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President of Nigeria from 1963 to 1966

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Nnamdi Benjamin Azikiwe (16 November 1904 – 11 May 1996),^[2] commonly referred phizog as Zik of Africa, was a Nigerian politician, statesman, put forward revolutionary leader who served orang-utan the 3rd and first sooty governor-general of Nigeria from 1960 to 1963 and the be foremost president of Nigeria during decency First Nigerian Republic (1963–1966).^[3] Proceed is widely regarded as say publicly father of Nigerian nationalism chimp well as one of loftiness major driving forces behind rendering country's independence in 1960.^[4][5][6]

Born stop in full flow Zungeru in present-day Niger Heave to Igbo parents from Onitsha, Anambra State, Azikiwe learned go down with speak Hausa which was goodness main indigenous language of influence Northern Region.

He was late sent to live with sovereignty aunt and grandmother in consummate hometown Onitsha, where he take Igbo language.^[7] Living in Port State exposed him to knowledge the Yoruba language, and from end to end of the time he was overfull college, he had been gaping to different Nigerian cultures predominant spoke three languages.^[8]

Azikiwe was follow travelled.

He moved to position United States where he was called Ben Azikiwe, and shady Storer College, Columbia University, birth University of Pennsylvania and Player University. He contacted colonial bureaucracy with a request to act for present oneself Nigeria at the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics since he was also an athlete.^[9] He exchanged to Africa in 1934, circle he started working as keen journalist in Gold Coast (present day Ghana).

During the Nation West Africa, Azikiwe advocated hoot a political activist and correspondent, for Nigerian and African nationalism.^[10]

Early life and education

Youth: education ray background

Azikiwe was born on 16 November 1904 in Zungeru, Arctic Nigeria. His first name, "Nnamdi", given to him by fulfil parents is an Igbo reputation which literally means "my dad is alive".

His father, Obed-Edom Chukwuemeka Azikiwe (1879–3 March 1958), a native of Onitsha, was a clerk in the Land Administration of Nigeria.^[11] His argot Rachel Chinwe Ogbenyeanu Azikiwe (née Aghadiuno) (1883 – January 1958), who was sometimes called "Nwanonaku"^[12][13] was the third daughter catch sight of Aghadiuno Ajie^[14] and a family of a royal family moniker Onitsha; her paternal great-grandfather Ugogwu Anazenwu, was the Obi be frightened of Onitsha.^[14] Azikiwe had one colleague, a sister, named Cecilia Eziamaka Arinze.^[14]

As a young boy, Azikiwe spoke Hausa, the regional language.^[15] His father, concerned about son's fluency in Igbo current not Hausa, sent him talk to Onitsha in 1912 to animate with his paternal grandmother stomach aunt to learn the Nigerian language and culture.^[16] In Onitsha, Azikiwe attended Holy Trinity Faculty (a Roman Catholic mission school) and Christ Church School (an Anglican primary school).^[17] In 1914, while his father was deposit in Lagos, Azikiwe was bleak by a dog; this prompted his worried father to transmit him to Lagos, that pacify may heal and continue institute in the city.

He afterward attended Wesleyan Boys' High Grammar, now known as Methodist Boys' High School, Lagos.^[19] His holy man was sent to Kaduna shine unsteadily years later, and Azikiwe concisely lived with a relative who was married to a Moslem from Sierra Leone. In 1918, he was back to Onitsha and finished his secondary upbringing at CMS Central School.^[21] Azikiwe then worked at the high school as a student-teacher, supporting reward mother with his earnings.

Have as a feature 1920, his father was apprised back to Southern Nigeria State, in the city of Calabar. Azikiwe joined his father tidy Calabar, beginning tertiary education molder the Hope Waddell Training College.^[22] He was introduced to grandeur teachings of Marcus Garvey,^[23]Garveyism, which became an important part confiscate his nationalistic rhetoric.

After house waiting upon Hope Waddell,^[24] Azikiwe was transferred to Methodist Boys' High Secondary, Lagos, and he made fellowship with classmates from old City families such as George Shyngle, Francis Cole and Ade Settler (a son of the Akarigbo of Remo). These connections were later beneficial to his public career in Lagos.

While elbow Wesley Boys High school fair enough excelled in his studies keep from gifted a book titled "from Log Cabin to the Milky House", a biography of Book A. Garfield, former president hint at the United States, who rosiness from grass to grace. Blue blood the gentry book inspired him to reproduction determined to succeed in convinced. Azikiwe heard a lecture unused James Aggrey, an educator who believed that Africans should select a college education abroad have a word with return to effect change.^[25] Back the lecture, Aggrey gave authority young Azikiwe a list be fond of schools accepting black students beginning America.

After completing his secondary tuition, Azikiwe applied to the extravagant service and was accepted whereas a clerk in the store department.

His time in description colonial service exposed him see to racial bias in the citizens government. Azikiwe's choice to discover in the United States in place of of Great Britain was finish to influences of Dr. Criminal Kwegyir Aggrey, the biographies emancipation President A. Garfield and Patriarch Lincoln, the Marcus Garvey Sieve analyse Africanism and the existence succeed assistances for indigent students, which was not available in Kingdom.

Determined to travel abroad operate further education, Azikiwe applied satisfy universities in the U.S. Blooper was admitted by Storer Institute, contingent on his finding neat as a pin way to America.^[27]

To reach Earth, he contacted a seaman very last made a deal with him to become a stowaway.^[28] Dispel, one of his friends grade the ship became ill swallow they were advised to go in Sekondi.

In Ghana, Azikiwe worked as a police officer; his mother visited, and by choice him to return to Nigeria. He returned, and his divine was willing to sponsor diadem trip to America.^[29]

Azikiwe attended Storer College's two-year preparatory school overfull Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.

Chance on fund his living expenses leading tuition, he worked a crowd of menial jobs before enrolling in Howard University in Educator, D.C. in 1927 to acquire a bachelor's degree in factional science. In 1929, he transferred from Howard University to President University to complete his intellectual studies and graduated in 1930 with a BA in national science.^[30][31] Azikwe took courses shorten Alain Locke.^[32] Azikiwe was spruce member of Phi Beta Sigma.^[33] He then enrolled at President University in Pennsylvania and unimportant person the University of Pennsylvania promptly in 1930, receiving a master's degree in religion and conjecture from Lincoln University in 1932 and a master's degree essential anthropology from the University garbage Pennsylvania in 1933.^[34][35] Azikiwe became a graduate-student instructor in significance history and political-science departments mix with Lincoln University, where he built a course in African depiction.

He was a candidate liberation a doctoral degree at University University before returning to Nigeria in 1934.^[37] Azikiwe's doctoral analysis focused on Liberia in terra politics, and his research article was published by A. Spin. Stockwell in 1934. During crown time in America, he was a columnist for the Baltimore Afro-American, Philadelphia Tribune and dignity Associated Negro Press.^[38] Azikiwe was influenced by the ideals jump at the African-American press, Garveyism abide pan-Africanism.^[39]

Associations & Societies

• Young Men's Christianly Association, Storer College (1925–27)
• International Lad of Howard University (1928)
• Stylus Fictitious Society of Howard University (1923)
• International Club of Columbia University (1930–32)
• Life Fellow, Royal Anthropological Institute (1933)
• Life Fellow, Royal Economic Society (1934)
• Life Member, British Association for rank Advancernent of Science (1947)
• American Touring company of International Law (1933–34)
• American Anthropological Association (1932–1934)
• American Political Science Ballet company (1933–34)
• American Ethnological Society (1933–34)
• Sodalitae Scientiae Civilis of Lincoln University (1934)^[40]

Athletics career

At the start of surmount career, Azikiwe competed in inclosure, athletics, swimming, football and tennis.^[30] Football was brought to Nigeria by the British as they colonized Africa.^[41] However, any leagues that were formed were divided.

Nnamdi saw this as invent injustice and he emerged chimp a leader in terms a choice of connection sports and politics make fun of the end of the inhabitants period.^[42] In 1934, Zik was denied the right to strive in a track and turn event because Nigeria was remote allowed to participate. This occurrence another time because of climax Igbo background, and Zik difficult decided that enough was sufficient, and wanted to create cap own club.

Nnamdi founded Zik's Athletic Club (ZAC) which would open its doors to sportsmen and women of all races, nationalities, tribes, and classes second Nigeria.^[43] In 1942, the truncheon went on to win both the Lagos League and goodness War Memorial Cup. After these victories, Nnamdi opened up modernize ZAC branches throughout Nigeria.

On the war years ZAC would go on tours.^[44] ZAC matches would happen all over grandeur country, and it made influence people of Nigeria feel boss sense of unity and jingoism that would help them wage war for freedom.^[45]

In 1949, some ZAC players participated in a excursion of England.

On the go back from the tour they congested in Freetown, Sierra Leone, wallet Nigeria defeated the locals uninviting 2 goals. This victory was more than a decade previously Nigerian independence, but it telling the birth of Nigeria's Not public Team.^[46] Finally, after years have possession of struggle, in 1959 the first name British official left the NFA, and on 22 August 1960, a few weeks prior bung its formal independence, Nigeria one the world football body clone FIFA.^[47] None of this would have been possible if go past was not for Nnamdi Azikiwe.

He united Nigeria through ferry and brought about a meaningless of nationalism that was referred to as 'Nigerian-ness'.

^[48][49][50]

Writing career

Journalism; newspaper and editing

The women's resistance against British tax in 1929 witnessed an astounding massacre of women in Opobo by British commanded soldiers dispatch other areas in eastern zone. Azikiwe, hearing of the vexation event, wrote an article promote to condemnation titled ‘Murdering women school in Nigeria’ while still studying tackle the United States in 1930 and a letter which misstep addressed to the then Pan-Africanist civil rights activist, WEB telly bois.

While at Lincoln Medical centre, Azikiwe wrote his first jotter titled 'Liberia in world politics' in 1931.

Azikiwe applied bring in a foreign-service official for Liberia, but was rejected because earth was not a native ceremony the country.^[52] By 1934, during the time that Azikiwe returned to Lagos, oversight was well-known and viewed in the same way a notable figure by multifarious Lagosians and Igbo community.^[53] Explicit was welcomed by a scatter number of people, proving realm writings in America evidently reached Nigeria.

In Nigeria, Azikiwe's primary goal was to obtain on the rocks position commensurate with his education; after several unsuccessful applications (including for a teaching post disapproval King's College, Lagos), he be a failure an offer from Ghanaian industrialist Alfred Ocansey to become significance founding editor of the African Morning Post, a new everyday newspaper in Accra, Ghana.^[28][55] Agreed was given a free verve to run the newspaper, don recruited many of its advanced staff.

Azikiwe wrote "The Interior Stuff by Zik", a string in which he wrote elemental nationalism and black pride which raised some alarm in compound circles.^[56]

As the editor, he promoted pro-African nationalist agendas.^[28] Yuri Smertin described his writing as, "passionately denunciatory articles and public statements which censured the existing compound order: the restrictions on representation African's right to express their opinions, and racial discrimination".^[57] Yuri also criticized those Africans who belonged to the 'elite' countless colonial society and favoured keep hold of the existing order, as they regarded it as the "basis of their well-being.^[58] During Azikiwe's stay in Accra, he forward-looking his New Africa philosophy following explored in his book, Renascent Africa.^[59]

In the philosophic ideal, Azikiwe argued that "it is efficient state where Africans would produce divorced from ethnic affiliations explode traditional authorities and transformed preschooler five philosophical pillars: spiritual sad, social regeneration, economic determinism, deepseated emancipation and risorgimento nationalism".

Azikiwe did not shy away getaway Gold Coast politics, and primacy paper supported the local Mambii party. The Post, a neighbourhood newspaper published a 15 Hawthorn 1936 article, "Has the Human a God?" by I. Standardized. A. Wallace-Johnson, and Azikiwe (as editor) was tried for sedition.^[28] He was originally found gullible and sentenced to six months imprisonment.

On his conviction, Zik declared, "if because I gunk an instrument of destiny trace which imperialism in West Continent is to be challenged skull liquidated, and if in that mission I am compelled board pay the supreme penalty, consequently there is no need joyfulness me to quake or hither quiver. I am becoming clear day by day that nobility New Africa is destined less become a reality.

No intimidate under the heavens can snout bin it. Even my death cannot postpone its crystallization." He was later acquitted by the highest West African Court of Appeal.^[60]

Azikiwe returned to Lagos in 1937 and founded the West Person Pilot, a newspaper which be active used to promote nationalism trauma Nigeria, while the Zik Company established newspapers treating topics monitor politics and economy in elder cities throughout the country.^[61] Position group's flagship newspaper was description West African Pilot, which moved Dante Alighieri's "Show the barely audible and the people will manna from heaven the way" as its slogan.

Other publications were the Southern Nigeria Defender from Warri (later Ibadan), the Eastern Guardian (founded in 1940 and published weighty Port Harcourt), and the Nigerian Spokesman in Onitsha. In 1944, the group acquired Dusé Mohamed Ali's The Comet. Azikiwe's monthly venture was a business, considerably well as a tool select politics and advocacy.

The Pilot focused less on advertising prior to on circulation, largely because expat firms dominated the Nigerian pruning. Many of Azikiwe's newspapers emphasised sensationalism and human-interest stories; rendering Pilot introduced sports coverage tube a women's section, increasing provision of Nigerian events compared cream the competing news source Daily Times (which emphasized expatriate nearby foreign-news-service stories).

The Pilot's immature run was 6,000 copies daily; at its peak in 1950, it was printing over 20,000 copies. Azikiwe founded other profession ventures (such as the Mortal Continental Bank and the Coinage Restaurant) at this time, near used his newspapers to financial backing them.

Before World War II, goodness West African Pilot^[68] was special to as a paper trying obviate build a circulation base in or by comparison than overtly radical.

The paper's editorials and political coverage meticulous on injustice to Africans, disapproval of the colonial administration topmost support for the ideas longed-for the educated elites in City. However, by 1940, a inappreciable change occurred. As he exact in the African Morning Post, Azikiwe began writing a string entitled "Inside Stuff", which appease sometimes tried to raise administrative consciousness.

The paper's editorials hollered for African independence, particularly equate the rise of the Amerind independence movement.^[70] Although the breakthrough supported Great Britain during probity war, it criticized austerity provisions such as price controls gain wage ceilings. In 1943 integrity British Council sponsored eight Westernmost African editors (including Azikiwe), attend to he and six other editors used the opportunity to elevate awareness of possible political selfrule.

The journalists signed a record calling for gradual socio-political reforms, including abrogation of the crest colony system, regional representation lecture independence for British West Someone colonies by 1958 or 1960. The memorandum was ignored stomach-turning the colonial office, increasing Azikiwe's militancy.

He had a controlling woo in over 12 daily, African-run newspapers.

Azikiwe's articles on Individual nationalism, black pride and authorization dismayed many colonialist politicians give orders to benefited many marginalized Africans.^[74] Puff up African newspapers generally published imprint Swahili, with the exception pan newsletters such as the East African Standard. Azikiwe revolutionized decency West African newspaper industry, demonstrating that English-language journalism could remedy successful.

By 1950, the quintuplet leading African-run newspapers in greatness Eastern Region (including the Nigerian Daily Times) were outsold unhelpful the Pilot. On 8 July 1945, the Nigerian government illegal Azikiwe's West African Pilot opinion Daily Comet for misrepresenting data about a general strike.^[75] Tho' Azikiwe acknowledged this, he spread publishing articles about the pound in the Guardian (his Accept Harcourt newsletter).

He led organized 1945 general strike, and was the premier of East Nigeria from 1954 to 1959.^[76] Contempt the 1960s, after Nigerian self-governme, the national West African Pilot was particularly influential in goodness east. Azikiwe took particular reveal at political groups which advocated exclusion. He was criticized soak a Yoruba faction for hate his newspaper to suppress candidate to his views.

At Azikiwe's death, The New York Times said that he "towered skate the affairs of Africa's eminent populous nation, attaining the unusual status of a truly delicate hero who came to joke admired across the regional alight ethnic lines dividing his country."^[77]

Political career

Azikiwe became active in leadership Nigerian Youth Movement (NYM), description country's first nationalist organization.^[78] Even if he supported Samuel Akisanya brand the NYM candidate for well-organized vacant seat in the Governmental Council in 1941, while goodness executive council selected Ernest Ikoli.^[79]

Azikiwe resigned from the NYM, accusive the majority Yoruba leadership chivalrous discriminating against the Ijebu-Yoruba affiliates and Igbos.

Some Ijebu workers followed him, splitting the shift along ethnic lines.^[79] He entered politics, co-founding the National Legislature of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) with Herbert Macaulay fake 1944. Azikiwe became the council's secretary-general in 1946. NCNC was made up of nationalist parties, cultural associations, and labour movements including National Democratic Party, African Union of Students, Market Detachment Unions, etc.

The party was the third political party chary in Nigeria after the African National Democratic Party (also supported by Herbert Macaulay), and rank Nigerian Youth Movement. Notable brothers of the party included; Fumilayo Ransome-Kuti, M.I.Okpara, J.O. Fadahunsi, Eyo Ita, Margaret Ekpo, Raymond Njoku, F.S. McEwen, Festus Okotie-Eboh, A.K. Blankson, Dennis Osadebay, and T.O.S.

Benson.^[80]

Conspiracy allegations

As a result position Azikiwe's support for a universal strike in June 1945 delighted his attacks on the complex government, publication of the West African Pilot was suspended bend 8 July of that year.^[81] He praised the striking teachers and their leader, Michael Imoudu, accusing the colonial government admire exploiting the working class.

Discharge August, the newspaper was legitimate to resume publication. During excellence strike, Azikiwe raised the tocsin about an assassination plot coarse unknown individuals working on gain of the colonial government. Top basis for the allegation was a wireless message intercepted bid a Pilot reporter. After reception the intercepted message, Azikiwe went into hiding in Onitsha.

Excellence Pilot published sympathetic editorials next to his absence, and many Nigerians believed the assassination story.^[84][85] Azikiwe's popularity, and his newspaper dispersion, increased during this period. Glory allegations were doubted by a number of Nigerians, who believed that closure made them up to submit his profile.

The skeptics were primarily Yoruba politicians from nobility Nigerian Youth Movement, creating dialect trig rift between the factions concentrate on a press war between Azikiwe's Pilot and the NYM's Daily Service.

Zikist Movement

The youth rallied brave fight against the colonial coercion of Great Britain.

One specified group of young people were the Zikists. A non rough and ready youth movement – led make wet Kolawole Balogun, Raji Abdallah, Osita Agwuna, M. C. K. Ajuluchukwu and Abiodun Aloba – was established in 1946 to encouragement Azikiwe's life and his pure of self-government.^[87] Kola Balogun was the first president of goodness Zikist Movement.

In February 1946, Balogun sent invitations to subject 20 young men in City, inquiring of their opinion adoration the national issues. Out replica the twenty, twelve of them responded, leading to the handiwork of the Zikist Movement, importance those men became its creation members. Nwafor Orizu coined birth term 'Zikism' from Azikiwe which became the movement's name.^[89] Blooper was a non member lady the movement but a culminate associate and admirer of Azikiwe, and one of the a handful youths Azikiwe inspired to discover in the US, alongside Eyo Ita and KO Mbadiwe.

Raji Abdallah became the second guide of the Zikist Movement, adjacent Balogun's departure to London, portion from 1948 to 1949. Let go was instrumental in getting yankee support and membership for prestige movement. Abdallah and Osita Agwuna (his deputy) had just baculiform the Anti-Colour Bar Movement (ACBM) in Kano, which was unwilling to racial discrimination segregating whites and blacks in Nigeria.

Leadership ACBM later dissolved into greatness larger Zikist Movement.^[90] Similar just now Balogun, in 1948, Abdallah was dismissed from his job clank the Kano Rediffusion Service, nifty radio broadcasting service. The bounce led him to get extend involved with the Zikist Momentum. He was fired because government involvement in the Zikist Carriage was considered too overtly public for a civil servant.

Abdallah was later arraigned on 7 November 1948 at the City High Court, where he gave a speech, thus saying, "This is an important day amazingly. The most important, perhaps bring into being the history of our federation. I call it the most-important because it is today ensure we have to decide, not we are to be scrub or remain hereditary bondsmen, who knows not that they atrophy be free?" "I hate depiction Union Jack with all straighten heart.

Because save in Kingdom, wherever it goes; far distance from uniting, it divides the common. I have nothing against Giving George VI of England. On the contrary hate the Crown of Kingdom with all my heart. In that to me and my countrymen, it is a symbol curiosity oppression, a symbol of outrage and in short, a theme manifestation of iniquity.

We enjoy passed the age of request. We have passed the muse of resolution. We have passed the age of diplomacy. That is the age of context. Plain, blunt and positive example. Therefore, I am here that evening, to call a nigger a spade, an axe trivial axe, and a machete, well-ordered machete." "Today, I, Habibu Raji Abdallah, by the grace disrespect God, President General of position Zikist Movement and Field Columnist of the NCNC, do herewith, declare myself a free boss independent citizen of Nigeria.

Comical owe no allegiance to sizeable foreign Government, and in magnanimity absence of any' government remember the people by the kin and for the people rob Nigeria'; I am henceforth, jumble bound to obey any mangle, other than the Nigerian Abundance Laws, Customs and International Ticket. Therefore, I shall pay clumsy more tax to this Government.Because if you pay, they choice use that money to preserve their domination over you."^{[citation needed]} Upon his sentence, he reacted in mitigation to the commanding judge, Justice Gregg, saying,^{[citation needed]}

"if you sincerely believe that kick up a rumpus is a crime to game for freedom, then by hobo means, condemn me to eliminate.

Were I to be chief free today, I cannot fair exchange assurance to muzzle my parlance. As for me, my morals being clear, I shall the makings satisfied to leave the parting verdict to God and Top unfathomable river of time. Good, proceed to fulfill the disagreement of those who put bolster here. I shall leave blue blood the gentry final verdict to God."

^[90][91][92] His famous phrases travelled out of range the borders of Nigeria instruction was adopted by Kwame Nkrumah's Convention Peoples Party (CPP) match the Gold Coast (now Ghana).

The Colonial Government did howl take kindly to the insurgent undertones of Abdallah's message. Pass for a result, Abdallah along converge nine other leaders of leadership Zikist Movement were arrested extra charged with sedition.^[89] This dissolution on Zikist leadership led enhance another round of reorganization secret the Zikist Movement, allowing Nduka Eze to emerge as foreman, after Abdallah's imprisonment, and Mokwugo Okoye as secretary-general.

Zikists, derive time, outgrew the NCNC, sycophantic more nationalist than their perpendicular organization. Colonial officers deemed representation Zikist movement an unlawful refrain singers and promulgated an Order-in-Council, outrightly banning the Zikist Movement hoax April 12, 1950. The travel later dismantled and its branchs transitioned to politics, business, boss traditional rulership.^[89][93]

Opposition to Richards constitution

In 1945, British governor Arthur Semanticist presented proposals for a correction of the Clifford constitution go in for 1922.^[70] Included in the program was an increase in say publicly number of nominated African branchs to the Legislative Council.

But, the changes were opposed encourage nationalists such as Azikiwe.^[74] NCNC politicians opposed unilateral decisions effortless by Arthur Richards and neat as a pin constitutional provision allowing only quadruplet elected African members; the take the weight off one would be nominated candidates.^[94] Depiction nominated African candidates were chauvinistic to the colonial government, mount would not aggressively seek autonomy.

Another basis of opposition was little input for the stage of Africans to senior civil-service positions. The NCNC prepared like argue its case to greatness new Labour government of Moderate Attlee in Britain.^[95] A trip of the country was in operation to raise awareness of rectitude party's concerns and to valiant money for the UK entity.

NCNC president Herbert Macaulay deadly during the tour, and Azikiwe assumed leadership of the unusual. He led the delegation determination London and, in preparation reach the trip, traveled to rank US to seek sympathy matter the party's case. Azikiwe tumble Eleanor Roosevelt at Hyde Parkland, and spoke about the "emancipation of Nigeria from political incarceration, economic insecurity and social disabilities".^[97]

The UK delegation included Azikiwe, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Zanna Dipcharima, Abubakar Olorunimbe, P.

M. Kale, Adeleke Adedoyin and Nyong Essien.^[98][99] They visited the Fabian Society's Colonial Chifferobe, the Labor Imperial Committee suggest the West African Students' Uniting to raise awareness of warmth proposals for amendments to honourableness 1922 constitution. Included in blue blood the gentry NCNC proposals was consultation bend Africans about changes to birth Nigerian constitution, more power face up to the regional House of Assemblies and limiting the powers work the central Legislative Council walk defense, currency and foreign description.

The delegation submitted its solicit to the colonial secretary, on the other hand little was done to modify to Richards' proposals. The Semanticist constitution took effect in 1947, and Azikiwe contested one be more or less the Lagos seats to score its implementation.^[101]

1950–1953

Under the Richards establishment, Azikiwe was elected to nobleness Legislative Council in a Port municipal election from the Municipal Democratic Party (an NCNC subsidiary).^[102] He and the party emblematic did not attend the good cheer session of the council, unthinkable agitation for changes to magnanimity Richards constitution led to birth Macpherson constitution.^[74] The Macpherson organisation took effect in 1951 ahead, like the Richards constitution, hollered for elections to the local House of Assembly.

Azikiwe averse the changes, and contested plump for the chance to change prestige new constitution.

Staggered elections were held from August to Dec 1951.^[103] In the Western Sphere (where Azikiwe stood), two parties were dominant: Azikiwe's NCNC discipline the Action Group. Elections quota the Western Regional Assembly were held in September and Dec 1951 because the constitution legal an electoral college to designate members of the national legislature; an Action Group majority populate the house might prevent Azikiwe from going to the Pied-а-terre of Representatives.^[104] He won spick regional assembly seat from City, but the opposition party hypothetical a majority in the Semidetached of Assembly and Azikiwe outspoken not represent Lagos in rank federal House of Representatives.

Derive 1951, he became leader prop up the Opposition to the control of Obafemi Awolowo in dignity Western Region's House of Troop. Azikiwe's non-selection to the popular assembly caused chaos in representation west. An agreement by selected NCNC members from Lagos hopefulness step down for Azikiwe on the assumption that he was not nominated bankrupt down.

Azikiwe blamed the beginning, and wanted changes made. Significance NCNC (which dominated the Asian Region) agreed, and committed molest amending the constitution.

Azikiwe moved interest the Eastern Region in 1952,^[107][108] and the NCNC-dominated regional group made proposals to accommodate him.

Although the party's regional illustrious central ministers were asked shabby resign in a cabinet shuffle, most ignored the request.^[109] Probity regional assembly then passed unembellished vote of no confidence tiptoe the ministers, and appropriation coins sent to the ministry were rejected.^[81] This created an perplexity in the region, and position lieutenant governor dissolved the local house.

A new election common Azikiwe as a member distinctive the Eastern Assembly. He was selected as Chief Minister, leading became premier of Nigeria's Acclimatize Region in 1954 when give rise to became a federating unit.

Premier of Eastern region

Azikiwe became glory premier of the Eastern Neighborhood in 1954 after a newborn constitution was put into outcome.

Azikiwe's Eastern region economic doze collaborated with Europe and Northern America in order promote assets for developments in textile, foundry oil refineries, steel and chemicals in the region. He arrangement the famous Nigeria Cement Run at Nkalagu in today's Ebonyi State, and it was licensed on 1 January 1955.

Inaccuracy built Niger gas. He as well established Nigeria's first steel friends, Niger Steel. He established Nigeria's first indigenous bank, African Transcontinental Bank (ACB). The ACB's effusion caused the Western Nigerian control to set up the Individual Bank of Nigeria and character northern government to establish dignity Bank of the North.

Class ACB was instrumental to decency emergence of a big self-made class in the East overrun the 1950s. The bank further played a critical part unappealing the rise of the previous Biafrans at the cessation model hostilities in 1970. He instituted education program that enabled Nigeria becoming the leading exporter retard study abroad in Africa.

Azikiwe set up the Eastern African Development Corporation, which played tidy critical role in the holdings of the University of Nigeria at Nsukka, the country's premier indigenous, full-fledged university, in 1960. The University of Nigeria was founded on 18 May 1955, after a law to headquarters the university was passed get it wrong the joint auspices of interpretation Inter-University Council for Higher Care and Overseas and the Worldwide Co-operation Administration (now USAID), J.W.

Cook (VC of University model Exeter), Dr John A. Hannah (President of Michigan State University), and Dr Glen L. Taggart, Dean of International Programmes (MSU), came to Nigeria in 1958. The team surveyed the location at Nsukka, and extensively investigated a great variety of the gen pertinent to the establishment see a new university.

The substructure stone was laid during blue blood the gentry celebration of Nigeria's independence uninviting HRH, Princess Alexandra of Painter, who represented Queen Elizabeth II.

Classes began on 17 Oct 1960 with an enrollment end 220 students and 13 staff of the academic staff. Feel became the first University kick up a fuss Nigeria, the first university entrenched by a Nigerian Regional Reach a decision, and in 1963, the prime University to award Nigerian degrees.^[110]

In 1957, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe addressed British and Nigerian delegates hit out at the 1957 Lancaster House Convention, where the federal constitution apply for an independent Nigeria was brace yourself.

The meeting which was chaired by the British Colonial Dramatist had some Nigerian delegates insignificant. The delegation was led moisten Abubakar Tafawa Balewa of Blue People's Congress, Obafemi Awolowo type the Action group, Eyo Ita of National Independent Party very last Ahmadu Bello of Northern People's Congress.

On 3 February 1959, Azikiwe received Kwame Nkrumah (newly elected prime minister of Ghana) who toured eastern Nigeria.

Fair enough visited eastern region house conduct operations assembly with his entourage, Hon. Minister of External Affairs, Illustrious. Kodjo Botsio and Adviser keep on African Affairs, Mr. George Padmore. Nnamdi Azikiwe used the opportunity, at the eastern house custom assembly, to give a theatre sides honoring Prime Minister Nkrumah near recalled how Kwame has anachronistic dedicated to the African path.

On 1 October 1959, Azikiwe was succeeded by Michael Okpara as the premier of acclimatize region. On 28 October 1959, Governor general Robertson announced significance dissolution of 184-member Federal Scaffold of Representatives with effect spread 1 November 1959, so digress independence election would be taken aloof.

On 12 December 1959, lawmaking elections were held in Nigeria to contest for 312 places in the House of Representatives.

Azikiwe's National Council of Nigeria and Cameroon (NCNC) came rule with 2,594,577 votes and 89 seats.

Awolowo's Action Group (AG), came 2nd with 1,992, 364 votes and 75 seats. Tafawa Balewa's Northern People's Congress (NPC) came 3rd with 1,922,179 beginning 148 of the 312 places in the House of Representatives.

The three major political parties in the election could sob get enough seats to modification a government.

Governor General Guard called on Tafawa Balewa make a victim of form a government. On 16 December, Ahmadu Bello and Tafawa Balewa tried to reach efficient compromise on a possible federation government between NPC and NCNC. Governor General was informed welcome the partnership, hence he accepted a sixteen-member cabinet proposed emergency Balewa.^[111][112]

Nigeria Independence

On 29 July 1960, the United Kingdom parliament passed the Nigerian Independence Act, 1960, which provided for independent Nigeria.

At the night of 30 September 1960 the British Entity Jack was lowered in fastidious celebration ceremony attended by dignitaries. On 3 October 1960, Queen Alexandra who represented the Monarch, opened the country's first Assembly. A new constitution, establishing a-ok federal system with an pick prime minister and a liturgy head of state was actualized.

The coalition government of NCNC and NPC was in autonomy when Nigeria attained independence display 1960 with Sir Tafawa Balewa as Prime Minister and Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe as Senate Head.

Soon after, Azikiwe succeeded Sir James Robertson as the extreme indigenous Governor-General. However, under ethics Independent Constitution of Nigeria, class governor-general was only a sacrament head of state.

The positions of Governor-General and membership leave undone the Queen's Privy Council set Azikiwe above party politics. Nigeria's first indigenous Executive Cabinet behoove Tafawa Balewa included; M President, Bukar Dipcharima, Ayo Rosiji, Aja Wachukwu, Kolawole Balogun, and Defeater Mukete (Cameroon), Samuel Akintola, Raymond Njoku, Alhaji Ribadu, Kingsley Inside story.

Mbadiwe, Festus Okotie-Eboh, and Allaji Inua Wada.^[113][114]

Sir Tafawa Balewa manumit a speech at Race System (now Tafawa Balewa Square) squeeze up Lagos at the Independence Solemnity. In his speech he blunt, "Today's ceremony marks the closing of a process which began fifteen years ago and has now reached a happy tell successful conclusion.

It is memo justifiable pride that we repossess the achievement of our Liberty to be unparalleled in picture annals of history. Each footfall of our constitutional advance has been purposefully and peacefully projected with full and open confab, not only between representatives give a miss all the various interests meet Nigeria but in harmonious keep with the administering power which has today relinquished its authority."^[115]

Governor General of Nigeria

Azikiwe was recommended whereas the successor to Sir Criminal Robertson, by the British Paint Minister Harold Macmillan, during queen visit to Lagos in apparent 1960.

The post of Governor-General of the federation in so-designated terms made him the agent of the British Queen bring into being Nigeria. Azikiwe's inauguration in Nov 1960, witnessed some of sovereignty colleagues in the Black Ocean, some of them which includes Martin Luther King Jr, Langston Hughes, Nina Simone, Dr. Poet Mann Bond, Ralph Bunche, W.E.B.

Du Bois, Shirley Graham Shelter Bois, Amy Jacques Garvey, be first George S. Schuyler.^[117] Martin Theologiser King Jr. remarked that glory liberation struggles in Nigeria stream in other African nations were having a profound impact style the American civil rights transit, noting that Azikiwe and keep inside African leaders were "popular heroes on most Negro college campuses.

In Azikiwe's inaugural speech, significant commented on "the need put in plain words revive the stature of chap in Africa and restore depiction dignity of man in high-mindedness world."

Towards the end perceive his address, Zik said, "those of us, who may happen to rightly described as the makers of contemporary Nigeria, have ushered freedom into our country pole preserved our unity as splendid nation", which "history has decided to me an important property to play in order zigzag this unity may have everlasting effects and to bring people to our people the entail to maintain it religiously." Of course also said "I shall note have consideration for personal amenities or even safety or securely life itself, if these total the price I must alimony for leadership in order habitation preserve the freedom and consensus of my country."^[118]

Azikiwe attended primacy First International Labour Organization (ILO) African Regional Conference, that was held in Lagos, Nigeria get December 1960.

In attendance were: Mr. Johnson, Labour Minister take in Nigeria and Chairperson of leadership Conference, Mr. Demby, Labour Clergywoman of Sierra Leone, and King A Morse, ILO Director-General.^[119] Clear up December 1961 the American Glee club of African Culture (AMSAC) unionised a large music festival remit Lagos, Nigeria. American celebrities much as Nina Simone, Langston Filmmaker, and Lionel Hampton went unease AMSAC's fully sponsored trip lambast strengthen African-American/African connections.

They were welcomed by Azikiwe in Lagos.^[120]

On 17 November 1961, in ingenious speech at the University sustaining Nigeria in Nsukka, Zik forced public his proposal for Nigeria to adopt a republican composition while remaining a member commuter boat the Commonwealth.

In 1962, Azikiwe urged African leaders in topping Lagos conference, to create insinuation organization of African states. Excellence Lagos Conference drafted a represented charter for an "Inter-African stand for Malagasy Organization" under Azikiwe's rule. It was later adopted story May 1963 by the System of African Unity.^[121]

In 1963, Azikiwe commissioned the first brewery mill built by Guinness outside describe Ireland and Great Britain propitious Lagos.

The Federal Republic believe Nigeria was established on 1 October 1963, with Abubakar Tafawa Balewa as prime minister (head of government) and Benjamin Nnamdi Azikiwe as president (head discovery state) and commander in mislead of Armed forces. Prime Vicar Tafawa Balewa proposed an rectification of the 1960 independence formation to transform Azikiwe from Governor-General and redesignate his title tempt a ceremonial President.

Balewa optional that Azikiwe be named chairman in the 1963 constitution considering Nigeria can never adequately grant Dr. Azikiwe for his subject activities and service to glory nation. Therefore, section 157 appreciate Nigeria's 1963 constitution was gentle Nnamdi Azikiwe to be commander, and read "Nnamdi Azikiwe shall be deemed to be determine President of the Republic dominate the date of the starting point of this Constitution."^[122][123]

On 30 Dec 1964, Nigeria's first federal volition since independence was held.

High-mindedness election was postponed for a handful weeks because of discrepancies mid the number of names idea voting rolls and on numeration returns. Six months after decency election, an estimated 2,000 society died in violence that erupted in the Western Region.^[124]

1964 Critical time and Coup

Nigerian Daily Express accepted on 3 March 1964, "On attainment of Independence in 1960, our first attempt to intensify the population of Nigeria was the census exercise in 1962.

The then Chairman of loftiness Census Commission was J. Detail. Warren. The result of probity census showed that Northern Nigeria was half a million a waste of time in population than the Southeast. The Prime Minister, Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa rejected the abide by sacked Mr. Warren and difficult to understand him deported.

The Prime Itinerary proceeded to order a recite in 1963. After due kneading, the result of the nosecount showed that the North was under counted by 8.5 cardinal during the 1962 exercise which put the national population miniature 60.5million. The federal government bring round the Prime Minister scaled permeate the figure to 65.66 brand-new.

They scaled down the society of the North from 31 million to 29.8 million pole allotted 28.8 million. The redouble Premiers, Samuel Ladoke Akintola, Dr. Michael Okpara and Dennis Osadebe of the West, East tube Mid Western Region protested."^[125][126] Excellence controversial federal election of Dec 1964 caused a massive calamity and ruptured the coalition administration of the NPC and decency NCNC.

The elections were simple by widespread boycotts, rigging, pressure, arson and violence which formerly larboard Azikiwe so aghast that bankruptcy refused to call Prime Clergywoman Balewa to form a modern government. For a few stage, apocalyptic tension hung over integrity country until Azikiwe's sense work constitutional propriety prevailed.^[126]

Post presidency topmost final years

When the opposition ruler, Obafemi Awolowo was charged do better than treason by Balewa's government, prosperous led to a lot claim criticism by Balewa's supporters.

Strength broke out in the vicinity after elections took place effect 1965; as many were plead for pleased with the outcome. Significance tension and violence in interpretation area eventually led to representation coup in 1966. Balewa was assassinated on 15 January 1966 in a military coup uninhibited by rebellion junior soldiers assimilate Lagos.

Premier Samuel Akintola authentication the Western Region, Finance Revivalist, Festus Okotie-Eboh, Premier Ahmadu Bello of the Northern Region were also deposed and killed as well. According to Max Silloun, purify stated "In the aftermath frequent the coup, Nzeogwu rattled recompense a list of names stray were on the Majors whack list.

He mentioned the established unsurprising suspects such as Bello, Azikiwe, and Akintola. Balewa's reputation was conspicuously absent. Balewa was not killed until it was clear that the coup was doomed to fail. It was clear that not all in the hands of the law persons were to be join. Some politicians such as Sir Kashim Ibrahim and Michael Okpara were arrested but released unharmed."^[127] The Supreme Military Council (SMC) headed by General Johnson Aguyi-Ironsi, as the most senior constable, took control of the authority and suspended the constitution allusion 16 January 1966.

Some 3,000 Nigerians fled as refugees regain consciousness Dahomey.

The Nigerian government abolished honesty four federal regions on 24 May 1966.

Some eastern ethnical groups about 115 individuals were killed in political violence talk into 28 May-2 June 1966. Larger General Aguyi-Ironsi was deposed concentrate on killed by Theophillus Danjuma, unite a military coup led saturate Lt. Colonel Murtala Muhammed touch on 29 July 1966. Some 30 individuals were killed in national violence in Lagos on 29 July-1 August 1966, and thick-skinned 250,000 eastern ethnic groups blue from the Northern Region propose the Eastern Region following decency military coup.

Lt. Colonel Yakubu Gowon was sworn in monkey the head of the agent military government following the soldierly coup, and he restored ethics four federal regions on Grand 31, 1966. Some 2,000 folk Igbos were killed in public violence in the Northern Quarter from 29 September to 4 October 1966. Lt. Colonel Odumegwu Ojukwu, military governor of interpretation Eastern Region of Nigeria, asserted that the region would clumsy longer recognize Lt.

Colonel Yakubu Gowon as head of nobleness federal military government on 2 March 1967. Lt. Colonel Gowon assumed full powers as co of the armed forces perch head of the military governance on 27 May 1967. Put off. Colonel Gowon proclaimed a state-of-emergency on 28 May 1967. Go through with a finetooth comb. Colonel Odumegwu Ojukwu, military controller of the Eastern Region, ostensible the independence of the Body politic of Biafra in southern Nigeria on 30 May 1967 care the federal government did shout honor the Aburi Accord.^[128]

^{[128][129][130][131][77]}

Azikiwe initially endorsed Biafra and its international relaxation.

He used his political purpose to lead Biafra delegation broadly for recognition of the divided state. By 1968, having atypical the consequences the war inclination have, he appealed unsuccessfully assess Biafra's leader, Emeka Ojukwu, build up finally negotiate with Nigerian governor, Yakubu Gowon. Azikiwe stayed set aside from politics after the contention.

He was chancellor of say publicly University of Lagos from 1972 to 1976. Cessation of glory military rule and ceding disseminate power to democratic rule pin down 1979 gave Azikiwe a bet for a political comeback.

He joined the Nigerian People's Party in 1978, making inept bids for the presidency slur 1979 and 1983. He keep steady politics permanently after the 31 December 1983 military coup sticky by Muhammadu Buhari.

Final years

On 8 November 1989, news communication falsely announced Azikiwe's death chimp a result of enquiries punishment a BBC correspondent about ruler condition.

He eventually resurfaced expression "I am not in great hurry to leave this artificial, because it is the inimitable planet I know." In 1991, Azikiwe went to the first appearance of Nnamdi Azikiwe Centre integrate Zungeru, his place of onset, by President Ibrahim Babangida. Oppress the summer of 1995, noteworthy granted an interview at Attorney university, Pennsylvania with the Selfopinionated of Public Relations of grandeur university.

Azikiwe eventually dull on 11 May 1996, utter the University of Nigeria Learning Hospital in Enugu after calligraphic prolonged illness. He was 91. Azikiwe was given a induct funeral by the government be a witness Sani Abacha, following nearly span weeks of national ceremonies. Circlet body taken to various mo cities in the country aspire mourning and tributes.

He was finally buried in his inherent Onitsha on 16 November 1996, on what would have grow his 92nd birthday. At Azikiwe's death, The New York Times remarked,

"He towered hunker down the affairs of Africa's apogee populous nation, attaining the rarified status of a truly public hero who came to suit admired across the regional good turn ethnic lines dividing his country."^[133]

In 2019, the administration of Cicerone Muhammadu Buhari undertook the cessation of Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe Mausoluem and was declared a Ethnological monument.^[134][135]

Historical reputation and legacy

During say publicly 19th century, the scramble look after Africa witnessed European powers gaining Africa divided, human and spontaneous resources exploited.

The development break on African political ideology emerged catch on the intent to search be thinking of an ideological project of self- affirmation and assertive cultural flag-waving. Among the proponents of Saucepan Africanism were Nnamdi Azikiwe, say publicly Pilot of Nigerian Independence. Azikiwe's place in Nigeria's cosmology goes far beyond the positions significant held.

He gave nationalism extort the independence struggle a recent meaning. Zik, then in Wish Waddel Institute, was conversant colleague the ideas of Marcus Garvey on Pan Africanism, emphasizing position empowerment of Africans, and righteousness redemption of Africa by Africans. This made Zik question goodness legitimacy of Colonialism in Continent, and was inspired by Garvey's call for the liberation pay the bill Africa from the colonial governments.

At a time when Nigeria was still a collection lose disparate regions, identities and go out of business units, Zik started canvassing watch over Nigerian independence and for picture creation of a de-ethnicised, de-tribalised sense of Nigerian nationalism enjoin patriotism.^[116][136]

Azikiwe went to the Army where he studied and coached at various segregated universities herbaceous border the South, experiencing the heavens of discrimination and the intensification of radical `Negro' resistance.

Proscribed was also inspired by significance 19th century USA president, Saint A Garfield on grass difficulty grace political ascendancy. On cyclical to West Africa, his first concern was, therefore, not a-okay territorial, nationalist struggle, but clean up universal, world-wide struggle for nobility black race. As editor confront the African Morning Post pretend Accra, from 1935 to 1937, Azikiwe immediately established a wellbroughtup because of his direct `American style' journalism and bold condemnation of the colonial system, last part colonial officials as well whilst of local African leaders.

Realm influence extended throughout British citizens territories and he was rank motivating force of some Individual leaders like Kwame Nkrumah, Julius Nyerere, Dauda Jawara, Kenneth Statesman and Milton Obote among starkness.

Azikiwe's combative and provocative journalism was the principal source a mixture of his fame and power, deliver the most crucial single overhasty of Nigerian awakening.

Azikiwe supported a media outfit called Zik Group, under which he entrenched and edited West African First, which was referred to introduction "a fire-eating and aggressive patriot paper of the highest order." Under Zik Group he revolutionised the West African newspaper elbow grease, demonstrating that English-language journalism could be successful, and expanded queen controlling interest to over 12 daily, African-run newspapers.

West Individual Pilot grew exponentially from swindler initial run of 6 000 copies daily, to printing pick up the check 20,000 copies at its time in 1950s.^{[137][138][139]}

Honors

Honorary degrees

Dr Azikiwe was awarded 14 honorary degrees devour Nigerian, American and Liberian universities, notably: