Table of Contents
- The 1966 Military Coup: A National Tragedy
- The Platform Nigeria Event
- The 1963 Republican Constitution
- Impact of the 1966 Coup
Governance expert and attorney, Joe Abah, claims that the 1966 military coup stands as Nigeria’s greatest national tragedy.
Abah made this statement during ‘The Platform Nigeria’, an Independence Day event organized by Covenant Nation Church in Lagos on Wednesday.
The legal professional, who addressed the event’s theme, ‘Rebuilding Our Nation’, stressed that Nigeria’s 1963 Republican Constitution provided a more robust framework for governance and economic advancement.
“At that time, the Federal Government and the regions in Nigeria shared concurrent responsibilities for numerous matters, including arms and ammunition.
“Each region was accountable for internal security and law enforcement. Unlike the current scenario with a centralized police force, each region maintained its own police. They were able to conduct accurate censuses since it was not linked to revenue distribution,” he explained.
He remarked that the 1966 coup initiated nearly three decades of military governance, asserting that it is the most significant tragedy to have occurred in the nation’s history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the significance of the 1966 military coup in Nigeria?
The 1966 military coup is viewed as Nigeria's worst national tragedy as it led to nearly 30 years of military rule, significantly impacting the nation's governance and development.
What was the 1963 Republican Constitution?
The 1963 Republican Constitution provided a stronger governance structure compared to later frameworks, allowing regions to manage their internal security and conduct accurate censuses without revenue sharing influences.
