Pimpmaride:


Ratello:


By Eric Teniola | 04 September 2017 | 3:57 am



On assumption of power, General Aguiyi-Ironsi promulgated the Constitution (Suspension and Modification) Decree 1966. Decree No 1 dated January 17, 1966 but not published in the Official Gazette until March 4, 1966.

Of all the decrees enacted in Nigeria, none is more controversial than Decree No 34 of 1966. It was promulgated on May 24, 1966 by then Head of State, Major General Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi (1924-1966) . It was called Unification Decree while some critics at that time labelled it the De-unification Decree.

It was the decree that started the death of regionalism – an issue which is still generating controversy till now. Although the next head of State General Yakubu Gowon repealed the Decree 34 on August 31, 1966 through Decree 9, a large portion of the Decree is still effective till today.

General Gowon further compounded it by promulgating Decree 14 of 1967 which broke Nigeria into 12 states and provided for military governors for each state. With Decrees 34, 8 and 14 regionalism was finally buried.

On assumption of power, General Aguiyi-Ironsi promulgated the Constitution (Suspension and Modification) Decree 1966. Decree No 1 dated January 17, 1966 but not published in the Official Gazette until March 4, 1966. He then issued Public Order Decree No 33 dated May 24 1966 which dissolved eighty-one political associations and twenty-six tribal and cultural associations.

At the early stage of his tenure, he appointed a three-man advisory team made up of Chief Francis Nwokedi, a Permanent Secretary, Dr. Pius Charles Nwabafor Okigbo (1924-2000) and Colonel Patrick Anwunah, who later became Chairman and Head of the Orientation Committee at that time.

He replaced the then Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dr. Taslim Olawale Elias (1914-1991) with Chief Gabriel Chike Michael Onyiuke (SAN), former Director, Public Prosecution, Eastern Nigeria (1960-1965) from Nimo in the present Anambra state.

In a speech to the nation on January 28 1966, he denounced the evils of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa regime and outlined necessary reforms. ”All Nigerians”, he declared,” want an end to regionalism. Tribal loyalties and activities which promote tribal consciousness and sectional interests must give way to the urgent task of national reconstruction. The Federal Military Government will preserve Nigeria as one strong nation.” He then went on to promise “administrative reforms” and referred specifically to several matters in which regional as well as personal interests were known to have had decisive influence. These were official appointments, public investments, and the universities. He promised that in the public services, efficiency and merit will be the criteria for advancement”. That industrial development would be “coordinated to avoid wasteful duplication of industrial projects”, and that the universities would be “re-orientated to serve the genuine interest of our people.”



Immediately after the speech two Governors kicked against the proposal. They were, Major General David Akpode Ejoor (83) from Ovu in the present Delta State, then serving as the Military Governor of the Mid-Western region and Major General Hassan Usman Katsina(1933-1995), who was then serving as Governor of the Northern region.

Lt. Col. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu (1933-2011), Military Governor of Eastern Region welcomed the decree while Lt. Col. Francis Adekunle Fajuyi (1926-1966), Military Governor of Western Region never commented on the promulgation of the decree.

Lt-Col Ejoor was reported as saying that the ’National Government’ set up by the army was the prelude to ‘the reintroduction of a unitary form of government’ and insisted that it would create future problems. Shortly afterwards, the Supreme Military Council announced that a senior government official, Mr. Nwokedi, had been asked to consider and to report to the Supreme Military Council on the establishment of ‘an administrative machinery for a united Nigeria’ and the ‘unification of the Public Services and Judicial Services.’

In his own speech on February 19 at the Kaduna Airport, the Governor of Northern region, Lt-Col. Hassan Katsina said he was not aware as a member of the then Supreme Military Council of the modalities for the proposed National Government. ”I am afraid the egg is about to be broken”.

On February 21 1966, General Aguiyi-Ironsi again addressed the nation on the issue. He said: “On the question of the political future of the country, the experiences and mistakes of the previous governments in the Federation have clearly indicated that far-reaching constitutional reforms are badly needed for peaceful and orderly progress towards the realization of our objectives. I have already touched on some of the major issues involved in recent broadcast to the nation. It has become apparent to all Nigerians that rigid adherence to ‘regionalism’, was the bane of the last regime and one of the main factors which contributed to its downfall. No doubt, the country would welcome a clean break with the deficiencies of the system of government to which the country has been subjected in the recent past. A solution suitable to our national needs must be found. The existing boundaries of governmental control will need to be re-adjusted to make for less cumbersome administration.’

As a follow-up on May 25, General Aguiyi-Ironsi promulgated the Constitution (Suspension and Modification)(No. 5) Decree 1966. Decree No. 34 (the ‘Unification Decree’).

After the promulgation, the country was thrown into turmoil which led to demonstration particularly in many parts of Northern Nigeria at that time. On his return to Kaduna on May 27, Col. Hassan Katsina was besieged with demands for an explanation. It was feared that in a unified service, Northerners would be at a disadvantage. It was no consolation that the Decree provided for the delegation of appointments and promotions, except the most senior, to Provincial Civil Service Commissions.

With its authority challenged and shown to be weak, at least in large parts of the North, the National Military Government had little option but to proffer its assurances and to explain its actions. The Supreme Military Council met on 7 and 8 June 1966 and issued the following statement:

“The public must not be led to confuse the Military Government with government by a civilian regime under a constitution approved by the people. Nobody will expect the present Military Government to cease to function until new constitution has been approved or to be compelled to operate the old system of government with its obvious weakness. It cannot be too seriously emphasized that the Military Government while in office can only run the government as a military government under a unified command. It cannot afford to run five separate governments and separate services as if it were a civilian regime. Final decisions on the territorial structure of the country and the public services will be matters for the Constituent Assembly and the referendum.”

The Supreme Military Council also decided that General Aguiyi-Ironsi should invite traditional rulers from all parts of the country to a meeting to be held in Lagos as soon as possible and that the Military Governors would immediately summon similar meetings in their own Regions. This was presumably an attempt to improve the channels of communications. There had in fact already been a meeting of Northern Emirs and Chiefs in Kaduna on 4 of June and the Military Governor had been given a list of grievances and recommendations to take to Lagos. The Emirs and Chiefs met again on June 16 to receive General Aguiyi-Ironsi’s reply.
Sadly on 29 July 1966, General Aguiyi-Ironsi and the Military Governor of Western Region, Lt. Col. Francis Adekunle Fajuyi were murdered in Ibadan during a meeting with the traditional rulers from all parts of the country.

Teniola, a former director in the presidency, lives in Lagos.

https://www.google.com.ng/amp/s/guardian.ng/opinion/history-and-the-future-of-decree-34-of-1966/amp

Let me make clear, there was no way the governors would kick against the decree they helped formulated and still remain in the army talk less governors of the regions. Why would Gowon repealed the decree and still leave large portion to continue till date? From Mr. Nwokedi to Colonel Patrick Anwunah the decree # 34 was all about "Administrative machinery for a united Nigeria’ and the ‘unification of the Public Services and Judicial Services.’". United Nigeria can only mean unitary to those who have practically destroyed Nigeria and would not allow other people to secede.

Dedetwo:


Mr. Good Reader, please post the decree # 34 that written in English language. Mind you, not the decree # 34 written by Yari.ba propagandists. I have true and authentic copy of the decree # 34.

There was only one decree 34 issued by Ironsi and that decree abolished the regions and usurped their powers. I don't know which decree 34 you read, but we are talking about Nigeria now not Libya or Liberia or some other countries.

Sammy07:


Ignorant
https://www.nairaland.com/attachments/12080141_images37_jpegf993be8a49b9ce8ec25ee4cc44a79280

When I saw the crap you posted to buttress a silly plank. the first thing that caught my attention was www.dawodu.com

MetaPhysical:


Stop twisting facts.

Did Ironsi consult the Premiers to get input if they want a unified public service.....?

You are really a MetaNonsesnical. Why would Ironsi consult the Premiers when they have been overthrown on January 15, 1966. Most of them were lucky to enjoy the free air.

Guestlander:


There was only one decree 34 issued by Ironsi and that decree abolished the regions and usurped their powers. I don't know which decree 34 you read, but we are talking about Nigeria now not Libya or Liberia or some other countries.

You wrote it was not written in Chinese. Then I beg you to post the copy. Please do not write about decree # 34. Post it for public mass to read to the level of their comprehensibility.

Pimpmaride:


Fact is ironsi introduce uni uni into the govt

And pls kindly gimme a link dt says the unification decree is only for civil service.

Pls gimme a verifiable source

The unification decree is on page one of this thread. Read it, that's all the proof you need

Dedetwo:


You wrote it was not written in Chinese. Then I beg you to post the copy. Please do not write about decree # 34. Post it for public mass to read to the level of their comprehensibility.

Here it is, please if you have a different version post it here for everyone to see.

Continued.

Please read it carefully and tell us what you think it means.

joeyfire:


This excuse you have made for Gowon for being the first Head of State to take resource control away is really unfortunate and skewed. Is that Gowon said? There was no excuse for handing over resource control to the Federal government , especially as there was no known significant reconstruction anywhere in the East after the war. Besides the Eastern region with its oil wealth could have easily rebuilt itself with oil money very quickly so this excuse is badly flawed

It was because Ironsi had installed the Unitary Govt System that Gowon could not be compelled to reinstate Resource Control .

Power was now at the Centre and the Centre could do as it liked. The Centre could now control all the Oil resources as it pleased.

Why would you expect the Northern Military Leaders who were enjoying the Oil money now choose to reverse the decree that gave it to them in the first place?

The East was rebuilt after the War. Any infrastructure deficit happened after Gowon. In the 70s the East didn't lack infrastructure.

Also after the War the FG gave many Easterners Scholarships to study abroad especially in America as part of the recovery process.

kingzizzy:


You present constitution has states, there were no states during Ironsi's time

Your present constitution does not have resource control, there was full resource control under Ironsi

You present constitution does not have fiscal federalism, there was fiscal federalism under Ironsi


Ironsi was the only military ruler who kept the constitution of Nigeria as close to the independence constitution as possible.

The only thing this unification decree did was unify the civil service.

Only ignorant people say that Ironsi introduced unitary rule in Nigeria

Everybody knows it was Gowon who did that

its only kid that would swallow these Yoruba lies hook line and sinker. thank God you wrote. if not is it everytime you have to educated these Vultures that it was Gowon who actually abolished the regions. even with all their education, they still dont have sense.

kingzizzy:


The unification decree did not tamper with resource control, it did not change the revenue allocation formular, it did not remove fiscal federalism, it recognised the 4 Region's

So how did this decree introduce unitary rule?

The only thing this decree did was unify the public service workers

Is that so? So the unification decree unified the civil service only, but did not take control of the resources? How was the unified civil service to be funded then? You are now insinuating that a single civil service controlled from Lagos all will serve all 4 Regions. Who would then determine the policy of these 4 Regions or will the single civil service formulate 4 different policies for each of the regions?

imhotep:
And what stopped the next military president from reversing this decree??
Zoogeria things

Cc lzaa metaphysical bambambiglo

that is where I confuse pass... They evil murdered the guy and his murders still blame him after 56yrs

imhotep:
And what stopped the next military president from reversing this decree??
Zoogeria things

Cc lzaa metaphysical bambambiglo

Because the next military president also want to enjoy the unlimited powers created by his predecessor. After grabbing power from Ironsi, do you want Gowon to then reduce himself only to head of state of the northern region?

Thank God for internet... Have not read this b4

wirinet:

Because the next military president also want to enjoy the unlimited powers created by his predecessor. After grabbing power from Ironsi, do you want Gowon to then reduce himself only to head of state of the northern region?

So we must continue to blame Gowon and co. for refusing to change the decree.
Meanwhile, Igbo amaka.

Cc lzaa metaphysical bambambiglo t9ksy

anungangampu:
that is where I confuse pass... They evil murdered the guy and his murders still blame him after 56yrs

Dont mind the mediocre Zoogerians.

Cc lzaa metaphysical bambambiglo t9ksy

Dedetwo:


You are really a MetaNonsesnical. Why would Ironsi consult the Premiers when they have been overthrown on January 15, 1966. Most of them were lucky to enjoy the free air.

They were not overthrown. They were assassinated.

So there is a grand plot to wipe out premiers in North and West to pave way for a unitary take over of the country by East.

Few years before, Azikiwe had laid foundation for the plot in his address at Glover Memorial Hall to the Ibo Town Union where he bragged that the Ibo is "destined" to lead Africa.

How is Ibo position in 66 different from Buhari and Fulani position in 2020?

Both believe their ethnic group is "destined" to lead Africa. Fulani is wiping people off the way Ibo did on Nigerians....and they are islamizing the nation.

Ibo ruined this country!

imhotep:

So we must continue to blame Gowon and co. for refusing to change the decree.
Meanwhile, Igbo amaka.

Cc lzaa metaphysical bambambiglo t9ksy

After premiers were assassinated the regional govt was still intact.

Gowon, with Murtala were moving towards extricating North from Nigeria. Thats where "ARABA" phrase originated from. Araba in Hausa means separate. Britain intervened and stopped that Araba.

Then Ojukwu started throwing in his curveball.....dissapointed that their grand plot had been demolished. This new problem with Ojukwu culminated in war....by which time all the organs of regional government had been displaced and the uniform men are now used to a new power and privilege they did not know before. So the bullshyte started by Ibo continued even when others were in power.

Christistruth00:


It was because Ironsi had installed the Unitary Govt System that Gowon could not be compelled to reinstate Resource Control .

Power was now at the Centre and the Centre could do as it liked. The Centre could now control all the Oil resources as it pleased.

Why would you expect the Northern Military Leaders who were enjoying the Oil money now choose to reverse the decree that gave it to them in the first place?

The East was rebuilt after the War. Any infrastructure deficit happened after Gowon. In the 70s the East didn't lack infrastructure.

Also after the War the FG gave many Easterners Scholarships to study abroad especially in America as part of the recovery process.

Dont miss the central point. The regions still had control of their resources under Ironsi. Gowon was the person that TOOK AWAY resource control. Northern military leaders did not have access to oil money until Gowon started sharing it to them. It is Gowon's fault that Lagos State did not even smell the N400 Billion revenue collected from Apapa port in 2019

Why do you think Easterners started moving to other regions in large numbers after the war? There was NO infrastructure developed in the East after the war by the FG. Its not even an issue for argument. Asides from the Niger Bridge that they HAD to build, name one that Gowon built after the war. The 70s was the worst period in terms of development

joeyfire:


Dont miss the central point. The regions still had control of their resources under Ironsi. Gowon was the person that INTRODUCED the current system of take resources of the regions to the Federal Government that will then share to all the states. Northern military leaders did not have access to oil money until Gowon started sharing it to them.

Why do you think Easterners started moving to other regions in large numbers after the war? There was NO infrastructure developed in the East after the war by the FG and many prominent people have spoken out on this. Asides from the Niger Bridge that they HAD to build name one that they built after the war. The 70s was the worst period in terms of development

Before the War Easterners were already all over NIgeria. Zik and Ojukwu were born in Zungeru, Major Okafor in Kano,Ironsi grew up in Kano and Ifeajuna acquired an Ijesha Yoruba accent from living in Ilesha.

The British described the South East as an overpopulated Area and encouraged the people to migrate to other parts of NIgeria for Work and Education opportunities.

All the damaged Schools roads railways Markets Hospitals Onitsha Market the biggest in West Africa at the time were rebuilt.

It says Gowon repealed the decree. Do you know what repeal means?

Sammy07:




https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.vanguardngr.com/2017/09/past-present-wahala-decree-34-1966-1/amp/


Read with understanding.

Christistruth00:


Before the War Easterners were already all over NIgeria. Zik and Ojukwu were born in Zungeru, Major Okafor in Kano,Ironsi grew up in Kano and Ifeajuna acquired an Ijesha Yoruba accent from living in Ilesha.

The British described the South East as an overpopulated Area and encouraged the people to migrate to other parts of NIgeria for Work and Education opportunities.

Of course there were Easterners all over the country, mainly as colonial staff. Same way you had people from other regions in the East. I am talking about the large wave of migration AFTER the war that exists till today.

Ibos ruined this country but you're restless about the thought of Biafra going. You resist Igbos going yet you blame them for everything

MetaPhysical:


They were not overthrown. They were assassinated.

So there is a grand plot to wipe out premiers in North and West to pave way for a unitary take over of the country by East.

Few years before, Azikiwe had laid foundation for the plot in his address at Glover Memorial Hall to the Ibo Town Union where he bragged that the Ibo is "destined" to lead Africa.

How is Ibo position in 66 different from Buhari and Fulani position in 2020?

Both believe their ethnic group is "destined" to lead Africa. Fulani is wiping people off the way Ibo did on Nigerians....and they are islamizing the nation.

Ibo ruined this country!

joeyfire:


Of course there were Easterners all over the country, mainly as colonial staff. Same way you had people from other regions in the East. I am talking about the large wave of migration AFTER the war that exists till today.

There have always been large scale migration from the East due to overpopulation pressure it was one of the reasons the missionaries described the South East as the most densely populated part of black Africa.

joeyfire:


Of course there were Easterners all over the country, mainly as colonial staff. Same way you had people from other regions in the East. I am talking about the large wave of migration AFTER the war that exists till today.

Let us be very honest the Population of the South East is beyond what the Area can sustain considering the fact that many of them are also farmers in addition to traders. Unless you want to turn most of the Farmland in the East into residential Areas.

Accepted that the Northern Military after Gowon and Obasanjo were not as interested nor diligent in building and maintaining nfrastructure in the East not even anywhere else except the parts of Lagos and Abuja where they lived and worked.

imhotep:

So we must continue to blame Gowon and co. for refusing to change the decree.
Meanwhile, Igbo amaka.

Cc lzaa metaphysical bambambiglo t9ksy

Why should he change the decree? If na you nko, will you change the decree?

DMerciful:
Ibos ruined this country but you're restless about the thought of Biafra going. You resist Igbos going yet you blame them for everything

Believe me nobody is restless about igbos going. Igbos (I mean igboland) contribute very little into the national purse, so their going would not make much difference to the national purse. The problem is most of the "igbo want to go" strategy had been nothing other than emotional rants and insulting others tribes. If the igbos truly want to go, they should take physical practical steps.

For the records it's the greed and struggle for power of the political elites, especially the WaZoBia group that ruined the country.

wirinet:

Why should he change the decree? If na you nko, will you change the decree?

Those Northern Military Leaders so fell in love with the Oil money unitary govt contro lgave them they couldn't find it in their Hearts to go back to regional based resource Control.

It is like asking a child to give up his Ice Cream.

Christistruth00:


Those Northern Military Leaders so tell in love with the Oil money they cou?e not find it in thereAfter to go back to rregional based resource Control.The

It is like asking a child to give up his Ice Cream.

Would Ironsi have gone back to regional based resource control after having tasted power and oil?

wirinet:

Would Ironsi have gone back to regional based resource control after having tasted power and oil?

No

DMerciful:
Ibos ruined this country but you're restless about the thought of Biafra going. You resist Igbos going yet you blame them for everything

Joe Igbokwe stood infront of ohanaeze and said anyone trying to get biafra is wasting his time, it is not going to happen.

Ask your brothers in Lagos why they are against biafra.

joeyfire:


Dont miss the central point. The regions still had control of their resources under Ironsi. Gowon was the person that TOOK AWAY resource control. Northern military leaders did not have access to oil money until Gowon started sharing it to them. It is Gowon's fault that Lagos State did not even smell the N400 Billion revenue collected from Apapa port in 2019

Why do you think Easterners started moving to other regions in large numbers after the war? There was NO infrastructure developed in the East after the war by the FG. Its not even an issue for argument. Asides from the Niger Bridge that they HAD to build, name one that Gowon built after the war. The 70s was the worst period in terms of development

No matter how many times and how loud you scream it, you cannot change a truth to a lie - IT WAS GENERAL IRONSI THAT TOOK AWAY FINANCIAL AND POLITICAL AUTONOMY FROM THE REGIONS. General Gowon only took advantage of the situation created by General Ironsi.

How can Lagos State smell the N400 Billion revenue collected from Apapa port in 2019, when General Ironsi unified and federalised the customs in January 1966?