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Question

Difficulty: Very hardFirst Republic Politics and Major Crises (1960–1966)

Arrange the following major political events and crises of Nigeria's First Republic in their correct chronological sequence from earliest to latest.

  1. 1The declaration of a state of emergency in the Western Region by the Federal Parliament following violent intra-party fighting in the Regional House of Assembly.
  2. 2The formal inauguration of the Republican Constitution, replacing Queen Elizabeth II with an indigenous ceremonial President as Head of State.
  3. 3The constitutional deadlock between President Nnamdi Azikiwe and Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa following the boycotted federal parliamentary elections.
  4. 4The first military coup d'état led by army officers, bringing an abrupt end to democratic civilian governance in Nigeria.

Answer

The correct chronological sequence is: first, the declaration of a state of emergency in the Western Region (May 1962); second, the formal inauguration of the Republican Constitution (October 1963); third, the constitutional deadlock following the boycotted federal elections (December 1964–January 1965); and fourth, the first military coup d'état (January 15, 1966).
The sequence begins with the May 1962 emergency declaration in the Western Region, followed by the transition to a Federal Republic on October 1, 1963. Next came the federal election boycott crisis of December 1964–January 1965, and the period concluded with the January 15, 1966 military coup.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the date of the Western Region Action Group crisis and federal emergency declaration
May 1962
Intra-party factional conflict between Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief S.L. Akintola culminated in parliamentary chaos, leading the Federal Parliament to suspend the regional government.
2
Determine the date of Nigeria's constitutional transition to a Republic
October 1, 1963
Nigeria enacted the 1963 Republican Constitution, severing formal colonial ties with the British Crown.
3
Determine the date of the Federal Parliamentary Election crisis and executive standoff
December 1964 – January 1965
Widespread electoral malpractices led the opposition UPGA alliance to boycott the election, resulting in a 6-day constitutional deadlock where President Azikiwe temporarily refused to reappoint Prime Minister Balewa.
4
Determine the date of the military overthrow of the First Republic
January 15, 1966
Major Chukwuma Nzeogwu and fellow army majors executed a military coup that assassinated key political leaders and dismantled democratic political institutions.

Key Concept

Chronological timeline of constitutional and political crises in Nigeria's First Republic (1960–1966)
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Topics

First Republic Politics and Major Crises (1960–1966)