ExAngel007:
Nigeria is 60! Although the north and south were
amalgamated in 1914, the colonial masters did
not hand over the running of the country to
Nigerians until October 1, 1960. Since then,
Nigerians have been marking Independence Day
yearly.

Advertisement

This year’s celebration is special — it is the 60th
year; it is the Diamond Jubilee.

Nigeria has had 15 chief executives in the form of
prime minister, head of state, president and head
of interim national government. Who among them,
in your opinion, deserves to be called the ‘best
president’ Nigeria has ever had?
Let us help you with a few facts on them (but do
your own research too!)

Advertisement



Nnamdi Azikiwe (1960-1966). He was first
governor-general and then president. Both roles
lacked executive powers in the parliamentary
system. Zik was regarded as Nigeria’s foremost
nationalist, but was accused of having a
foreknowledge of the 1966 failed coup.

Abubakar Tafawa Balewa (1960 to 1966). He was
instrumental in the formation of the African Union
and was very vocal on the international scene. His
government was accused of rigging local
elections and using federal power to tame
opponents.

Advertisement

JTU Aguiyi-Ironsi (January-July 1966). First
military head of state. He brought the Nigerian
federation into a unitary system, like the military
command hierarchy. His government was born in
crisis after the failed coup and lasted only six
months.

Yakubu Gowon (1966 to 1975). He created 12
states but retained the military-command
structure. He enjoyed the first oil boom and built
infrastructure but also had to fight a civil war
from 1967 to 1970. He was accused of
mismanaging the oil boom.

Murtala Muhammed (1975 to 1976). He focused
on fighting corruption. He also took the decision
to move the federal capital to Abuja. Muhammed
supported liberation movements in Africa. He was
accused of destroying the civil service in his
attempt to restructure it.

Olusegun Obasanjo (1976 to 1979). He built
major infrastructure, including roads, ports and
refineries, and oversaw transition to civil rule. He
also preached a return to agriculture and less
dependence on oil revenue. He was accused of
human rights violations.

Advertisement

Shehu Shagari (1979 to 1983). He built housing
estates, launched Green Revolution to support
agriculture and conceived the Ajaokuta Steel
Company. His government was accused of
economic mismanagement and corruption and
was overthrown by the military.

Muhammadu Buhari (1983-1985). He waged a war
against corruption and indiscipline, jailed
politicians and enforced strict military rule. He
was accused of failing to address the economic
problems he inherited, as well as violating human
rights and stifling press freedom.

Ibrahim Babangida (1985 to 1993). He embarked
on major political and economic reforms that
formed the basis of present-day Nigeria:
privatisation, diversification and electoral system.
He was accused of encouraging corruption and
violating human rights. He annulled June 12 poll.

Advertisement

Ernest Shonekan was the head of the interim
national government (ING) from August-November
1993. He did not spend up to 100 days in office
before he was overthrown. His government was
generally seen as lacking legitimacy and weak.
There was no notable achievement.

Sani Abacha (1993-1998). He set up the PTF that
saw to major infrastructural development across
the country. He finalised the NLG project from
which Nigeria now earns billions of dollars yearly.
He was accused of massive corruption (“Abacha
Loot”) and state terrorism.

Abdulsalami Abubakar (1998 to 1999). His
government was shortlived but he organised a
transition to civil rule and released those detained
or jailed by Abacha for political reasons. Some
members of his government were accused of
corruption.

Advertisement

Olusegun Obasanjo (1999 to 2007). He launched
GSM service, reformed telecoms, pensions and
banking, privatised public entities, paid off
Nigeria’s foreign debts and left healthy savings.
But his government was accused of corruption
and political witch-hunt.

Umaru Musa Yar’Adua (2007 to 2010). He added
to the country’s savings, exposed “unspent”
budget funds scam, granted amnesty to Niger
Delta militants, and preached rule of law. He was
accused of reversing Obasanjo’s policies and
slowing down the country’s progress.

Goodluck Jonathan (2010 to 2015). He started/
completed projects in roads, aviation, railways and
power, did almajiri and girl-child education
initiatives, and reformed the justice system. His
government was accused of corruption and failing
to tackle insecurity.

Muhammadu Buhari (2015 till date). He has
completed or initiated major projects in roads,
railways, aviation and power, as well as
agriculture and extractive sectors. He has been
accused of nepotism, selective anti-graft war and
inability to tackle economic and security
problems.

So, who is your best leader so far?

https://www.thecable.ng/vote-who-is-nigerias-best-leader-since-1960

Officialgarri:
President Muhammad Buhari

Officialgarri:
President Muhammad Buhari

Abacha even better pass Buhari at least even in death, he is still funding Nigeria

On a second thought, Yes he is the best in destroying this country