Why 1966 Military Coup Remains Nigeria’s Greatest National Trag£dy – Joe Abah

 

Why 1966 Military Coup Remains Nigeria’s Greatest National Tragedy – Joe Abah

Joe Abah, a governance expert and lawyer, has characterized the 1966 military coup as Nigeria’s greatest national tragedy.

On Wednesday, he commented at The Platform Nigeria event, an Independence Day celebration organized by Covenant Nation Church in Iganmu, Lagos.

Abah, speaking at the event titled “Rebuilding Our Nation,” emphasized that Nigeria’s 1963 Republican Constitution provided a more robust framework for governance and economic growth.

In Nigeria, both the federal government and regional authorities shared responsibilities for various areas, including arms and ammunition.

“Each region managed its own internal security and policing. Unlike today, where we have a unified police force, each region operated with its own separate police entity. This independence allowed them to conduct censuses accurately since the process was not linked to revenue sharing,” he explained.

He expressed regret that the 1966 coup disrupted this arrangement, pointing out that it led to nearly three decades of military rule.

“In my opinion, it’s the most significant tragedy our nation has ever faced,” Abah remarked.

The governance expert reminisced about Nigeria’s regional successes prior to the military intervention.

According to the Harvard Business Review, between 1954 and 1964, Nigeria’s Eastern Region was recognized as having the fastest-growing economy in the world.

He stated, “The Western Region provided free education whereas the Northern Region sustained the entire country and exported large amounts of groundnuts along with other agricultural products.”

Abah mentioned that the regional competition fostered innovation and growth until the military “stripped away all the power from the regions.”

The military approach emphasizes command and control. They divided the country into 12 states, each led by a military administrator who reported to a Supreme Military Council.

That approach stifled healthy competition and innovation, turning the guiding principle into “follow orders without question.”

Abah criticized Nigeria’s overly centralized governance structure, stating that it remains a legacy of military rule.

He stated, “Military rule was the greatest obstacle to our progress. Since then, most of our constitutions have perpetuated that excessive centralization.”

He cautioned that younger Nigerians, unfamiliar with a well-functioning regional system, might view coups as an attractive option.

We now have a majority of young people who have never experienced an effectively functioning Nigeria. Observing the occurrence of coups throughout West Africa, they find themselves drawn to the concept.

You can’t blame them, as democracy in Africa has not effectively provided the fundamental necessities.

“We refer to the rule of law, food security, quality education, healthcare access, opportunities for everyone, and an equitable environment where women can compete,” he explained.

Abah dismissed the notion that a “benevolent dictator” could resolve Nigeria’s issues.

He said, “Some young people might suggest that what we truly need is a benevolent dictator. However, Africa doesn’t tend to produce such leaders.”

He emphasized that renewing trust in democracy necessitates leaders ensuring that governance provides essential public services.

The military approach is characterized by command and control. They divided the country into 12 states, with each one led by a military administrator who reported to a Supreme Military Council.

That framework stifled healthy competition and innovation. The prevailing attitude shifted to “comply before questioning.”

Abah criticized Nigeria’s overly centralized governance structure, stating that it still reflects the country’s military rule legacy.

He said, “Military rule was the greatest setback to our progress. Most of our subsequent constitutions have perpetuated that over-centralization.”

He cautioned that younger Nigerians, who have never experienced an effective regional system, might find coups attractive.

We now have a generation of young people who have never experienced an effectively functioning Nigeria. Observing coups occurring throughout West Africa, they find the concept appealing.

It’s understandable that they feel this way, as democracy in Africa hasn’t effectively provided the essential needs.

“We’re referring to rule of law, food security, quality education, healthcare access, equal opportunities for everyone, and a fair environment where women can compete,” he explained.

Abah dismissed suggestions that a “benevolent dictator” could be the solution to Nigeria’s issues.

He noted, “There are young people who might suggest that what we truly need is a benevolent dictator. However, Africa generally does not produce such leaders; we tend to lack benevolent dictators.”

He mentioned that in order to restore faith in democracy, leaders need to ensure that governance effectively provides essential public services.