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2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day: The First Of The January 15s - Politics - Nairaland

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2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day: The First Of The January 15s by Cekpo34(m): 6:43pm On Jan 14, 2018
2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day: The First Of The January 15s

Nigerians woke up on the dawn of Saturday January15, 1966 to behold the rear reality of the gory escapade by some hot-headed Majors who seek to impose reforms by exterminating every element that could hinder it – it was the first putsch in the most populous black nation on earth! This January 15, 1966 coup would culminate in a civil war that would end on another January 15, 1970.

Who were the Principal Actors?
The following Majors and Captains played preponderance roles in the organization and execution of the January 1966 coup:
• Maj. Christian Anuforo (General Staff Officer (Grade II), Army Headquarters, Lagos)
• Maj. Chukwuma K. Nzeogwu (Chief Instructor, NMTC, Kaduna)
• Maj. Donatus Okafor (Commanding Officer, Federal Guards, Lagos)
• Maj. Emmanuel Ifeajuna (Brigade Major, 2 Brigade, Lagos)
• Maj. Humphrey Chukwuka (Deputy Adjutant-General, Army Headquarters, Lagos)
• Maj. Timothy Onwuatuegwu (Instructor, NMTC, Kaduna)
• Maj. Adewale Ademoyega (NMTC (sub-unit), Abeokuta)
• Capt. Ben Gbulie (Commander, Army Engineers, Kaduna)
• Capt. Ogbonna Oji (Army Headquarters, Lagos)

What were the Alibis?
• A faulty and fragile structure bequeathed the country by Britain which created room for intense regional politics and perilous inter-ethnic diffidence. This was evidenced in the vituperations of the so-called national leaders, the Kano Riot of 1953, the Census Crisis of 1962/63, the handling of the Action Group Crisis of 1962, “Do or Die” politics as demonstrated by the handling of the 1964 Federal Elections, overt emasculation of opposition as evidenced in the 1965 Western Election, acute corruption, cronyism, nepotism, ominous ethnic chauvinism and other leadership malfeasances.

What were the Facilitating Factors?
• The premature “Nigerianisation” of the Nigerian Army in 1965 which saw the rapid promotion of Nigerians into the vacuum created by the exit of colonial experts who served in the Nigerian Army corps.
• The politicization of the army due to [1] the constant deployment of the army in political crises (e.g Tiv Crisis) [2] the commissioning into the army, of university graduates (with Marxist-Leninist inclinations) [3] the politicians’ insidious gimmicks in the army corps with regards to the introduction into the army of quota system, etc. Both Sani Abacha and Bukar Dimka were profiteers of this policy.

Were there Casualties?

The putsch was indeed a very gory one characterized by “high quality” killings. Some of the heavyweight victims include:
• Alhaji Sir Ahmadu Bello (Sardauna of Sokoto)
• Alhaji Sir Abubakar T. Balewa (Prime Minister)
• Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh (Federal Finance Minister)
• Chief Samuel Akintola (Premier of the Western Region)
• Brigadier Samuel Ademulegun
• Brigadier Zakari Maimalari
• Colonel Ralph Shodeinde
• Colonel Kur Mohammed
• Lt. Colonel Abogo Largema
• Lt. Colonel Yakubu Pam
• Lt. Colonel Arthur Unegbe

Evidence of Ethnic Colouration?

The January 15, 1966 coup is often adjudged some ethnic interpretation because:
• A plethora of the principal actors were of the Igbo ethnic group
• While the Premier of the North and the West were shot and killed, that of the East and Mid-West somehow escaped.
• While top ranked officers of the North and West suffered casualties, only one (Arthur Unegbe) of the Eastern stock was eliminated.
• The climax of the putsch saw the emergence of an Igbo (Aguyi Ironsi) as the Head of State
• The above sentiment speculated by the North is best captured by Siollun's (Oil, Politics and Violence…2009:79) thus:
“why was it that no Igbo politician had been killed? Why was it that only one Igbo soldier had been killed? Why was it that Aguyi Ironsi managed to survive the January coup and emerge as head of state? Why were the northern region’s two most prominent politicians and four highest ranking soldiers killed?”

Was the Coup Actually an Igbo Coup?

Ordinarily, the echelon of the putschist’s composition, the victims and the aftermath of the January coup should wake Goosebumps, considering the ethnic tension and diffidence that existed then. However, there are some indices to conjecture that the whole scenario could have been more of an “innocent coincidences” than “evidences of a Machiavellian Igbo plot”.
• Firstly, though the Igbo Majors dominated, there were influential Yoruba (Maj. Ademoyega, Capt. Adeleke, Lieut. Oyewole and Olafimihan) and over 20 northern NCOs who were utilized by Nzeogwu. It should be noted that coup planning is often between officers of close-knit to avoid leak. Federal character as an argument here is flawed.
• Secondly, the coup as acknowledged by Ademoyega (and corroborated by Ifeajuna) was primarily to forestall the planned “plummeting” of the Western Region by the FG.
• Thirdly, the foremost profiteer of the coup as maintained by Ademoyega (and corroborated by Odia Ofeimum – Awolowo’s former secretary in 2007) was to be Chief Obafemi Awolowo who was to be freed and made the President.
• More so, it took the coordination and gallantry of Igbo officers such as Aguyi Ironsi, Alex Madiebo and Emeka Ojukwu to ensure that the coup attempt was crushed with Major Unegbe even paying the ultimate price.
• Also, the coup dismissed an Igbo President, Vice President, President of the Senate, Foreign Minister, Minister of Education, Transport and Aviation and two Premiers.
• Furthermore, when Ironsi assumed power, he arrested and incarcerated politicians from the past regimes EXCEPT those of the NPC. Also, of a FEC of 20 members, only 2 were Igbos. Again, non-Igbo participants such as Captain Swanton and 2nd Lieutenants Kpera, Eghagha, Ibik and Waribor were not arrested.
• Succinctly, there no evidence to indicate that the coup had Eastern political or civilian backings.

Was there any Implication Thereafter?

• Yes! The coup was seen as a ploy against the north by the Igbo to enshrine a new order – the order of the “Igbo planet”.
• Ironsi’s policies with regards to the treatment of the January 15 mutineers, the Unification Decree, alleged cronyism and faulty promotions in the army, coupled with sophistries on a planned Igbo genocide against the north, amongst others, led to a counter mutiny in July 29, 1966.
• This mutiny culminated in the killing of about 200 soldiers of Eastern origin (including Aguyi Ironsi) and another 30,000 civilians by the northerners.
• The fracas between the Igbo and North led to the civil war which started on the 6th of July, 1967 and ended on 15th January, 1970.

What is the Present Situation?

The July, 1966 massacres of the Igbo and the concomitant Civil War altered the dynamism of Nigeria’s political evolution, leaving the north as the sole determinant of the nation’s political trajectory. There exists a strong cold war between the north and the east – a situation which is crystallized in the emergence of groups such as MASSOB, BZM, BZF, and IPOB.

What needs to be done?
As it stands, the root problem is never about “One Nigeria” but the gimmicks by the major ethnic groups to outmaneuver each other and tilt the levers of political power to their favour. Hence, any form of government that would encourage “separate development” would ease the tension and concomitantly, rid the country of several contradictions.

Charles E. Ekpo
Coordinator, History4NationBuilding Initiative
history4nationbuilding@gmail.com


https://www.facebook.com/charlybite/posts/1733601003364688

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Re: 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day: The First Of The January 15s by Cekpo34(m): 6:51pm On Jan 14, 2018
Please read empathetically and avoid ethnic wars. As a nation, we've hurt ourselves enough. It's high time we moved on and learn from our history.

Lalasticlala
Mynd44
This post is meant for January 15

4 Likes

Re: 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day: The First Of The January 15s by Nobody: 7:57pm On Jan 14, 2018
Happy Igbo Vilification Day.


hahahaha

1 Like

Re: 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day: The First Of The January 15s by Paperwhite(m): 8:37pm On Jan 14, 2018
"What needs to be done?
As it stands, the root problem is never about “One Nigeria” but the gimmicks by the major ethnic groups to outmaneuver each other and tilt the levers of political power to their favour. Hence, any form of government that would encourage “separate development” would ease the tension and concomitantly, rid the country of several contradictions."

My take.

6 Likes

Re: 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day: The First Of The January 15s by Cekpo34(m): 7:34am On Jan 15, 2018
TarOrfeek:
Happy Igbo Vilification Day.


hahahaha

We are in this together if we must progress....We've all made mistakes as a people. It's high time we moved on for the benefit of our generations yet unborn

3 Likes

Re: 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day: The First Of The January 15s by mzHANA(f): 7:39am On Jan 15, 2018
Re: 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day: The First Of The January 15s by Cekpo34(m): 7:39am On Jan 15, 2018
kettykings:


when igbos were really stupid and dumb. May God forgive that foolish and stupid generation of igbos who allowed themselves to be killed like goats more especially Aguiyi ironsi who was highly too dumb to have surrounded himself with his enemies

Ironsi was a disciplined soldier who met virtually all the standards enlisted by "Samuel Huntington". He was nationalistic and was too innocent or naive to have believed that his appeasement politics would forestall a counter coup. Succinctly, he was neither a politician nor a tribal bigot (though he was speculated to have been influenced by the NCNC) and never acted like one.
Re: 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day: The First Of The January 15s by deepwater(f): 7:40am On Jan 15, 2018
From the write up it is easy to tell that Nigeria has a constant problem which is federal quota system and religious crisis


You all know the region that champions these, they are the problem undecided

2 Likes

Re: 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day: The First Of The January 15s by nairavsdollars(f): 7:40am On Jan 15, 2018
Ojukwu is the best and finest officer Nigerian Army ever produced. OBJ is a villain

3 Likes

Re: 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day: The First Of The January 15s by ademusiwa3r: 7:42am On Jan 15, 2018
.

Re: 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day: The First Of The January 15s by Cekpo34(m): 7:42am On Jan 15, 2018
deepwater:
Lol

Not funny Bro!
January 15 is a day Nigeria would wish never to have existed angry
Re: 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day: The First Of The January 15s by deebrain(m): 7:42am On Jan 15, 2018
Hmmm
Re: 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day: The First Of The January 15s by BruncleZuma: 7:43am On Jan 15, 2018
grin grin grin grin

The genocide that followed the counter-coup was as a result of a rumour peddling British journalist passing insinuations as news and hijacked by the northern elites.

Since most bigots on this thread have reading problems I would have recommended them to read "Why We Struck" By Maj. Adewale Ademoyega

2 Likes 1 Share

Re: 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day: The First Of The January 15s by overhypedsteve(m): 7:43am On Jan 15, 2018
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Re: 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day: The First Of The January 15s by ORACLE1975(m): 7:44am On Jan 15, 2018
Nothing is new about our lost hiro that died in vain





Nothing NEW.
Re: 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day: The First Of The January 15s by Cekpo34(m): 7:45am On Jan 15, 2018
romeluukak:
soldier come, soldier go,barrack go still dey

Barracks still de but the repercussions of "soldier come, soldier go" is still hunting the nation even after about 3.5 million lives had been sacrificed. When shall we learn from History?
Re: 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day: The First Of The January 15s by OnowuOra(m): 7:46am On Jan 15, 2018
I dey come
Re: 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day: The First Of The January 15s by Cekpo34(m): 7:47am On Jan 15, 2018
nairavsdollars:
Ojukwu is the best and finest officer Nigerian Army ever produced. OBJ is a villain

Ojukwu is too controversial to be accorded that acumen. I would give it to Murtala Muhammed or leave it hanging grin
Re: 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day: The First Of The January 15s by Nobody: 7:48am On Jan 15, 2018
God destroy nigeria.
Re: 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day: The First Of The January 15s by omijorisheriff: 7:48am On Jan 15, 2018
I love history
Re: 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day: The First Of The January 15s by uchman48(m): 7:49am On Jan 15, 2018
The igbos were not stupid then just that they did not suspect that their northen brothers will rise against them. What happened than is just to let us know that we should always rise to fight for our right by dusting your pvc and show them that we are not stupid.

1 Like

Re: 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day: The First Of The January 15s by satowind(m): 7:49am On Jan 15, 2018
moment of silence for the fallen heros

1 Like

Re: 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day: The First Of The January 15s by Okoyeebos: 7:49am On Jan 15, 2018
A day of hard facts and inconvenient truths.
Re: 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day: The First Of The January 15s by Cekpo34(m): 7:50am On Jan 15, 2018
ademusiwa3r:
cool

The igbos cross international line to execute a coup in 1966. It is considered illegal

The money in your account would not disappear if you read. grin
If after reading the post, you still hold to your conviction of the Igbo Coup theory, then there's a foundational problem grin
Re: 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day: The First Of The January 15s by Okoyeebos: 7:50am On Jan 15, 2018
Cekpo34:

Ironsi was a disciplined soldier who met virtually all the standards enlisted by "Samuel Huntington". He was nationalistic and was too innocent or naive to have believed that his appeasement politics would forestall a counter coup. Succinctly, he was neither a politician nor a tribal bigot (though he was speculated to have been influenced by the NCNC) and never acted like one.

One simple question: why did Ironsi refuse to try the Igbo Coup plotters and instead moved them to the Eastern Region where they were merely detained for a whole 5 months after the coup?

4 Likes

Re: 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day: The First Of The January 15s by OLAFIMIX(f): 7:51am On Jan 15, 2018
Good day, please can anyone help me with any good male fashion designer where I can learn how to sew men's wear. I live at around isolo. Thanks
Re: 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day: The First Of The January 15s by Okoyeebos: 7:51am On Jan 15, 2018
TarOrfeek:
Happy Igbo Vilification Day.

hahahaha

Igbos have always blamed everyone but themselves. Today is a mirror for introspective thoughts.

5 Likes

Re: 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day: The First Of The January 15s by Okoyeebos: 7:51am On Jan 15, 2018
Cekpo34:


The money in your account would not disappear if you read. grin
If after reading the post, you still hold to your conviction of the Igbo Coup theory, then there's a foundational problem grin

You can only run from the truth, you can't hide from it. That coup was an Igbo Coup for 4 major reasons.

1. Majority of the Coupists were Igbos.

2. No single Igbo leader was killed in that coup. In fact, they hinted Azikiwe and allowed him run out of the country. This same Azikiwe that stole funds meant for the Eastern Region and used it to establish ACB bank.

3. After the northern leaders were killed, Igbos in the North were taunting the Hausas that their leaders were killed and dragged Kuje pigs in Lagos.

4. After the Coupists were arrested and handed over to Ironsi, he refused to try them and moved them to the Eastern Region where they were locked up for 5 months without any form of punishment.

5 Likes

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