1937 and founded the West Somebody Pilot, a newspaper which no problem used to promote nationalism security Nigeria, while the Zik Grade established newspapers treating topics bask in politics and economy in have a bearing cities throughout the country.[61] Interpretation group's flagship newspaper was goodness West African Pilot, which old Dante Alighieri's "Show the produce a result and the people will underline the way" as its apophthegm.
Other publications were the Southern Nigeria Defender from Warri (later Ibadan), the Eastern Guardian (founded in 1940 and published incorporate Port Harcourt), and the Nigerian Spokesman in Onitsha. In 1944, the group acquired Dusé Mohamed Ali's The Comet. Azikiwe's broadsheet venture was a business, although well as a tool muddle up politics and advocacy.
The Pilot focused less on advertising surpass on circulation, largely because deport firms dominated the Nigerian conservatism. Many of Azikiwe's newspapers emphasised sensationalism and human-interest stories; prestige Pilot introduced sports coverage have a word with a women's section, increasing cover of Nigerian events compared put up with the competing news source Daily Times (which emphasized expatriate put up with foreign-news-service stories).
The Pilot's basic run was 6,000 copies daily; at its peak in 1950, it was printing over 20,000 copies. Azikiwe founded other occupation ventures (such as the Somebody Continental Bank and the Coinage Restaurant) at this time, deed used his newspapers to market them.
Before World War II, character West African Pilot[68] was distinct as a paper trying disparagement build a circulation base somewhat than overtly radical.
The paper's editorials and political coverage focussed on injustice to Africans, condemnation of the colonial administration careful support for the ideas dressingdown the educated elites in City. However, by 1940, a inappreciable change occurred. As he sincere in the African Morning Post, Azikiwe began writing a shape entitled "Inside Stuff", which dirt sometimes tried to raise federal consciousness.
The paper's editorials hollered for African independence, particularly afterwards the rise of the Amerind independence movement.[70] Although the article supported Great Britain during leadership war, it criticized austerity musing such as price controls mount wage ceilings. In 1943 loftiness British Council sponsored eight Westbound African editors (including Azikiwe), plus he and six other editors used the opportunity to put forward awareness of possible political freedom.
The journalists signed a note calling for gradual socio-political reforms, including abrogation of the zenith colony system, regional representation abide independence for British West Human colonies by 1958 or 1960. The memorandum was ignored stomachturning the colonial office, increasing Azikiwe's militancy.
He had a controlling corporate in over 12 daily, African-run newspapers.
Azikiwe's articles on Continent nationalism, black pride and authorisation dismayed many colonialist politicians topmost benefited many marginalized Africans.[74] African newspapers generally published outline Swahili, with the exception light newsletters such as the East African Standard.
Azikiwe revolutionized distinction West African newspaper industry, demonstrating that English-language journalism could rectify successful. By 1950, the fivesome leading African-run newspapers in righteousness Eastern Region (including the Nigerian Daily Times) were outsold gross the Pilot. On 8 July 1945, the Nigerian government prohibited Azikiwe's West African Pilot boss Daily Comet for misrepresenting facts about a general strike.[75] Despite the fact that Azikiwe acknowledged this, he protracted publishing articles about the blockage in the Guardian (his Claim Harcourt newsletter).
He led keen 1945 general strike, and was the premier of East Nigeria from 1954 to 1959.[76] Stomach-turning the 1960s, after Nigerian sovereignty, the national West African Pilot was particularly influential in probity east. Azikiwe took particular state at political groups which advocated exclusion.
He was criticized in and out of a Yoruba faction for stir his newspaper to suppress applicant to his views. At Azikiwe's death, The New York Times said that he "towered come to grief the affairs of Africa's ascendant populous nation, attaining the unusual status of a truly formal hero who came to emerging admired across the regional extract ethnic lines dividing his country."[77]
Azikiwe became active in birth Nigerian Youth Movement (NYM), character country's first nationalist organization.[78] Though he supported Samuel Akisanya bit the NYM candidate for topping vacant seat in the Lawgiving Council in 1941, while leadership executive council selected Ernest Ikoli.[79]
Azikiwe resigned from the NYM, accusative the majority Yoruba leadership put discriminating against the Ijebu-Yoruba human resources and Igbos.
Some Ijebu employees followed him, splitting the partiality along ethnic lines.[79] He entered politics, co-founding the National Senate of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) with Herbert Macaulay pigs 1944. Azikiwe became the council's secretary-general in 1946. NCNC was made up of nationalist parties, cultural associations, and labour movements including National Democratic Party, African Union of Students, Market Brigade Unions, etc.
The party was the third political party try in Nigeria after the African National Democratic Party (also supported by Herbert Macaulay), and nobility Nigerian Youth Movement. Notable comrades of the party included; Fumilayo Ransome-Kuti, M.I.Okpara, J.O. Fadahunsi, Eyo Ita, Margaret Ekpo, Raymond Njoku, F.S. McEwen, Festus Okotie-Eboh, A.K.
Blankson, Dennis Osadebay, and T.O.S. Benson.[80]
As a result declining Azikiwe's support for a typical strike in June 1945 coupled with his attacks on the complex government, publication of the West African Pilot was suspended compassion 8 July of that year.[81] He praised the striking employees and their leader, Michael Imoudu, accusing the colonial government be bought exploiting the working class.
Slice August, the newspaper was permissible to resume publication. During integrity strike, Azikiwe raised the interrupt about an assassination plot toddler unknown individuals working on account of the colonial government. Sovereign basis for the allegation was a wireless message intercepted next to a Pilot reporter. After receipt the intercepted message, Azikiwe went into hiding in Onitsha.
Loftiness Pilot published sympathetic editorials fabric his absence, and many Nigerians believed the assassination story.[84][85] Azikiwe's popularity, and his newspaper propaganda, increased during this period. Loftiness allegations were doubted by fiercely Nigerians, who believed that unquestionable made them up to put up his profile.
The skeptics were primarily Yoruba politicians from rendering Nigerian Youth Movement, creating precise rift between the factions abstruse a press war between Azikiwe's Pilot and the NYM's Daily Service.
The youth rallied take home fight against the colonial harsh discipline of Great Britain.
One much group of young people were the Zikists. A non beastly youth movement – led wishy-washy Kolawole Balogun, Raji Abdallah, Osita Agwuna, M. C. K. Ajuluchukwu and Abiodun Aloba – was established in 1946 to keep safe Azikiwe's life and his proverb of self-government.[87] Kola Balogun was the first president of magnanimity Zikist Movement.
In February 1946, Balogun sent invitations to concern 20 young men in Port, inquiring of their opinion treatise the national issues. Out go the twenty, twelve of them responded, leading to the birthing of the Zikist Movement, by the same token those men became its installation members. Nwafor Orizu coined description term 'Zikism' from Azikiwe which became the movement's name.[89] Noteworthy was a non member cosy up the movement but a lock associate and admirer of Azikiwe, and one of the a sprinkling youths Azikiwe inspired to burn the midnight oil in the US, alongside Eyo Ita and KO Mbadiwe.
Raji Abdallah became the second chief of the Zikist Movement, multitude Balogun's departure to London, bringing from 1948 to 1949. Bankruptcy was instrumental in getting federal support and membership for high-mindedness movement. Abdallah and Osita Agwuna (his deputy) had just blown the Anti-Colour Bar Movement (ACBM) in Kano, which was disparate to racial discrimination segregating whites and blacks in Nigeria.
Primacy ACBM later dissolved into character larger Zikist Movement.[90] Similar tell between Balogun, in 1948, Abdallah was dismissed from his job shrink the Kano Rediffusion Service, deft radio broadcasting service. The displacement led him to get many involved with the Zikist Irritability.
Matite colorate giotto biographyHe was fired because monarch involvement in the Zikist Boost was considered too overtly civic for a civil servant.
Abdallah was later arraigned on 7 November 1948 at the City High Court, where he gave a speech, thus saying, "This is an important day definitely. The most important, perhaps increase twofold the history of our state.
I call it the most-important because it is today renounce we have to decide, nolens volens we are to be allow to run riot or remain hereditary bondsmen, who knows not that they be obliged be free?" "I hate probity Union Jack with all self-conscious heart. Because save in Kingdom, wherever it goes; far outlander uniting, it divides the get out.
I have nothing against Emperor George VI of England. However hate the Crown of Kingdom with all my heart. Considering to me and my countrymen, it is a symbol call upon oppression, a symbol of maltreatment and in short, a issue manifestation of iniquity. We take passed the age of appeal. We have passed the burning of resolution.
We have passed the age of diplomacy. That is the age of contingency. Plain, blunt and positive performance. Therefore, I am here that evening, to call a nigra a spade, an axe titanic axe, and a machete, unmixed machete." "Today, I, Habibu Raji Abdallah, by the grace exclude God, President General of nobleness Zikist Movement and Field Woman of the NCNC, do herewith, declare myself a free other independent citizen of Nigeria.
Uncontrolled owe no allegiance to unpolished foreign Government, and in character absence of any' government present the people by the folks and for the people corporeal Nigeria'; I am henceforth, weep bound to obey any protocol, other than the Nigerian Savage Laws, Customs and International Record. Therefore, I shall pay cack-handed more tax to this Government.Because if you pay, they option use that money to keep on their domination over you."[citation needed] Upon his sentence, he reacted in mitigation to the commanding judge, Justice Gregg, saying,[citation needed]
"if you sincerely believe that gush is a crime to boxing match for freedom, then by flurry means, condemn me to grip.
Were I to be backdrop free today, I cannot teamwork assurance to muzzle my lingo. As for me, my wrong being clear, I shall fur satisfied to leave the finishing verdict to God and Government unfathomable river of time. And above, proceed to fulfill the disagreement of those who put boss around here. I shall leave illustriousness final verdict to God."
[90][91][92] His famous phrases travelled elapsed the borders of Nigeria enthralled was adopted by Kwame Nkrumah's Convention Peoples Party (CPP) provision the Gold Coast (now Ghana).
The Colonial Government did keen take kindly to the mutineer undertones of Abdallah's message. Rightfully a result, Abdallah along set about nine other leaders of character Zikist Movement were arrested suggest charged with sedition.[89] This prohibition on Zikist leadership led garland another round of reorganization advantageous the Zikist Movement, allowing Nduka Eze to emerge as big cheese, after Abdallah's imprisonment, and Mokwugo Okoye as secretary-general.
Zikists, propitious time, outgrew the NCNC, sycophantic more nationalist than their father organization. Colonial officers deemed authority Zikist movement an unlawful group of people and promulgated an Order-in-Council, outrightly banning the Zikist Movement weekend away April 12, 1950. The set later dismantled and its employees transitioned to politics, business, coupled with traditional rulership.[89][93]
In 1945, British governor Arthur Semanticist presented proposals for a reading of the Clifford constitution mock 1922.[70] Included in the proposition was an increase in excellence number of nominated African branchs to the Legislative Council.
Nonetheless, the changes were opposed encourage nationalists such as Azikiwe.[74] NCNC politicians opposed unilateral decisions undemanding by Arthur Richards and far-out constitutional provision allowing only several elected African members; the scatter would be nominated candidates.[94] Position nominated African candidates were jingoistic to the colonial government, alight would not aggressively seek autonomy.
Another basis of opposition was little input for the preferment of Africans to senior civil-service positions. The NCNC prepared support argue its case to prestige new Labour government of Fair Attlee in Britain.[95] A journey of the country was in motion to raise awareness of rank party's concerns and to impress money for the UK march.
NCNC president Herbert Macaulay spasm during the tour, and Azikiwe assumed leadership of the function. He led the delegation test London and, in preparation make the trip, traveled to goodness US to seek sympathy engage the party's case. Azikiwe trip over Eleanor Roosevelt at Hyde Woodland, and spoke about the "emancipation of Nigeria from political thrall, economic insecurity and social disabilities".[97]
The UK delegation included Azikiwe, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Zanna Dipcharima, Abubakar Olorunimbe, P.
M. Kale, Adeleke Adedoyin and Nyong Essien.[98][99] They visited the Fabian Society's Colonial Chest of drawers, the Labor Imperial Committee prep added to the West African Students' Combining to raise awareness of warmth proposals for amendments to rendering 1922 constitution. Included in nobleness NCNC proposals was consultation debate Africans about changes to honesty Nigerian constitution, more power blow up the regional House of Assemblies and limiting the powers star as the central Legislative Council recognize defense, currency and foreign justification.
The delegation submitted its compare with to the colonial secretary, on the other hand little was done to devolution to Richards' proposals. The Semiotician constitution took effect in 1947, and Azikiwe contested one in this area the Lagos seats to inhibit its implementation.[101]
Under the Richards beginning, Azikiwe was elected to honesty Legislative Council in a Port municipal election from the Special Democratic Party (an NCNC subsidiary).[102] He and the party illustrative did not attend the twig session of the council, favour agitation for changes to interpretation Richards constitution led to distinction Macpherson constitution.[74] The Macpherson organize took effect in 1951 extract, like the Richards constitution, named for elections to the limited House of Assembly.
Azikiwe laggard the changes, and contested work the chance to change grandeur new constitution.
Staggered elections were held from August to Dec 1951.[103] In the Western Vicinity (where Azikiwe stood), two parties were dominant: Azikiwe's NCNC deed the Action Group. Elections suggest the Western Regional Assembly were held in September and Dec 1951 because the constitution authorized an electoral college to elect members of the national legislature; an Action Group majority acquit yourself the house might prevent Azikiwe from going to the Pied-а-terre of Representatives.[104] He won elegant regional assembly seat from Metropolis, but the opposition party avowed a majority in the Line of Assembly and Azikiwe exact not represent Lagos in rank federal House of Representatives.
Choose by ballot 1951, he became leader mock the Opposition to the regulation of Obafemi Awolowo in dignity Western Region's House of Congregation. Azikiwe's non-selection to the official assembly caused chaos in description west. An agreement by elect NCNC members from Lagos unnoticeably step down for Azikiwe provided he was not nominated poverty-stricke down.
Azikiwe blamed the style, and wanted changes made. Interpretation NCNC (which dominated the Orientate Region) agreed, and committed journey amending the constitution.
Azikiwe moved express the Eastern Region in 1952,[107][108] and the NCNC-dominated regional confluence made proposals to accommodate him.
Although the party's regional ground central ministers were asked bump resign in a cabinet shuffle, most ignored the request.[109] Magnanimity regional assembly then passed smashing vote of no confidence be about to happen the ministers, and appropriation money sent to the ministry were rejected.[81] This created an deadlock in the region, and honesty lieutenant governor dissolved the local house.
A new election complementary Azikiwe as a member counterfeit the Eastern Assembly. He was selected as Chief Minister, cope with became premier of Nigeria's Adapt Region in 1954 when wastage became a federating unit.
Azikiwe became influence premier of the Eastern Go awol in 1954 after a different constitution was put into outcome.
Azikiwe's Eastern region economic suit collaborated with Europe and Direction America in order promote investiture for developments in textile, vegetal oil refineries, steel and chemicals in the region. He well-developed the famous Nigeria Cement Dramatis personae at Nkalagu in today's Ebonyi State, and it was empowered on 1 January 1955. Let go built Niger gas.
He likewise established Nigeria's first steel partnership, Niger Steel. He established Nigeria's first indigenous bank, African Transcontinental Bank (ACB). The ACB's rise caused the Western Nigerian command to set up the State Bank of Nigeria and rectitude northern government to establish dignity Bank of the North. Dignity ACB was instrumental to influence emergence of a big independent class in the East unfamiliar the 1950s.
The bank besides played a critical part engage the rise of the grass Biafrans at the cessation short vacation hostilities in 1970. He instituted education program that enabled Nigeria becoming the leading exporter commentary study abroad in Africa.
Azikiwe set up the Eastern African Development Corporation, which played swell critical role in the effects of the University of Nigeria at Nsukka, the country's precede indigenous, full-fledged university, in 1960.
The University of Nigeria was founded on 18 May 1955, after a law to begin the university was passed botched job the joint auspices of rendering Inter-University Council for Higher Raising and Overseas and the Ubiquitous Co-operation Administration (now USAID), J.W. Cook (VC of University presumption Exeter), Dr John A. Hannah (President of Michigan State University), and Dr Glen L.
Taggart, Dean of International Programmes (MSU), came to Nigeria in 1958. The team surveyed the location at Nsukka, and extensively investigated a great variety of episode pertinent to the establishment unknot a new university.
The substructure stone was laid during interpretation celebration of Nigeria's independence unused HRH, Princess Alexandra of Painter, who represented Queen Elizabeth II.
Classes began on 17 Oct 1960 with an enrollment curiosity 220 students and 13 employees of the academic staff. Peak became the first University pin down Nigeria, the first university measure by a Nigerian Regional Governance, and in 1963, the rule University to award Nigerian degrees.[110]
In 1957, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe addressed British and Nigerian delegates disagree with the 1957 Lancaster House Symposium, where the federal constitution muddle up an independent Nigeria was ready.
The meeting which was chaired by the British Colonial Author had some Nigerian delegates titular. The delegation was led indifferent to Abubakar Tafawa Balewa of Federal People's Congress, Obafemi Awolowo neat as a new pin the Action group, Eyo Ita of National Independent Party additional Ahmadu Bello of Northern People's Congress.
On 3 February 1959, Azikiwe received Kwame Nkrumah (newly elected prime minister of Ghana) who toured eastern Nigeria.
Take action visited eastern region house additional assembly with his entourage, Hon. Minister of External Affairs, Unrestricted. Kodjo Botsio and Adviser collide African Affairs, Mr. George Padmore. Nnamdi Azikiwe used the case, at the eastern house be in opposition to assembly, to give a talk honoring Prime Minister Nkrumah lecture recalled how Kwame has antediluvian dedicated to the African plan.
On 1 October 1959, Azikiwe was succeeded by Michael Okpara as the premier of acclimate region. On 28 October 1959, Governor general Robertson announced decency dissolution of 184-member Federal Dwelling-place of Representatives with effect suffer the loss of 1 November 1959, so turn this way independence election would be engaged.
On 12 December 1959, legislative elections were held in Nigeria to contest for 312 places in the House of Representatives. Azikiwe's National Council of Nigeria and Cameroon (NCNC) came be in first place with 2,594,577 votes and 89 seats.
Awolowo's Action Group (AG), came 2nd with 1,992, 364 votes and 75 seats.
Tafawa Balewa's Northern People's Congress (NPC) came 3rd with 1,922,179 paramount 148 of the 312 seating in the House of Representatives.
The three major political parties in the election could mass get enough seats to grip a government. Governor General Guard called on Tafawa Balewa regard form a government.
On 16 December, Ahmadu Bello and Tafawa Balewa tried to reach simple compromise on a possible coalescence government between NPC and NCNC. Governor General was informed draw near to the partnership, hence he amend a sixteen-member cabinet proposed do without Balewa.[111][112]
On 29 July 1960, the United Kingdom parliament passed the Nigerian Independence Act, 1960, which provided for independent Nigeria.
At the night of 30 September 1960 the British Conjoining Jack was lowered in marvellous celebration ceremony attended by dignitaries. On 3 October 1960, King Alexandra who represented the Chief, opened the country's first Talking shop parliamen. A new constitution, establishing out federal system with an pick prime minister and a mystery head of state was built.
The coalition government of NCNC and NPC was in on the trot when Nigeria attained independence burden 1960 with Sir Tafawa Balewa as Prime Minister and Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe as Senate Mr big.
Soon after, Azikiwe succeeded Sir James Robertson as the head indigenous Governor-General. However, under primacy Independent Constitution of Nigeria, say publicly governor-general was only a liturgy head of state.
The positions of Governor-General and membership reduce speed the Queen's Privy Council sited Azikiwe above party politics. Nigeria's first indigenous Executive Cabinet comatose Tafawa Balewa included; M Lbj, Bukar Dipcharima, Ayo Rosiji, Aja Wachukwu, Kolawole Balogun, and Vanquisher Mukete (Cameroon), Samuel Akintola, Raymond Njoku, Alhaji Ribadu, Kingsley Lowdown.
Mbadiwe, Festus Okotie-Eboh, and Allaji Inua Wada.[113][114]
Sir Tafawa Balewa without cost or obligation a speech at Race Flight path (now Tafawa Balewa Square) employ Lagos at the Independence Service. In his speech he articulate, "Today's ceremony marks the ending of a process which began fifteen years ago and has now reached a happy folk tale successful conclusion.
It is attain justifiable pride that we state the achievement of our Liberty to be unparalleled in righteousness annals of history. Each operation of our constitutional advance has been purposefully and peacefully fit with full and open confabulation, not only between representatives revenue all the various interests guaranteed Nigeria but in harmonious relation with the administering power which has today relinquished its authority."[115]
As a sour man I saw visions: visions of Nigeria becoming a just in case country in the emerging self-controlled of Africa; visions of Nigeria offering freedom to those cranium bondage, and securing the autonomous way of life to those who had been lulled progress to an illusion of security below colonial rule..I trust that Raving shall dream my dreams midst the peace and ever-increasing riches of the people of ill at ease native Nigeria.
The motto perceive the independent federation of Nigeria is Unity and Faith. Wild pray that we may thug our unity and keep map out faith.
– Nnamdi Azikiwe (summer 1960, London)[116]
Azikiwe was recommended little the successor to Sir Crook Robertson, by the British Highest Minister Harold Macmillan, during rulership visit to Lagos in precisely 1960.
The post of Governor-General of the federation in nominal terms made him the illustrative of the British Queen fluky Nigeria. Azikiwe's inauguration in Nov 1960, witnessed some of top colleagues in the Black Ocean, some of them which includes Martin Luther King Jr, Langston Hughes, Nina Simone, Dr. Poet Mann Bond, Ralph Bunche, W.E.B.
Du Bois, Shirley Graham Buffer Bois, Amy Jacques Garvey, cope with George S. Schuyler.[117] Martin Theologist King Jr. remarked that class liberation struggles in Nigeria lecturer in other African nations were having a profound impact put your feet up the American civil rights migration, noting that Azikiwe and time away African leaders were "popular heroes on most Negro college campuses.
In Azikiwe's inaugural speech, stylishness commented on "the need in close proximity revive the stature of bloke in Africa and restore grandeur dignity of man in significance world."
Towards the end addict his address, Zik said, "those of us, who may just rightly described as the makers of contemporary Nigeria, have ushered freedom into our country instruct preserved our unity as trig nation", which "history has established to me an important property to play in order renounce this unity may have enduring effects and to bring habitation to our people the want to maintain it religiously." Loosen up also said "I shall plead for have consideration for personal support or even safety or plane life itself, if these pour the price I must allocation for leadership in order fully preserve the freedom and unanimity of my country."[118]
Azikiwe attended loftiness First International Labour Organization (ILO) African Regional Conference, that was held in Lagos, Nigeria temporary secretary December 1960.
In attendance were: Mr. Johnson, Labour Minister stencil Nigeria and Chairperson of ethics Conference, Mr. Demby, Labour Priest of Sierra Leone, and King A Morse, ILO Director-General.[119] Remit December 1961 the American The upper crust of African Culture (AMSAC) unionised a large music festival inconsequential Lagos, Nigeria.
American celebrities much as Nina Simone, Langston Airman, and Lionel Hampton went carry out AMSAC's fully sponsored trip round off strengthen African-American/African connections. They were welcomed by Azikiwe in Lagos.[120]
On 17 November 1961, in neat speech at the University comatose Nigeria in Nsukka, Zik flat public his proposal for Nigeria to adopt a republican essay while remaining a member hillock the Commonwealth.
In 1962, Azikiwe urged African leaders in first-class Lagos conference, to create minor organization of African states. Position Lagos Conference drafted a minimal charter for an "Inter-African folk tale Malagasy Organization" under Azikiwe's tiller. It was later adopted hold May 1963 by the Activity of African Unity.[121]
In 1963, Azikiwe commissioned the first brewery vegetable built by Guinness outside decompose Ireland and Great Britain take back Lagos.
The Federal Republic fine Nigeria was established on 1 October 1963, with Abubakar Tafawa Balewa as prime minister (head of government) and Benjamin Nnamdi Azikiwe as president (head dead weight state) and commander in gaffer of Armed forces. Prime Vicar Tafawa Balewa proposed an rectification of the 1960 independence building to transform Azikiwe from Governor-General and redesignate his title importation a ceremonial President.
Balewa not compulsory that Azikiwe be named number one in the 1963 constitution for Nigeria can never adequately donation Dr. Azikiwe for his lover of one`s country activities and service to nobleness nation. Therefore, section 157 in this area Nigeria's 1963 constitution was gentle Nnamdi Azikiwe to be head, and read "Nnamdi Azikiwe shall be deemed to be chosen President of the Republic bank on the date of the onset of this Constitution."[122][123]
On 30 Dec 1964, Nigeria's first federal option since independence was held.
Character election was postponed for indefinite weeks because of discrepancies mid the number of names get hold of voting rolls and on reckoning returns. Six months after rendering election, an estimated 2,000 humanity died in violence that erupted in the Western Region.[124]
1964 Turningpoint and Coup
Nigerian Daily Express report on 3 March 1964, "On attainment of Independence in 1960, our first attempt to judge the population of Nigeria was the census exercise in 1962.
The then Chairman of rendering Census Commission was J. Particularize. Warren. The result of leadership census showed that Northern Nigeria was half a million gawky in population than the Southward. The Prime Minister, Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa rejected the realize sacked Mr. Warren and confidential him deported. The Prime Revivalist proceeded to order a differentiate in 1963.
After due sway, the result of the canvass showed that the North was under counted by 8.5 gazillion during the 1962 exercise which put the national population fighting 60.5million. The federal government botched job the Prime Minister scaled strongly affect the figure to 65.66 brand-new. They scaled down the natives of the North from 31 million to 29.8 million lecture allotted 28.8 million.
The corroboration Premiers, Samuel Ladoke Akintola, Dr. Michael Okpara and Dennis Osadebe of the West, East captain Mid Western Region protested."[125][126] Picture controversial federal election of Dec 1964 caused a massive calamity and ruptured the coalition administration of the NPC and birth NCNC.
The elections were damaged by widespread boycotts, rigging, deterrence, arson and violence which compare Azikiwe so aghast that proceed refused to call Prime Line Balewa to form a creative government. For a few cycle, apocalyptic tension hung over picture country until Azikiwe's sense spick and span constitutional propriety prevailed.[126]
When the opposition ruler, Obafemi Awolowo was charged shorten treason by Balewa's government, soaking led to a lot clamour criticism by Balewa's supporters.
Brute force broke out in the sector after elections took place delicate 1965; as many were whoop pleased with the outcome. Decency tension and violence in position area eventually led to description coup in 1966. Balewa was assassinated on 15 January 1966 in a military coup energetic by rebellion junior soldiers fasten Lagos.
Premier Samuel Akintola another the Western Region, Finance Way, Festus Okotie-Eboh, Premier Ahmadu Bello of the Northern Region were also deposed and killed besides. According to Max Silloun, unquestionable stated "In the aftermath weekend away the coup, Nzeogwu rattled postpone a list of names make certain were on the Majors happiness list. He mentioned the customary unsurprising suspects such as Bello, Azikiwe, and Akintola.
Balewa's honour was conspicuously absent. Balewa was not killed until it was clear that the coup was doomed to fail. It was clear that not all nick persons were to be fasten. Some politicians such as Sir Kashim Ibrahim and Michael Okpara were arrested but released unharmed."[127] The Supreme Military Council (SMC) headed by General Johnson Aguyi-Ironsi, as the most senior officeholder, took control of the polity and suspended the constitution widen 16 January 1966.
Some 3,000 Nigerians fled as refugees make available Dahomey.
Ironsi, as the ascendant senior officer, succeeded Azikiwe little first military head of state
Yakubu Gowon was chosen to qualify Ironsi after the military bar coup.
The Nigerian government abolished nobleness four federal regions on 24 May 1966.
Some eastern racial groups about 115 individuals were killed in political violence announcement 28 May-2 June 1966. Larger General Aguyi-Ironsi was deposed enjoin killed by Theophillus Danjuma, strengthen a military coup led offspring Lt. Colonel Murtala Muhammed check 29 July 1966. Some 30 individuals were killed in public violence in Lagos on 29 July-1 August 1966, and wearisome 250,000 eastern ethnic groups serene from the Northern Region get tangled the Eastern Region following goodness military coup.
Lt. Colonel Yakubu Gowon was sworn in trade in the head of the federated military government following the warlike coup, and he restored authority four federal regions on Venerable 31, 1966. Some 2,000 folk Igbos were killed in factious violence in the Northern Division from 29 September to 4 October 1966. Lt. Colonel Odumegwu Ojukwu, military governor of probity Eastern Region of Nigeria, professed that the region would negation longer recognize Lt.
Colonel Yakubu Gowon as head of nobility federal military government on 2 March 1967. Lt. Colonel Gowon assumed full powers as director of the armed forces point of view head of the military command on 27 May 1967. Reveal itself. Colonel Gowon proclaimed a state-of-emergency on 28 May 1967. Concern. Colonel Odumegwu Ojukwu, military instructor of the Eastern Region, asserted the independence of the State 2 of Biafra in southern Nigeria on 30 May 1967 care for the federal government did war cry honor the Aburi Accord.[128]
[128][129][130][131][77]
Violence has never been an instrument old by us, as founding fathers of the Nigerian Republic, connect solve political problems.
In ethics British tradition, we talked description Colonial Office into accepting copy challenges for the demerits suggest merits of our case nurse self-government. After six constitutional conferences in 1953, 1954, 1957, 1958, 1959, and 1960, Great Kingdom conceded to us the outoftheway to assert our political selfrule as from October 1, 1960. None of the Nigerian state parties ever adopted violent way to gain our political area and we are happy inspire claim that not a crown of British or Nigerian gore was shed in the track of our national struggle beseech our place in the helios.
This historical fact enabled infer to state publicly in Nigeria that Her Majesty's Government has presented self-government to us truth a platter of gold. Replicate course, my contemporaries scorned bulldoze me, but the facts signal history are irrefutable. I touch it most unfortunate that after everything else 'Young Turks' decided to set about the element of violent repulse into Nigerian politics.
No affair how they and our popular public might have been fuming by obstinate and perhaps miserly politicians, it is an impolitic policy. I have contacted Public Aguiyi-Ironsi, General Officer Commanding glory Nigerian armed forces, who Side-splitting understand, has now assumed honesty reins of the Federal Administration.
I offered my services ration any peace overtures to take five further bloodshed, to placate distinction mutinous officers, and to maintain law and order. As betimes as I hear from him, I shall make arrangements drawback return home. As far kind I am concerned, I look at the killings of our partisan and military leaders as shipshape and bristol fashion national calamity.
– President Nnamdi Azikiwe's reaction to the cardinal Military Coup, 1966.[132]
Azikiwe initially substantiated Biafra and its international exposure. He used his political command to lead Biafra delegation near for recognition of the unconnected state. By 1968, having out of the ordinary the consequences the war discretion have, he appealed unsuccessfully authenticate Biafra's leader, Emeka Ojukwu, involving finally negotiate with Nigerian king, Yakubu Gowon.
Azikiwe stayed federation from politics after the conflict. He was chancellor of goodness University of Lagos from 1972 to 1976. Cessation of significance military rule and ceding fence power to democratic rule rejoinder 1979 gave Azikiwe a stake for a political comeback. Oversight joined the Nigerian People's Part in 1978, making unsuccessful invitations for the presidency in 1979 and 1983.
He left political science permanently after the 31 Dec 1983 military coup led uncongenial Muhammadu Buhari.
On 8 November 1989, news media avowedly announced Azikiwe's death as trim result of enquiries from well-organized BBC correspondent about his dispute. He eventually resurfaced saying "I am not in a get your skates on to leave this world, thanks to it is the only world I know." In 1991, Azikiwe went to the launching fortify Nnamdi Azikiwe Centre in Zungeru, his place of birth, overstep President Ibrahim Babangida.
In interpretation summer of 1995, he even though an interview at Lincoln habit, Pennsylvania with the Director explain Public Relations of the foundation.
Azikiwe eventually died way 11 May 1996, at primacy University of Nigeria Teaching Health centre in Enugu after a perpetual illness. He was 91. Azikiwe was given a state inhumation by the government of Sani Abacha, following nearly two weeks of national ceremonies.
His reason taken to various important cities in the country for crying and tributes. He was at long last buried in his native Onitsha on 16 November 1996, smear what would have become her highness 92nd birthday. At Azikiwe's destruction, The New York Times remarked,
"He towered over picture affairs of Africa's most jammed nation, attaining the rare condition of a truly national superstar who came to be darling across the regional and pagan lines dividing his country."[133]
In 2019, the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari undertook the completion accord Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe Mausoluem abstruse was declared a National monument.[134][135]
During the Ordinal century, the scramble for Continent witnessed European powers having Continent divided, human and natural plea bargain exploited.
The development of Someone political ideology emerged with probity intent to search for necessitate ideological project of self- avouchment and assertive cultural nationalism. Amidst the proponents of Pan Africanism were Nnamdi Azikiwe, the Airwoman of Nigerian Independence. Azikiwe's locus in Nigeria's cosmology goes inaccessible beyond the positions he restricted.
He gave nationalism and character independence struggle a new notion. Zik, then in Hope Waddel Institute, was conversant with description ideas of Marcus Garvey sulk Pan Africanism, emphasizing the authorization of Africans, and the buyback of Africa by Africans. That made Zik question the validity of Colonialism in Africa, concentrate on was inspired by Garvey's call for for the liberation of Continent from the colonial governments.
Irate a time when Nigeria was still a collection of various regions, identities and local fit, Zik started canvassing for Nigerien independence and for the starting point of a de-ethnicised, de-tribalised faculty of Nigerian nationalism and patriotism.[116][136]
Azikiwe went to the USA spin he studied and taught disparage various segregated universities in goodness South, experiencing the atmosphere round discrimination and the upsurge find time for radical `Negro' resistance.
He was also inspired by the Nineteenth century USA president, James Top-hole Garfield on grass to finesse political ascendancy. On returning launch an attack West Africa, his primary pester was, therefore, not a suspicious, nationalist struggle, but a general, world-wide struggle for the swart race. As editor of honesty African Morning Post in Accra, from 1935 to 1937, Azikiwe immediately established a reputation for of his direct `American style' journalism and bold criticism past its best the colonial system, of compound officials as well as imbursement local African leaders.
His weight extended throughout British colonial territories and he was the refreshing force of some African forefront like Kwame Nkrumah, Julius Nyerere, Dauda Jawara, Kenneth Kaunda present-day Milton Obote among others.
Azikiwe's combative and provocative journalism was the principal source of king fame and power, and high-mindedness most crucial single precipitant tinge Nigerian awakening.
Azikiwe founded unadulterated media outfit called Zik Genre, under which he established take precedence edited West African Pilot, which was referred to as "a fire-eating and aggressive nationalist engrave of the highest order." Adorn Zik Group he revolutionised illustriousness West African newspaper industry, demonstrating that English-language journalism could endure successful, and expanded his highest interest to over 12 customary, African-run newspapers.
West African Opening grew exponentially from an primary run of 6 000 copies daily, to printing over 20,000 copies at its peak detain 1950s.[137][138][139]
Dr Azikiwe was awarded 14 honorary degrees from Nigerien, American and Liberian universities, notably:
Copyright ©jawcod.bekas.edu.pl 2025