Nigera+-+Period+3+-+Political+and+Economic+Change

Links Nigeria - Period 3 - Table of Contents

__The First Republic (1960-1966)__- In 1960,Britain had granted Nigeria independence to an elected parliamentary government, to which the Nigerians adopted. Within two years, northernization occured, bringing conflict between the north and the south, epecially in the Yoruba-based AG (Action Group) and the Igbo-dominated NCNC (National Convention of Nigerian Citizens). The First Republic president and the NPC (Northern People's Congress) Prime Minister then both approached the armed forces, making them aware that they had a political role to play. __Civil War and Military Rule (1966-1979)__- In July of 1966, Yakubu Gowon was brought to power. He built a military-led government of the remaining national unity in the north and west of Nigeria. After a three year war with Biafra in January of 1970, including over one million Nigerian deaths, the global oil boom occurred in 1973 and 1974. In 1975, Gowon was overthrown by Murtala Muhammad, who was soon assassinated, ceding power to General Olusegun Obasanjo, who soon retired. __The Second and Third Republics (1979-1999)__- The president of the Second Republic, Shehu Shagari, and his leading party the Nation Party of Nigeria (NPN), did little to reduce the amount of mistrust between the federation. Capturing majorities in the state and national elections of 1983, the NPN seemed to only cause problems. Shortly after, a military led by Major General Muhammadu Buhari seized power, was overthrown soon after in 1985 by General Ibrahim Babangida, who announced a quick transition to democratic rule. __The Fourth Republic (1999 to the Present)__- In May of 1999, Obansanjo was called out of retirement by the People's Democratic Party (PDP) to run for president. He targeted the oil sector, apologized for the country's debt, and continued with political confidence although he faced many opposition party and three motions to impeach him. In May of 2007, Obansanjo reluctantly handed power over to Umaru Musa Yar' Adua, who is now the current president. []
 * __Political and Economic Change__**
 * Critical Junctures**

Olusegun Obansanjo- General in the Civil War, President of the Fourth Republic Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu- Lieutenant Colonel in the Civil War, appealed to the UN for cease-fire for peaced negotiations Nigeria has undergone many reforms to try and overcome the instability and corruption. Because of the military rule in Nigeria, decision making policies are made directly rather than with consultation, political debate, and legislation. Prebendalism is a policy that is enacted throughout the government.
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 * Important People**
 * Economic Policies**