From last week continues the narrative of the events that took place before General Gowon was overthrown, with particular reference to the early years when he ruled without a federal cabinet and had to deal directly with permanent secretaries.  General Gowon also worked with the members of the Federal Public Service Commission in which Alhaji Sule […]

From last week continues the narrative of the events that took place before General Gowon was overthrown on July 29, 1975. Of particular reference was his creation of 12 states as well as appointment of governors and setting up a federal cabinet. The other governors he appointed from time to time and who have answered the […]

Tuesday, July 29,2025 will be the 50th anniversary of the overthrow of General Yakubu Gowon GCFR. He was overthrown in a bloodless military coup on the same Tuesday, July 29, 1975.  Most of us remember where we were at 6.00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 29, 1975, when the Commander of the Brigade of Guards made the […]

From last week, continues the narrative  of what transpired after the death of Gen Abacha and how the PRC handled the process of who would succeed him as Commander-in-Chief. With General Diya in detention, Gen Haladu indisposed, Gen Useni considered unpopular and Gen Bamaiyi reluctant to step in, the lot eventually fell on Gen Abdusalami […]

From last week, continues the narrative  of how the General Victor Malu-led military tribunal on Tuesday April 28, 1998 sentenced General Oladipo Diya and other  officers to death for alleged coup plot. Four of the accused persons were convicted of “information gathering” and implication in the alleged coup plot, and sentenced to life imprisonment. They […]

Retired General Jeremaih Timbut Useni ((February 16, 1943 –  January 23, 2025) alias Jerry Boy, who answered the final call in Paris, France, was partly a fulfilled man.  The then Head of State, Major General(rtd.) Muhammadu Buhari (82) appointed him as the Governor of Bendel State (now Edo and Delta states) in January 1984. He was […]

This is the concluding part of this essay which last week listed the names of  members of the committee set up by President Olusegun Obasanjo to review the 1999 Constitution following suggestions that it was made in a hurry and therefore had numerous lapses. The committee, which was inaugurated in 1999, was headed by Ambassador […]

From last week,  continues the argument that the 1999 Constitution was made in hurry because by the gubernatorial elections on February 20, 1999 and the presidential  election on February 29, 1999, the new Constitution was not ready; and that by 1999, the 1979 Constitution  was still suspended; likewise, the 1988 Constitution prepared by the Constituent […]

In promulgating decree 24 on May 5, 1999 as the 1999 Constitution, the then Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, made an addendum to the decree. The addendum was not part of the decree, it was just an explanation on the Constitution. General Abubakar […]

From last week,  this is the concluding part of Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s counter-submission in response to that of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa on the declaration of a state of emergency in the Western Region following the Action Group crisis there. “Thirdly I say- I said it outside this House and I want to repeat it on […]

From last week, continues the counter-motion by Chief Obafemi Awolowo in response to that of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa on the declaration of a state of emergency in the Western Region following the Action Group crisis there. “I was present there myself and when I left that Chamber, those who were outside the Chamber did […]

From last week, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa today concludes his motion on the declaration of a state of emergency in the Western Region following the Action Group crisis there. “I solemnly assure you that the power we shall soon be forced to assume will be exercised in as humane and democratic a manner as the circumstances […]

From last week, continues the statement by  Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, explaining why he permitted the meeting of the Western House of Assembly  following the Action Group crisis and the subsequent declaration of a state of emergency in the Western Region It must be on the strict understanding that there will be no police protection within […]

From last week, the Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, on May 29, 1962, summoned an emergency meeting of the Federal House of Representatives which was then the Federal Parliament in Lagos and moved a motion on the Action Group crisis  The motion reads thus: “I rise to move the Resolution standing in my name which […]

The first head of government that declared a state of emergency in Nigeria was the then Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa (December 1912 – January 15, 1966) and that was in May 1962. I was a student then at Olofin Anglican Grammar School in Idanre in Ondo State, along with Folu Olamiti, Prince Wale Olateru-Olagbegi, […]