Postal History of Nigeria

admin — Fri, 08 May 2009 09:53:57 +0000

On 1 January 1914 all the Nigerian territories came under one administration (British Crown Colony and protectorate). The federation became independent within the Commonwealth 1 October 1960. Northern Cameroons were joined to it in 1961 and a republic was declared on 1 October 1963. After two military coups in 1966, the eastern states seceded as the Republic of Biafra (see below). The rebellion collapsed in 1970, but further military coups took place in 1975.
In 1979, civil rule was restored after elections at national and state level. The military again took power in December 1983, though this regime was itself ousted from power in August 1985. The Armed Forces Ruling Council (AFRC) was sworn in and governed the country until it was replaced by a National Defence and Security Council (NDSC) in January 1993. A subsequent Presidential election was declared invalid, and the military government resigned in August, handing over power toa Transitional Council.

A continuation of political instability led the Defence Minister, General Sanni Abacha, to launch a further military coup on 17 November 1993. A Military Provisional Ruling Council and a civilian Federal Executive Council were formed to govern the country, but pro-democracy demonstrations continued.

The National Constitutional Conference (NCC) was convened by the President in June 1994 and it was announced, in the following January, that General Abacha should have an unlimited term of office. An attempted coup was defeated in March 1995 and political activity was restored in June, when the NCC presented a draft constitution to the President. In June 1998, General Abacha died of a heart attack and was replecaed by General Abubakar. A continuation of the return to civilian rule was promised and the release of political prisoners began.

It was expected that Chief Abiola would be released, but in July 1998, he died of a heart attack while still in prison. News of his death led to widespread rioting throughout the country and the President announced that all elections held under General Abacha’s rule were considered to be null and void. A general election was held on 20 February 1999 and the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) won a majority in both houses of parliament. A presidential election followed and the PDP candidate, General Obasanjo, was elected. The civilian administration assumed power on 29 May 1999.

During the period of General Abacha’s rule, Nigeria was suspended from the Commonwealth on 11 November 1995, following the execution of nine Human Rights activists. It was readmitted to membership on 29 May 1999 when the democratically elected government took over the control of the country.

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Postal History of Nigeria