Nnamdi Azikiwe -

Nnamdi Benjamin Azikiwe, (16 November 1904 – 11 May 1996), usually referred to as "Zik", was a Nigerian statesman and political leader who served as the first President of Nigeria from 1963 to 1966. Considered a driving force behind the nation's independence, he came to be known as the "father of Nigerian Nationalism". He was the first every President of Nigeria even though his role was largely ceremonial. He was born in Zungeru (Northern Nigeria) and spoke fluent Hausa. He was very educated going to Howard University in the United States where he bagged a BSc in Political Science. By 1954, he became the premier of the Eastern Region which dominated the East at the time. Zik is often credited as the "father of Nigerian Nationalism. However, you never hear Igbo youths of today speak about him.

At one of the most historic debates in parliament, it was Zik who ensured that referendum and secession should be considered treason. Obafemi Awolowo had argued that referendums must be included in the constitution of Nigeria, and each region should be allowed to leave the Federation if they so desired. Awolowo wanted very strong regions and a weak center. Surprisingly, Ahmadu Bello, who was premier of the Northern region agreed with Awolowo as the North never really trusted the Federation and believed a weak center was the best arrangement. It was Nnamdi Azikiwe who argued against both positions and instead recommendation that secession be treated as Treason. He also preferred relatively weak federating units and a very strong center. After the long debate, the British waded in an sided with Azikiwe and that was how the call for referendums or secession became treason.

After the elections of the first republic, none of the three major parties had enough votes to form a majority in parliament. Although the NPC led by Ahmadu Bello had scored the most votes, they did not have a majority. Obafemi Awolowo had invited Nnamdi Azikiwe to form an alliance to be led by Zik. Awolowo could not work with the NPC and had reached out to Zik to form an alliance. Ahmadu Bello of the NPC had also reached out to Zik to form an alliance to be led by the NPC. Zik was often called the beautiful bride because the other two parties wanted him. Nnamdi Azikiwe chose to go with the Northern People's Congress, and formed an alliance with the North rather than the West. He also chose to be a ceremonial figure rather than the prime minister. He had thought that if he formed an alliance with Awolowo, then the North will secede. That alliance will later jail Obafemi Awolowo.

Nnamdi Azikiwe wanted one Nigeria at all cost. Both Awolowo and Ahmadu wanted to have option to leave. Nnamdi Azikwe's insistence of having calls for referendums and secession regarded as treason eventually led to the Nigerian civil war in 1967, as the Nigerian military government considered the declaration of Biafra as Treason. In truth Zik never supported nor believed in the Biafran war and had returned to Nigeria in 1968, long before the war ended. Till today a lot of national monuments are named after him, but I just wonder why Igbo youths of today hardly mention his name.

Major General Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi MVO, MBE (3 March 1924 – 29 July 1966) was the first Military Head of State of Nigeria. He seized power amidst the ensuing chaos following the 15 January 1966 military coup, which decapitated the country's leadership.

He ruled from 16 January 1966 until his assassination on 29 July 1966 by a group of mutinous Northern Nigerian officers and men who were led by Major Murtala Mohammed and included Captain Theophilus Danjuma, Lieutenant Muhammadu Buhari, Lieutenant Ibrahim Babangida and Lieutenant Sani Abacha in a revolt against his government in what was popularly called the July Counter Coup.

Aguiyi-Ironsi inherited a Nigeria deeply fractured by its ethnic and religious cleavages. The fact that none of the high-profile victims of the 1966 coup were of Igbo extraction, and also that the main beneficiaries of the coup were Igbo, led the Northern part of the country to believe that it was an Igbo conspiracy. Though Aguiyi-Ironsi tried to dispel this notion by courting the aggrieved ethnic groups through political appointments and patronage, his failure to punish the coup plotters and the promulgation of the now infamous "Decree No. 34"—which abrogated the country's federal structure in exchange for a unitary one— crystallized this conspiracy theory.

Decree 34 created the current structure that we have in Nigeria today, where the Federal Government has enormous powers. This was the same ideology Zik wanted. Nigeria was no longer a Federal System where the regions mainly depended on what they produced; rather all the revenue suddenly went to the center, and the government would then decide who got what. It is still the same today. It has encouraged overdependence on crude oil and lack of a diversified economy. It has also significantly encouraged corruption.

Johnson Aguiyi Ironsi was a Head of State of Nigeria and the only full Head of State of Igbo extraction. I wonder why today's Igbo youths never talk about him, just like they hardly ever mention Nnamdi Azikiwe. All we ever hear is Ojukwu; but Ojukwu at best was only the governor of the Eastern region. Both Zik and Ironsi were presidents, so why don't Igbos talk about them.

2 of the biggest idiots in our sad history. Zik rejected a secession clause in the constitution. Ironsi, cancelled the regional system and brought in the unitary system which we are all suffering from till today.

TooNoisy:
Johnson Aguiyi Ironsi was a Head of State of Nigeria and the only full Head of State of Igbo extraction. I wonder why today's Igbo youths never talk about him, just like they hardly ever mention Nnamdi Azikiwe. All we ever hear is Ojukwu; but Ojukwu at best was only the governor of the Eastern region. Both Zik and Ironsi were presidents, so why don't Igbos talk about them.

What is there to talk about with both men? Aguiyi Ironsi was just someone who unexpectedly became head of state by chance. He was only there fir 6 months looking for 'one Nigeria'. One Nigeria eventually claimed his head

Zik was just a ceremonial president who later betrayed his people in Biafra, something they never forgave him for.

Ojukwu fought for the freedom of his people, he is the only one worth remembering of the three men

bjdon:
2 of the biggest idiots in our sad history. Zik rejected a secession clause in the constitution. Ironsi, cancelled the regional system and brought in the unitary system which we are all suffering from till today.

Igbos initially never wanted to hear anything like secession in Nigeria because they so much believed, though falsely, that they were the most educated tribe.
As an evidence of Igbo domination agenda hence their initial resistance to the idea of secession; here is a quote:
"From all indications, the god of us Igbos have destined us to rule the whole of Africa"

ArewaNorth:
Igbos initially never wanted to hear anything like secession in Nigeria because they so much believed, though falsely, that they were the most educated tribe.
As an evidence of Igbo domination agenda hence their initial resistance to the idea of secession; here is a quote:
"From all indications, the god of us Igbos have destined us to rule the whole of Africa"

Thanks for this. It is very interesting when I hear the Igbos accuse the North that they were the ones trying to enforce one Nigeria. The Igbos thought they could dominate Nigeria so they wanted one Nigeria. When they could not get it through the ballot box, they stagged a military coup. After staging a military coup, they decided it was time to consolidate power in the center so they would have access to all resources.

Unfortunately, it has not worked the way the Igbos planned it and the hand writing is clear that Igbos will never dominate. Rather than bargain with the other regions, they want to use threats of Biafra. Threats just don’t work and wouldn’t work this time.

gidgiddy:


What is there to talk about with both men? Aguiyi Ironsi was just someone who unexpectedly became head of state by chance. He was only there fir 6 months looking for 'one Nigeria'. One Nigeria eventually claimed his head

Zik was just a ceremonial president who later betrayed his people in Biafra, something they never forgave him for.

Ojukwu fought for the freedom of his people, he is the only one worth remembering of the three men

So if Azikwe betrayed his people why do they always complain about Awolowo? Nnamdi Azikiwe betrayed Biafra and returned to Nigeria 9 months after the war. The two presidents of Igbo extraction were the biggest proponents of one Nigeria.

Zik was against the war and was very vocal about it. Why don’t I hear Igbo youths talk about how Zik betrayed them. Why don’t they ever mention that an Igbo ensured that Nigeria is indivisible. The truth needs to be told.

bjdon:
2 of the biggest idiots in our sad history. Zik rejected a secession clause in the constitution. Ironsi, cancelled the regional system and brought in the unitary system which we are all suffering from till today.

I would not exactly call them idiots. I would just prefer their people acknowledge that Zik and Ironsi caused half of Nigeria's current problems. They need to stop blaming other tribes.

Ironsi was an alcoholic and chronic womanizer. His personal misdeeds were viewed as Igbo-Agenda and unfortunately, many innocent people died because of his gross ineptitude and irresponsibility.

The Igbos have always wanted a strong centre and weak regions.. the actions of the two Igbo men Zik and Ironsi confirms that.
Any mu.mu person thinking Igbo president will restructure the country is not conversant with history. It's only Yorubas and the Hausas that can think restructuring and pursue it.

TooNoisy:


Thanks for this. It is very interesting when I hear the Igbos accuse the North that they were the ones trying to enforce one Nigeria. The Igbos thought they could dominate Nigeria so they wanted one Nigeria. When they could not get it through the ballot box, they stagged a military coup. After staging a military coup, they decided it was time to consolidate power in the center so they would have access to all resources.

Unfortunately, it has not worked the way the Igbos planned it and the hand writing is clear that Igbos will never dominate. Rather than bargain with the other regions, they want to use threats of Biafra. Threats just don’t work and wouldn’t work this time.

They say those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it.. Ojukwu threatened hell, yet we saw how it ended with deaths, hunger and starvation of his people.

Let them continue threatening na.. we'll see who will beg at last.

flokii:
The Igbos have always wanted a strong centre and weak regions.. the actions of the two Igbo men Zik and Ironsi confirms that.
Any mu.mu person thinking Igbo president will restructure the country is not conversant with history. It's only Yorubas and the Hausas that can think restructuring and pursue it.

I completely agree. Igbos have never supported restructuring, it has never been their agenda. Only SW and SS have been screaming restructuring. They no put mouth for the VAT issue. For them it’s either they can dominate or they leave. Offer them presidency, they smile; anything else they declare Biafra.

Zik and Ironsi caused all of Nigeria’s problems.

OreMI22:
Ironsi was an alcoholic and chronic womanizer. His personal misdeeds were viewed as Igbo-Agenda and unfortunately, many innocent people died because of his gross ineptitude and irresponsibility.

I agree. However, you have to note that these misdeeds came after an Igbo led coup; so peole believed the Igbos has an agenda. Zik wanted unitary system. Young Igbo soldiers truncated Nigeria’s democracy and then handed over to Aguiyi Ironsi. The Igbo soldiers were never punished, rather, Ironsi immediately announced the Unitary system which was always considered Igbo agenda. That was what led to the counter coup and later the war.

Oil they your head.
Two individuals that destroyed Igbo land. They were all young and naive.

bjdon:
2 of the biggest idiots in our sad history. Zik rejected a secession clause in the constitution. Ironsi, cancelled the regional system and brought in the unitary system which we are all suffering from till today.

Talk of Saul and David. Both were king's in Israel. Talk of Peter and Judas both were disciples of Jesus Christ
Dathan and abiaram were leaders in Israel, when Moses took them out of egypt

ArewaNorth:
Igbos initially never wanted to hear anything like secession in Nigeria because they so much believed, though falsely, that they were the most educated tribe.
As an evidence of Igbo domination agenda hence their initial resistance to the idea of secession; here is a quote:
"From all indications, the god of us Igbos have destined us to rule the whole of Africa"

So true. It is so impotant that we know our history CORRECTLY, in this country.

TooNoisy:


I agree. However, you have to note that these misdeeds came after an Igbo led coup; so peole believed the Igbos has an agenda. Zik wanted unitary system. Young Igbo soldiers truncated Nigeria’s democracy and then handed over to Aguiyi Ironsi. The Igbo soldiers were never punished, rather, Ironsi immediately announced the Unitary system which was always considered Igbo agenda. That was what led to the counter coup and later the war.

Nothern political leaders pleased with Ironsi, not to pass the unitary decree but he paid no heed. Ojukuwu is even on record as saying that in the Unitary system, Igbo civil servants would be running nothern affairs. That was like rubbing salt into an open wound for the North. Why was there the need for a unitairy system? Who in the North, Mid West or South West was asking for it? Only the Igbos wanted it, becasue they thaought they were going to rule the whole nation.

TooNoisy:


I agree. However, you have to note that these misdeeds came after an Igbo led coup; so peole believed the Igbos has an agenda. Zik wanted unitary system. Young Igbo soldiers truncated Nigeria’s democracy and then handed over to Aguiyi Ironsi. The Igbo soldiers were never punished, rather, Ironsi immediately announced the Unitary system which was always considered Igbo agenda. That was what led to the counter coup and later the war.

This argument no longer holds any water because all those who came after Ironsi and Zik ended up doing far far worse

Ironsi was only in power for 6 months and he was killed. But in the 6 months Ironsi was in power, Nigeria still had 4 Regions, resource control and fiscal federalism, the 3 essential ingredients of true federalism

Gowon came in and was there for 9 years. In that 9 years, Nigeria went from a federation of 4 Regions to one with 19 unitary states, resource control was removed and fical federalism was cancelled.

So those who say that Ironsi introduced unitarism, came in and spent the last 50 years since the death of Ironsi, unitarising Nigeria on a scale that would have shocked Ironsi himself

gidgiddy:


This argument no longer holds any water because all those who came after Ironsi and Zik ended up doing far far worse

Ironsi was only in power for 6 months and he was killed. But in the 6 months Ironsi was in power, Nigeria still had 4 Regions, resource control and fiscal federalism, the 3 essential ingredients of true federalism

Gowon came in and was there for 9 years. In that 9 years, Nigeria went from a federation of 4 Regions to one with 19 unitary states, resource control was removed and fical federalism was cancelled.

So those who say that Ironsi introduced unitarism came in and spent the last 50 years since the death of Ironsi, unitarising Nigeria on a scale that would have shocked Ironsi himself

Ironsi collasped the 4 regions not Gowon. Please get your history correct. We are still living with the impacts of Ironsi's awrfull uniatry decree till this day

bjdon:


Ironsi collasped the 4 regions not Gowon. Please get your history correct. We are still living with the impacts of Ironsi's awrfull uniatry decree till this day

Thats a lie that has been told for a long time. All 4 Regions were existing right up to the day Ironsi died. Even months after, they were existing


It was Gowon that announced decree 14 which collapsed the 4 Regions into 12 states, which was later increased further to 19

TooNoisy:
Johnson Aguiyi Ironsi was a Head of State of Nigeria and the only full Head of State of Igbo extraction. I wonder why today's Igbo youths never talk about him, just like they hardly ever mention Nnamdi Azikiwe. All we ever hear is Ojukwu; but Ojukwu at best was only the governor of the Eastern region. Both Zik and Ironsi were presidents, so why don't Igbos talk about them.

Murtala Mohammed and Gowon were also never presidents. They were heads of state. What mattered was that they had federal executive powers. They appointed ministers and approve budgets.

Zik was not an executive president. The real power was with Tafawa Balewa. It was Balewa that appointed all the government ministers with portfolios, and it was Balewa that appended his signature to national budgets.

Aguiyi Ironsi was the only Igbo man to ever exercise executive power in Nigeria. It lasted for just six months. So basically, Igbos have only had the executive power for just six months out of 61 years

gidgiddy:


What is there to talk about with both men? Aguiyi Ironsi was just someone who unexpectedly became head of state by chance. He was only there fir 6 months looking for 'one Nigeria'. One Nigeria eventually claimed his head

Zik was just a ceremonial president who later betrayed his people in Biafra, something they never forgave him for.

Ojukwu fought for the freedom of his people, he is the only one worth remembering of the three men

How did Zik betray Biafra?
Biafra defeat was inevitable so why prolong the suffering of already starving population of Igbos in Biafra?
Zik left Biafra in 1969 he became of saboteur and Ojukwu fled Biafra in 1970 and became a hero.

bjdon:


Nothern political leaders pleased with Ironsi, not to pass the unitary decree but he paid no heed. Ojukuwu is even on record as saying that in the Unitary system, Igbo civil servants would be running nothern affairs. That was like rubbing salt into an open wound for the North. Why was there the need for a unitairy system? Who in the North, Mid West or South West was asking for it? Only the Igbos wanted it, becasue they thaought they were going to rule the whole nation.

This has always been the problem. The Igbos can never have a power sharing agreement with other tribes. It’s either they have it all or they resort to insults and threats. They were erroneously convinced that they would dominate Nigeria and the Igbos rejoiced and mocked other tribes when Aguiyi Ironsi got into power thereby ending our democracy. Aguiyi Ironsi then declared a Unitary system. When the North objected leading to a counter coup, they started crying Biafra. And what happened in Biafra? They treated the other minority tribes like slaves, especially the Ijaw, Ikwere, Efik and Ibibio. The Igbos killed anyone who questioned them and used these tribes as human shields.

They are still using same tactics today. They insult and threaten other tribes rather than negotiate. It’s either they are in total dominance or they want to leave. They insult the North and West; they ridicule APC and call it Almajeri Party but then asked for the Party Presidential ticket. For them there is no negotiation... no wonder Nnamdi Kanu can sell a fake promise to them and they worship him.

bjdon:


So true. It is so impotant that we know our history CORRECTLY, in this country.

And that is why I am trying to correct the typical lies the Igbos spread. They are the most vocal and make the most noise - chest beaters as we call them. We all know they are lying but when a group of people repeat the same lie for a long time, others may start believing them. I see that a lot on Igbo Twitter and it is important we start telling the truth.

Azikiwe and Ironsi turned Nigeria into the mess it currently is, that’s why the Igbos never speak about these two.

paramakina202:


How did Zik betray Biafra?
Biafra defeat was inevitable so why prolong the suffering of already starving population of Igbos in Biafra?
Zik left Biafra in 1969 he became of saboteur and Ojukwu fled Biafra in 1970 and became a hero.

The same Ojukwu that came back to Nigeria and contested under the NPN. The same Ojukwu that started APGA and contested for president. They are now shouting Ojukwu but these same people never voted for him when he ran for office twice. His party APGA has only one state in the entire South East. They will rather be slaves in PDP.

APGA produced Peter Obi who became the first governor in the 4th republic to be impeached. Same people use to call Peter Obi “Adaobi” because they said he was effeminate. Truth is that the Igbos don’t have heroes, they just align with someone to achieve a purpose.

TooNoisy:
Johnson Aguiyi Ironsi was a Head of State of Nigeria and the only full Head of State of Igbo extraction. I wonder why today's Igbo youths never talk about him, just like they hardly ever mention Nnamdi Azikiwe. All we ever hear is Ojukwu; but Ojukwu at best was only the governor of the Eastern region. Both Zik and Ironsi were presidents, so why don't Igbos talk about them.

People basically adore their heroes or oppressors.

The two men you mentioned above are not perceived as either.

You gerrit?

TooNoisy:


The same Ojukwu that came back to Nigeria and contested under the NPN. The same Ojukwu that started APGA and contested for president. They are now shouting Ojukwu but these same people never voted for him when he ran for office twice. His party APGA has only one state in the entire South East. They will rather be slaves in PDP.

APGA produced Peter Obi who became the first governor in the 4th republic to be impeached. Same people use to call Peter Obi “Adaobi” because they said he was effeminate. Truth is that the Igbos don’t have heroes, they just align with someone to achieve a purpose.

Yeah,tomorrow Nnamdi Kanu will abandon the agitation after wasting so many lives and join Nigeria politics while people like gidgiddy will see him as a hero too and they will find new traitors they will blame for betraying their struggle and make them scapegoat..

paramakina202:


Yeah,tomorrow Nnamdi Kanu will abandon the agitation after wasting so many lives and join Nigeria politics while people like gidgiddy will see him as a hero too and they will find new traitors they will blame for betraying their struggle and make them scapegoat..

The struggle for freedom is bigger than Nnamdi Kanu. If Nnamdi Kanu likes, let him run for President of Nigeria, the struggle for Igbo land to be an independent nation remains a sacred mandate

gidgiddy:


The struggle for freedom is bigger than Nnamdi Kanu. If Nnamdi Kanu likes, let him run for President of Nigeria, the struggle for Igbo land to be an independent nation remains a sacred mandate

Igboland?

I am surprised,no more Biafraland of two wrapper tying women?

All these clowns saying Zik and Ironsi caused all the problems of Nigeria really need to stop abusing ignorance.


Was it Zik/Ironsi that created Bokoharam?