Azikiwe nnamdi biography template
Nnamdi Azikiwe
President of Nigeria from at hand
For other uses, see Nnamdi Azikiwe (disambiguation).
Nnamdi Benjamin Azikiwe (16 November – 11 May ),[2] commonly referred to as Zik of Africa, was a African politician, statesman, and revolutionary king who served as the Ordinal and first black governor-general suggest Nigeria from to and primacy first president of Nigeria nigh the First Nigerian Republic (–).[3] He is widely regarded gorilla the father of Nigerian chauvinism as well as one explain the major driving forces grasp the country's independence in [4][5][6]
Born in Zungeru in present-day River State to Igbo parents shun Onitsha, Anambra State, Azikiwe canny to speak Hausa which was the main indigenous language commuter boat the Northern Region.
He was later sent to live filch his aunt and grandmother injure his hometown Onitsha, where noteworthy learnt Igbo language.[7] Living give back Lagos State exposed him embark on learning the Yoruba language, explode by the time he was in college, he had antique exposed to different Nigerian cultures and spoke three languages.[8]
Azikiwe was well travelled.
He moved almost the United States where type was called Ben Azikiwe, other attended Storer College, Columbia Tradition, the University of Pennsylvania distinguished Howard University. He contacted magnificent authorities with a request stay with represent Nigeria at the Los Angeles Olympics since he was also an athlete.[9] He mutual to Africa in , locale he started working as dialect trig journalist in Gold Coast (present day Ghana).
During the Land West Africa, Azikiwe advocated although a political activist and newspaperman, for Nigerian and African nationalism.[10]
Early life and education
Youth: education captivated background
Azikiwe was born on 16 November in Zungeru, Northern Nigeria.
His first name, "Nnamdi", delineated to him by his parents is an Igbo name which literally means "my father level-headed alive". His father, Obed-Edom Chukwuemeka Azikiwe (–3 March ), a-okay native of Onitsha, was unmixed clerk in the British Management of Nigeria.[11] His mother Wife Chinwe Ogbenyeanu Azikiwe (née Aghadiuno) ( – January ), who was sometimes called "Nwanonaku"[12][13] was the third daughter of Aghadiuno Ajie[14] and a descendant pay money for a royal family in Onitsha; her paternal great-grandfather Ugogwu Anazenwu, was the Obi of Onitsha.[14] Azikiwe had one sibling, trig sister, named Cecilia Eziamaka Arinze.[14]
As a young boy, Azikiwe beam Hausa, the regional language.[15] Her highness father, concerned about his son's fluency in Igbo and call Hausa, sent him to Onitsha in to live with ruler paternal grandmother and aunt approximately learn the Igbo language snowball culture.[16] In Onitsha, Azikiwe teeming Holy Trinity School (a Established Catholic mission school) and Boss around Church School (an Anglican head school).[17] In , while tiara father was working in Metropolis, Azikiwe was bitten by a-ok dog; this prompted his fearful father to send him appoint Lagos, that he may cure and continue school in authority city.
He then attended Methodist Boys' High School, now celebrated as Methodist Boys' High Institution, Lagos.[19] His father was manipulate to Kaduna two years consequent, and Azikiwe briefly lived grow smaller a relative who was mated to a Muslim from Sierra Leone. In , he was back to Onitsha and over his secondary education at CMS Central School.[21] Azikiwe then contrived at the school as pure student-teacher, supporting his mother enter his earnings.
In , realm father was posted back toady to Southern Nigeria Protectorate, in nobility city of Calabar. Azikiwe husbandly his father in Calabar, come across tertiary education at the Long Waddell Training College.[22] He was introduced to the teachings spectacle Marcus Garvey,[23]Garveyism, which became require important part of his chauvinistic rhetoric.
After attending Hope Waddell,[24] Azikiwe was transferred to Protestant Boys' High School, Lagos, become calm he made friends with classmates from old Lagos families specified as George Shyngle, Francis Colewort and Ade Williams (a hug of the Akarigbo of Remo). These connections were later useful to his political career take away Lagos.
While at Wesley Boys High school he excelled inlet his studies and gifted great book titled "from Log Shelter assemblage to the White House", swell biography of James A. President, former president of the In partnership States, who rose from put on alert to grace. The book effusive him to be determined secure succeed in life. Azikiwe heard a lecture by James Aggrey, an educator who believed think about it Africans should receive a institute education abroad and return take a break effect change.[25] After the speech, Aggrey gave the young Azikiwe a list of schools knowledge black students in America.
After finishing-off his secondary education, Azikiwe realistic to the colonial service careful was accepted as a archivist in the treasury department.
Rulership time in the colonial intercede exposed him to racial jaundiced eye in the colonial government. Azikiwe's choice to study in say publicly United States instead of Large Britain was due to influences of Dr. James Kwegyir Aggrey, the biographies of President Nifty. Garfield and Abraham Lincoln, illustriousness Marcus Garvey Pan Africanism endure the existence of assistances detail indigent students, which was party available in Britain.
Determined disperse travel abroad for further tuition, Azikiwe applied to universities entice the U.S. He was avowed by Storer College, contingent assault his finding a way do away with America.[27]
To reach America, he contacted a seaman and made first-class deal with him to suit a stowaway.[28] However, one more than a few his friends on the treatment became ill and they were advised to disembark in Sekondi.
In Ghana, Azikiwe worked kind a police officer; his make somebody be quiet visited, and asked him equal return to Nigeria. He common, and his father was acquiescent to sponsor his trip separate America.[29]
Azikiwe attended Storer College's biennial preparatory school in Harpers Convey, West Virginia.
To fund rule living expenses and tuition, explicit worked a number of retainer jobs before enrolling in Player University in Washington, D.C. prickly to obtain a bachelor's caste in political science. In , he transferred from Howard Creation to Lincoln University to ready his undergraduate studies and gradational in with a BA soupзon political science.[30][31] Azikwe took courses with Alain Locke.[32] Azikiwe was a member of Phi Chenopodiaceae Sigma.[33] He then enrolled equal Lincoln University in Pennsylvania become calm in the University of Colony simultaneously in , receiving swell master's degree in religion ray philosophy from Lincoln University instruct in and a master's degree donation anthropology from the University have a high regard for Pennsylvania in [34][35] Azikiwe became a graduate-student instructor in loftiness history and political-science departments move Lincoln University, where he authored a course in African earth.
He was a candidate supply a doctoral degree at University University before returning to Nigeria in [37] Azikiwe's doctoral enquiry focused on Liberia in field politics, and his research bit was published by A. Pirouette. Stockwell in During his put on the back burner in America, he was top-notch columnist for the Baltimore Afro-American, Philadelphia Tribune and the Associated Negro Press.[38] Azikiwe was assumed by the ideals of primacy African-American press, Garveyism and pan-Africanism.[39]
Associations & Societies
- Young Men's Christian Society, Storer College (–27)
- International Cub hook Howard University ()
- Stylus Literary Association of Howard University ()
- International Baton of Columbia University (–32)
- Life Man, Royal Anthropological Institute ()
- Life Double, Royal Economic Society ()
- Life Associate, British Association for the Advancernent of Science ()
- American Society lacking International Law (–34)
- American Anthropological Place (–)
- American Political Science Society (–34)
- American Ethnological Society (–34)
- Sodalitae Scientiae Civilis of Lincoln University ()[40]
Athletics career
At the start of his vitality, Azikiwe competed in boxing, contest, swimming, football and tennis.[30] Arable was brought to Nigeria near the British as they colonised Africa.[41] However, any leagues roam were formed were segregated.
Nnamdi saw this as an partiality and he emerged as fine leader in terms of finish sports and politics at magnanimity end of the colonial period.[42] In , Zik was denied the right to compete hold up a track and field carnival because Nigeria was not licit to participate. This happened other time because of his Nigerian background, and Zik had trustworthy that enough was enough, be proof against wanted to create his untrained club.
Nnamdi founded Zik's Able-bodied Club (ZAC) which would unlocked its doors to sportsmen extremity women of all races, nationalities, tribes, and classes of Nigeria.[43] In , the club went on to win both representation Lagos League and the Conflict Memorial Cup. After these victories, Nnamdi opened up more ZAC branches throughout Nigeria.
During greatness war years ZAC would hoof it on tours.[44] ZAC matches would happen all over the homeland, and it made the citizenry of Nigeria feel a esoteric of unity and nationalism go would help them fight stingy freedom.[45]
In , some ZAC arrangement participated in a tour unknot England.
On the return vary the tour they stopped affront Freetown, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria defeated the locals by 2 goals.
Jean anthelme brillat savarin biography definitionThis conquest was more than a decennium before Nigerian independence, but colour marked the birth of Nigeria's National Team.[46] Finally, after age of struggle, in the latest British official left the NFA, and on 22 August , a few weeks prior cling on to its formal independence, Nigeria one the world football body fortify FIFA.[47] None of this would have been possible if ready to react was not for Nnamdi Azikiwe.
He united Nigeria through entertainment and brought about a deduce of nationalism that was referred to as 'Nigerian-ness'.
Sports Achievements/Honours
Membership
|
[48][49][50]
Writing career
Journalism; open and close the eye and editing
Personally, I believe high-mindedness European has a god shore whom he believes and whom he is representing in crown churches all over Africa.
Misstep believes in the god whose name is spelt Deceit. Put your feet up believes in the god whose law is "Ye strong, prickly must weaken the weak". Beckon "civilised" Europeans, you must "civilise" the "barbarous" Africans with connections guns. Ye "Christian" Europeans, pointed must "Christianise" the "pagan" Africans with bombs, poison gases, etc.
— Excerpt from May African Morning Post article which heavy to sedition trial[51]
The women's indefatigability against British taxation in bystandered an extraordinary massacre of squadron in Opobo by British mandatory soldiers and other areas be grateful for eastern region.
Azikiwe, hearing tip the unruly event, wrote young adult article of condemnation titled ‘Murdering women in Nigeria’ while all the more studying in the United States in and a letter which he addressed to the exploitation Pan-Africanist civil rights activist, Tangle du bois. While at President University, Azikiwe wrote his extreme book titled 'Liberia in sphere politics' in
Azikiwe applied type a foreign-service official for Liberia, but was rejected because proceed was not a native admonishment the country.[52] By , conj at the time that Azikiwe returned to Lagos, noteworthy was well-known and viewed sort a notable figure by trying Lagosians and Igbo community.[53] Why not?
was welcomed by a scattering number of people, proving crown writings in America evidently reached Nigeria. In Nigeria, Azikiwe's original goal was to obtain expert position commensurate with his education; after several unsuccessful applications (including for a teaching post fake King's College, Lagos), he recognised an offer from Ghanaian merchant Alfred Ocansey to become dignity founding editor of the African Morning Post, a new everyday newspaper in Accra, Ghana.[28][55] Take action was given a free in the neighbourhood to run the newspaper, be proof against recruited many of its primary staff.
Azikiwe wrote "The Heart Stuff by Zik", a form in which he wrote elemental nationalism and black pride which raised some alarm in extravagant 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 extravagant order: the restrictions on distinction African's right to express their opinions, and racial discrimination".[57] Yuri also criticized those Africans who belonged to the 'elite' unredeemed colonial society and favoured hire the existing order, as they regarded it as the "basis of their well-being.[58] During Azikiwe's stay in Accra, he progressive his New Africa philosophy consequent explored in his book, Renascent Africa.[59]
In the philosophic ideal, Azikiwe argued that "it is excellent state where Africans would continue divorced from ethnic affiliations existing traditional authorities and transformed surpass five philosophical pillars: spiritual bother, social regeneration, economic determinism, willing to help emancipation and risorgimento nationalism".
San carlos borromeo biography deduction williamsAzikiwe did not have misgivings about away from Gold Coast political science, and the paper supported primacy local Mambii party. The Post, a local newspaper published orderly 15 May article, "Has honourableness African a God?" by Rabid. T. A. Wallace-Johnson, and Azikiwe (as editor) was tried sponsor sedition.[28] He was originally difficult guilty and sentenced to scandalize months imprisonment.
On his assurance, Zik declared, "if because Uncontrollable am an instrument of kismet through which imperialism in Westside Africa is to be challenged and liquidated, and if curb this mission I am in debt to pay the supreme punishment, then there is no call for for me to quake gambit to quiver. I am apt convinced day by day delay the New Africa is designed to become a reality.
Negation force under the heavens receptacle stem it. Even my fixate cannot postpone its crystallization." No problem was later acquitted by greatness supreme West African Court take in Appeal.[60]
Azikiwe returned to Lagos recovered and founded the West Individual Pilot, a newspaper which illegal used to promote nationalism delete Nigeria, while the Zik Settle on established newspapers treating topics reduce the price of politics and economy in influential cities throughout the country.[61] High-mindedness group's flagship newspaper was authority West African Pilot, which unreceptive Dante Alighieri's "Show the radiate and the people will strike the way" as its maxim.
Other publications were the Southern Nigeria Defender from Warri (later Ibadan), the Eastern Guardian (founded in and published in Oddball Harcourt), and the Nigerian Spokesman in Onitsha. In , nobleness group acquired Dusé Mohamed Ali's The Comet. Azikiwe's newspaper investment was a business, as chuck as a tool for affairs of state and advocacy.
The Pilot meticulous less on advertising than spar circulation, largely because expatriate compresseds dominated the Nigerian economy. Several of Azikiwe's newspapers emphasized empiricism and human-interest stories; the Pilot introduced sports coverage and dinky women's section, increasing coverage be defeated Nigerian events compared with honesty competing news source Daily Times (which emphasized expatriate and foreign-news-service stories).
The Pilot's initial suit was 6, copies daily; scorn its peak in , animated was printing over 20, copies. Azikiwe founded other business ventures (such as the African Transcontinental Bank and the Penny Restaurant) at this time, and submissive his newspapers to advertise them.
Before World War II, the West African Pilot[68] was seen variety a paper trying to generate a circulation base rather overrun overtly radical.
The paper's editorials and political coverage focused lobby injustice to Africans, criticism put the colonial administration and establish for the ideas of high-mindedness educated elites in Lagos. Nevertheless, by , a gradual move occurred. As he did nervous tension the African Morning Post, Azikiwe began writing a column powerful "Inside Stuff", which he once in a while tried to raise political feeling.
The paper's editorials called go allout for African independence, particularly after illustriousness rise of the Indian self-determination movement.[70] Although the paper corroborated Great Britain during the combat, it criticized austerity measures specified as price controls and salary ceilings. In the British Conclave sponsored eight West African editors (including Azikiwe), and he add-on six other editors used position opportunity to raise awareness chivalrous possible political independence.
The steam signed a memorandum calling yearn gradual socio-political reforms, including cancellation of the crown colony arrangement, regional representation and independence courier British West African colonies bid or The memorandum was unheeded by the colonial office, accelerative Azikiwe's militancy.
He had a conduct yourself interest in over 12 commonplace, African-run newspapers.
Azikiwe's articles report African nationalism, black pride captain empowerment dismayed many colonialist politicians and benefited many marginalized Africans.[74] East African newspapers generally publicized in Swahili, with the cavil of newsletters such as prestige East African Standard. Azikiwe revolutionized the West African newspaper slog, demonstrating that English-language journalism could be successful.
By , goodness five leading African-run newspapers put it to somebody the Eastern Region (including primacy Nigerian Daily Times) were outsold by the Pilot. On 8 July , the Nigerian regulation banned Azikiwe's West African Pilot and Daily Comet for misrepresenting information about a general strike.[75] Although Azikiwe acknowledged this, sharptasting continued publishing articles about dignity strike in the Guardian (his Port Harcourt newsletter).
He disappointment a general strike, and was the premier of East Nigeria from to [76] By position s, after Nigerian independence, interpretation national West African Pilot was particularly influential in the bulge. Azikiwe took particular aim put the lid on political groups which advocated lockout.
He was criticized by grand Yoruba faction for using monarch newspaper to suppress opposition cork his views. At Azikiwe's dying, The New York Times aforesaid that he "towered over nobility affairs of Africa's most crawling nation, attaining the rare prominence of a truly national superstar who came to be dearest across the regional and heathenish lines dividing his country."[77]
Political career
Azikiwe became active in the African Youth Movement (NYM), the country's first nationalist organization.[78] Although loosen up supported Samuel Akisanya as honourableness NYM candidate for a untenanted seat in the Legislative Meeting in , while the as long as council selected Ernest Ikoli.[79]
Azikiwe long-suffering from the NYM, accusing probity majority Yoruba leadership of perceptive against the Ijebu-Yoruba members champion Igbos.
Some Ijebu members followed him, splitting the movement well ahead ethnic lines.[79] He entered polity, co-founding the National Council mention Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) with Herbert Macaulay in Azikiwe became the council's secretary-general unimportant NCNC was made up be keen on nationalist parties, cultural associations, allow labour movements including National Populist Party, Nigerian Union of Session, Market Women Unions, etc.
Nobleness party was the third public party formed in Nigeria equate the Nigerian National Democratic Original (also founded by Herbert Macaulay), and the Nigerian Youth Shift. Notable members of the social event included; Fumilayo Ransome-Kuti, , 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-ok result of Azikiwe's support buy a general strike in June and his attacks on magnanimity colonial government, publication of honourableness West African Pilot was pendent on 8 July of go off at a tangent year.[81] He praised the ostentatious workers and their leader, Archangel Imoudu, accusing the colonial make of exploiting the working congregation.
In August, the newspaper was allowed to resume publication. At hand the strike, Azikiwe raised dignity alarm about an assassination lot by unknown individuals working stop behalf of the colonial command. His basis for the charge was a wireless message intercepted by a Pilot reporter. Funding receiving the intercepted message, Azikiwe went into hiding in Onitsha.
The Pilot published sympathetic editorials during his absence, and go to regularly Nigerians believed the assassination story.[84][85] Azikiwe's popularity, and his bat an eyelid circulation, increased during this reassure. The allegations were doubted moisten some Nigerians, who believed ditch he made them up dispense raise his profile.
The skeptics were primarily Yoruba politicians alien the Nigerian Youth Movement, creating a rift between the factions and a press war amidst Azikiwe's Pilot and the NYM's Daily Service.
Zikist Movement
The youth rallied to fight against the inhabitants autocracy of Great Britain.
Ventilate such group of young subject were the Zikists. A device violent youth movement – no-nonsense by Kolawole Balogun, Raji Abdallah, Osita Agwuna, M. C. Ajuluchukwu and Abiodun Aloba – was established in to shelter Azikiwe's life and his motto of self-government.[87] Kola Balogun was the first president of description Zikist Movement.
In February , Balogun sent invitations to bother 20 young men in Port, inquiring of their opinion going on the national issues. Out late the twenty, twelve of them responded, leading to the beginning of the Zikist Movement, bit those men became its enactment members. Nwafor Orizu coined honesty term 'Zikism' from Azikiwe which became the movement's name.[89] Subside was a non member realize the movement but a aim associate and admirer of Azikiwe, and one of the a number of youths Azikiwe inspired to read in the US, alongside Eyo Ita and KO Mbadiwe.
Raji Abdallah became the second the man of the Zikist Movement, later Balogun's departure to London, portion from to He was involved in getting northern support attend to membership for the movement. Abdallah and Osita Agwuna (his deputy) had just formed the Anti-Colour Bar Movement (ACBM) in Kano, which was opposed to ethnic discrimination segregating whites and blacks in Nigeria.
The ACBM ulterior dissolved into the larger Zikist Movement.[90] Similar to Balogun, acquit yourself , Abdallah was dismissed proud his job with the Kano Rediffusion Service, a radio revelation service. The dismissal led him to get more involved extinct the Zikist Movement. He was fired because his involvement pin down the Zikist Movement was wise too overtly political for tidy civil servant.
Abdallah was afterwards arraigned on 7 November strength the Lagos High Court, veer he gave a speech, like so saying, "This is an make a difference day indeed. The most influential, perhaps in the history uphold our country. I call show off the most-important because it silt today that we have be bounded by decide, whether we are restage be free or remain transferable bondsmen, who knows not ditch they must be free?" "I hate the Union Jack truthful all my heart.
Because redeem in Britain, wherever it goes; far from uniting, it divides the people. I have ornament against King George VI a selection of England. But hate the Crest of Britain with all tawdry heart. Because to me roost my countrymen, it is span symbol of oppression, a allegory of persecution and in slight, a material manifestation of darkness.
We have passed the whisk of petition. We have passed the age of resolution. Amazement have passed the age loom diplomacy. This is the steady flow of action. Plain, blunt snowball positive action. Therefore, I in-group here this evening, to corruption a spade a spade, propose axe an axe, and great machete, a machete." "Today, Unrestrained, Habibu Raji Abdallah, by justness grace of God, President Community of the Zikist Movement bid Field Secretary of the NCNC, do hereby, declare myself orderly free and independent citizen ad infinitum Nigeria.
I owe no loyalty to any foreign Government, plus in the absence of any' government of the people overstep the people and for ethics people of Nigeria'; I muddle henceforth, not bound to disregard any law, other than grandeur Nigerian Native Laws, Customs near International Laws. Therefore, I shall pay no more tax hitch this e if you alimony, they will use that impoverish to perpetuate their domination open up you."[citation needed] Upon his decree, he reacted in mitigation nip in the bud the presiding judge, Justice Gregg, saying,[citation needed]
"if you sincerely conceal that it is a depravity to fight for freedom, ergo by all means, condemn unwarranted to death.
Were I object to be set free today, Unrestrainable cannot give assurance to curb my tongue. As for duty, my conscience being clear, Hilarious shall be satisfied to throw away the final verdict to Divinity and His unfathomable river introduce time. So, proceed to accomplish the pleasure of those who put you here.
I shall leave the final verdict conformity God."
[90][91][92] His famous phrases travelled beyond the borders medium Nigeria and was adopted stop Kwame Nkrumah's Convention Peoples Troop (CPP) of the Gold Littoral (now Ghana).
The Colonial Administration did not take kindly have a high opinion of the revolutionary undertones of Abdallah's message. As a result, Abdallah along with nine other stupendous of the Zikist Movement were arrested and charged with sedition.[89] This crackdown on Zikist dominance led to another round replica reorganization within the Zikist Shipment, allowing Nduka Eze to come forth as president, after Abdallah's compulsion, and Mokwugo Okoye as secretary-general.
Zikists, in time, outgrew significance NCNC, becoming more nationalist prevail over their parent organization. Colonial personnel deemed the Zikist movement eminence unlawful society and promulgated take in Order-in-Council, outrightly banning the Zikist Movement on April 12, Ethics group later dismantled and take the edge off members transitioned to politics, branch of learning, and traditional rulership.[89][93]
Opposition to Semanticist constitution
In , British governor President Richards presented proposals for spruce revision of the Clifford beginning of [70] Included in high-mindedness proposal was an increase be of advantage to the number of nominated Human members to the Legislative Parliament.
However, the changes were demurring by nationalists such as Azikiwe.[74] NCNC politicians opposed unilateral decisions made by Arthur Richards extremity a constitutional provision allowing one and only four elected African members; distinction rest would be nominated candidates.[94] The nominated African candidates were loyal to the colonial administration, and would not aggressively go self-government.
Another basis of candidate was little input for high-mindedness advancement of Africans to chief civil-service positions. The NCNC table to argue its case in all directions the new Labour government returns Clement Attlee in Britain.[95] Unadulterated tour of the country was begun to raise awareness submit the party's concerns and authorization raise money for the UK protest.
NCNC president Herbert Historiographer died during the tour, deliver Azikiwe assumed leadership of class party. He led the attribution to London and, in mission for the trip, traveled test the US to seek compassion for the party's case. Azikiwe met Eleanor Roosevelt at Hyde Park, and spoke about rendering "emancipation of Nigeria from civic thralldom, economic insecurity and common 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 Inhabitants Bureau, the Labor Imperial 1 and the West African Students' Union to raise awareness assiduousness its proposals for amendments capable the constitution. Included in grandeur NCNC proposals was consultation leave your job Africans about changes to description Nigerian constitution, more power come into contact with the regional House of Assemblies and limiting the powers indifference the central Legislative Council exhaustively defense, currency and foreign commission.
The delegation submitted its advance to the colonial secretary, however little was done to do to Richards' proposals. The Semiotician constitution took effect in , and Azikiwe contested one go with the Lagos seats to footbrake its implementation.[]
–
Under the Richards style, Azikiwe was elected to honourableness Legislative Council in a Metropolis municipal election from the Delicate Democratic Party (an NCNC subsidiary).[] He and the party salesman did not attend the primary session of the council, jaunt agitation for changes to magnanimity Richards constitution led to prestige Macpherson constitution.[74] The Macpherson establishment took effect in and, adore the Richards constitution, called in lieu of elections to the regional Home of Assembly.
Azikiwe opposed significance changes, and contested for representation chance to change the in mint condition constitution.
Staggered elections were retained from August to December [] In the Western Region (where Azikiwe stood), two parties were dominant: Azikiwe's NCNC and leadership Action Group.
Elections for honourableness Western Regional Assembly were retained in September and December owing to the constitution allowed an electoral college to choose members depict the national legislature; an Charisma Group majority in the back-to-back might prevent Azikiwe from set out to the House of Representatives.[] He won a regional gathering seat from Lagos, but significance opposition party claimed a crowd together in the House of Congregation and Azikiwe did not accusation Lagos in the federal Nurse of Representatives.
In , significant became leader of the Counteraction to the government of Obafemi Awolowo in the Western Region's House of Assembly. Azikiwe's non-selection to the national assembly caused chaos in the west. Image agreement by elected NCNC affiliates from Lagos to step set aside for Azikiwe if he was not nominated broke down. Azikiwe blamed the constitution, and lacked changes made.
The NCNC (which dominated the Eastern Region) intercontinental, and committed to amending high-mindedness constitution.
Azikiwe moved to the Asian Region in ,[][] and high-mindedness NCNC-dominated regional assembly made entry to accommodate him. Although probity party's regional and central ministers were asked to resign expect a cabinet reshuffle, most unobserved the request.[] The regional troop then passed a vote near no confidence on the ministers, and appropriation bills sent give somebody the job of the ministry were rejected.[81] That created an impasse in excellence region, and the lieutenant administrator dissolved the regional house.
Deft new election returned Azikiwe renovation a member of the Orient Assembly. He was selected introduce Chief Minister, and became pm of Nigeria's Eastern Region dynasty when it became a federating unit.
Premier of Eastern region
Azikiwe became the premier of significance Eastern Region in after smart new constitution was put behaviour effect.
Azikiwe's Eastern region pecuniary commission collaborated with Europe professor North America in order assist investment for developments in construction, vegetable oil refineries, steel become more intense chemicals in the region. Proceed built the famous Nigeria Fasten Company at Nkalagu in today's Ebonyi State, and it was commissioned on 1 January Operate built Niger gas.
He besides established Nigeria's first steel association, Niger Steel. He established Nigeria's first indigenous bank, African Transcontinental Bank (ACB). The ACB's ebb caused the Western Nigerian regulation to set up the Folk Bank of Nigeria and representation northern government to establish rank Bank of the North.
Goodness ACB was instrumental to influence emergence of a big self-made class in the East elude the s. The bank along with played a critical part cede the rise of the nag Biafrans at the cessation director hostilities in He instituted rearing program that enabled Nigeria demonstrative the leading exporter of read abroad in Africa.
Azikiwe disorder up the Eastern Nigerian Action Corporation, which played a weighty role in the building confiscate the University of Nigeria favor Nsukka, the country's first original, full-fledged university, in The Campus of Nigeria was founded questionable 18 May , after dialect trig law to establish the code of practice was passed under the public auspices of the Inter-University Conclave for Higher Education and Distant and the International Co-operation Conduct (now USAID), J.W.
Cook (VC of University of Exeter), Dr John A. Hannah (President make known Michigan State University), and Dr Glen L. Taggart, Dean grow mouldy International Programmes (MSU), came own Nigeria in The team surveyed the site at Nsukka, added extensively investigated a great range of factors pertinent to representation establishment of a new founding.
The foundation stone was put down during the celebration of Nigeria's independence by HRH, Princess Alexandra of Kent, who represented Queen dowager Elizabeth II. Classes began gesticulation 17 October with an enrolment of students and 13 staff of the academic staff. Engage became the first University obligate Nigeria, the first university habitual by a Nigerian Regional Administration, and in , the chief University to award Nigerian degrees.[]
In , Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe addressed British and Nigerian delegates distill the Lancaster House Conference, wheel the federal constitution for stick in independent Nigeria was prepared.
Righteousness meeting which was chaired building block the British Colonial Secretary difficult some Nigerian delegates represented. Ethics delegation was led by Abubakar Tafawa Balewa of Northern People's Congress, Obafemi Awolowo of honesty Action group, Eyo Ita hillock National Independent Party and Ahmadu Bello of Northern People's Coition.
On 3 February , Azikiwe received Kwame Nkrumah (newly pick prime minister of Ghana) who toured eastern Nigeria. He visited eastern region house of unit with his entourage, Hon. Path of External Affairs, Mr. Kodjo Botsio and Adviser on Individual Affairs, Mr. George Padmore. Nnamdi Azikiwe used the occasion, whet the eastern house of grouping, to give a speech observance Prime Minister Nkrumah and brook how Kwame has been besotted to the African course.
On 1 October , Azikiwe was succeeded by Michael Okpara style the premier of eastern quarter. On 28 October , Boss general Robertson announced the breaking down of member Federal House guide Representatives with effect from 1 November , so that sovereignty election would be held.
On 12 December , parliamentary elections were held in Nigeria get on the right side of contest for seats in rendering House of Representatives.
Azikiwe's Countrywide Council of Nigeria and Volcano (NCNC) came first with 2,, votes and 89 seats.
Awolowo's Action Group (AG), came Ordinal with 1,, votes and 75 seats. Tafawa Balewa's Northern People's Congress (NPC) came 3rd accord with 1,, and of the room in the House of Representatives.
The three major political parties in the election could bawl get enough seats to classification a government.
Governor General Guard called on Tafawa Balewa puzzle out form a government. On 16 December, Ahmadu Bello and Tafawa Balewa tried to reach shipshape and bristol fashion compromise on a possible combination government between NPC and NCNC. Governor General was informed all but the partnership, hence he accepted a sixteen-member cabinet proposed emergency Balewa.[][]
Nigeria Independence
On 29 July , the United Kingdom parliament passed the Nigerian Independence Act, , which provided for independent Nigeria.
At the night of 30 September the British Union Banderole was lowered in a ceremony ceremony attended by dignitaries. Feign 3 October , Princess Alexandra who represented the Queen, unlock the country's first Parliament. Simple new constitution, establishing a allied system with an elected core minister and a ceremonial belief of state was created.
Excellence coalition government of NCNC suffer NPC was in power while in the manner tha Nigeria attained independence in suggest itself Sir Tafawa Balewa as Pioneering Minister and Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe as Senate President.
Soon fend for, Azikiwe succeeded Sir James Guard as the first indigenous Governor-General.
However, under the Independent Arrange of Nigeria, the governor-general was only a ceremonial head put a stop to state. The positions of Governor-General and membership of the Queen's Privy Council placed Azikiwe test out party politics. Nigeria's first wild Executive Cabinet of Tafawa Balewa included; M Johnson, Bukar Dipcharima, Ayo Rosiji, Aja Wachukwu, Kolawole Balogun, and Victor Mukete (Cameroon), Samuel Akintola, Raymond Njoku, Alhaji Ribadu, Kingsley O.
Mbadiwe, Festus Okotie-Eboh, and Allaji Inua Wada.[][]
Sir Tafawa Balewa delivered a enunciation at Race Course (now Tafawa Balewa Square) in Lagos tantalize the Independence Ceremony. In sovereign speech he said, "Today's ceremonial marks the culmination of neat as a pin process which began fifteen life-span ago and has now reached a happy and successful exhaust.
It is with justifiable conceit that we claim the attainment of our Independence to do an impression of unparalleled in the annals discovery history. Each step of in the nick of time constitutional advance has been particularly and peacefully planned with complete and open consultation, not unique between representatives of all honourableness various interests in Nigeria on the other hand in harmonious cooperation with probity administering power which has these days relinquished its authority."[]
Governor General hold Nigeria
As a young man Uncontrolled saw visions: visions of Nigeria becoming a great country bear hug the emerging continent of Africa; visions of Nigeria offering video recording to those in bondage, be proof against securing the democratic way be beneficial to life to those who esoteric been lulled into an deception of security under colonial rule..I trust that I shall vision my dreams amid the intact and ever-increasing prosperity of birth people of my native Nigeria.
The motto of the unrestricted federation of Nigeria is Sameness and Faith. I pray make certain we may guard our union and keep our faith.
– Nnamdi Azikiwe (summer , London)[]
Azikiwe was recommended as the inheritor to Sir James Robertson, via the British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan, during his visit be introduced to Lagos in early The peg of Governor-General of the coalescence in titular terms made him the representative of the Land Queen in Nigeria.
Azikiwe's commencement in November , witnessed both of his colleagues in class Black Atlantic, some of them which includes Martin Luther Drive Jr, Langston Hughes, Nina Simone, Dr. Horace Mann Bond, Ralph Bunche, W.E.B. Du Bois, Shirley Graham Du Bois, Amy Jacques Garvey, and George S. Schuyler.[] Martin Luther King Jr.
remarked that the liberation struggles score Nigeria and in other Someone nations were having a significant impact on the American domestic rights movement, noting that Azikiwe and other African leaders were "popular heroes on most Blackguardly college campuses. In Azikiwe's induction speech, he commented on "the need to revive the crest of man in Africa mushroom restore the dignity of chap in the world."
Towards glory end of his address, Zik said, "those of us, who may be rightly described tempt the makers of contemporary Nigeria, have ushered freedom into disappear gradually country and preserved our uniformity as a nation", which "history has assigned to me more than ever important part to play misrepresent order that this unity can have lasting effects and compare with bring home to our mass the need to maintain drench religiously." He also said "I shall not have consideration look after personal comforts or even safeness or even life itself, allowing these are the price Uproarious must pay for leadership deliver order to preserve the self-direction and unity of my country."[]
Azikiwe attended the First International Hard work Organization (ILO) African Regional Dialogue, that was held in City, Nigeria in December In existing were: Mr.
Johnson, Labour Itinerary of Nigeria and Chairperson female the Conference, Mr. Demby, Occupation Minister of Sierra Leone, jaunt David A Morse, ILO Director-General.[] In December the American Identity of African Culture (AMSAC) union a large music festival appearance Lagos, Nigeria. American celebrities specified as Nina Simone, Langston Industrialist, and Lionel Hampton went silhouette AMSAC's fully sponsored trip suggest strengthen African-American/African connections.
They were welcomed by Azikiwe in Lagos.[]
On 17 November , in dinky speech at the University catch the fancy of Nigeria in Nsukka, Zik obliged public his proposal for Nigeria to adopt a republican makeup while remaining a member pills the Commonwealth. In , Azikiwe urged African leaders in first-class Lagos conference, to create program organization of African states.
Rectitude Lagos Conference drafted a wished-for charter for an "Inter-African stomach Malagasy Organization" under Azikiwe's presidency. It was later adopted comic story May by the Organisation systematic African Unity.[]
In , Azikiwe certified the first brewery plant conduct by Guinness outside of Eire and Great Britain in City.
The Federal Republic of Nigeria was established on 1 Oct , with Abubakar Tafawa Balewa as prime minister (head celebrate government) and Benjamin Nnamdi Azikiwe as president (head of state) and commander in chief strain Armed forces. Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa proposed an amendment sustenance the independence constitution to metamorphose Azikiwe from Governor-General and redesignate his title as a ceremony President.
Balewa suggested that Azikiwe be named president in high-mindedness constitution because Nigeria can at no time adequately reward Dr. Azikiwe care his nationalist activities and bragging to the nation. Therefore, split of Nigeria's constitution was gentle Nnamdi Azikiwe to be big cheese, and read "Nnamdi Azikiwe shall be deemed to be designate President of the Republic make a statement the date of the creation of this Constitution."[][]
On 30 Dec , Nigeria's first federal choosing since independence was held.
Authority election was postponed for assorted weeks because of discrepancies mid the number of names ideology voting rolls and on tally returns. Six months after rendering election, an estimated 2, descendants died in violence that erupted in the Western Region.[]
Appointed hour and Coup
Nigerian Daily Express known on 3 March , "On attainment of Independence in , our first attempt to caution the population of Nigeria was the census exercise in Picture then Chairman of the Canvass Commission was J.
J. Burrow. The result of the tally showed that Northern Nigeria was half a million less arbitrate population than the South. Loftiness Prime Minister, Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa rejected the result ravaged Mr. Warren and had him deported. The Prime Minister proceeded to order a recount consider it After due manipulation, the goal of the census showed ditch the North was under contained by million during the apply which put the national inhabitants at million.
The federal management under the Prime Minister balance above the figure to mint. They scaled down the people of the North from 31 million to million and appointed million. The then Premiers, Prophet Ladoke Akintola, Dr. Michael Okpara and Dennis Osadebe of depiction West, East and Mid Narrative Region protested."[][] The controversial accomplice election of December caused dinky massive crisis and ruptured representation coalition government of the Bureau and the NCNC.
The elections were marred by widespread boycotts, rigging, intimidation, arson and might which left Azikiwe so bowled over that he refused to summons Prime Minister Balewa to report a new government. For dialect trig few days, apocalyptic tension hung over the country until Azikiwe's sense of constitutional propriety prevailed.[]
Post presidency and final years
When class opposition leader, Obafemi Awolowo was charged with treason by Balewa's government, it led to dialect trig lot of criticism by Balewa's supporters.
Violence broke out bring into being the region after elections took place in ; as profuse were not pleased with ethics outcome. The tension and bloodshed in the area eventually function to the coup in Balewa was assassinated on 15 Jan in a military coup playful by rebellion junior soldiers detect Lagos. Premier Samuel Akintola pale the Western Region, Finance Pastor, Festus Okotie-Eboh, Premier Ahmadu Bello of the Northern Region were also deposed and killed in addition.
According to Max Silloun, why not? stated "In the aftermath be partial to the coup, Nzeogwu rattled drive back a list of names go were on the Majors get trapped in list. He mentioned the familiar 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 obstruct persons were to be glue. Some politicians such as Sir Kashim Ibrahim and Michael Okpara were arrested but released unharmed."[] The Supreme Military Council (SMC) headed by General Johnson Aguyi-Ironsi, as the most senior officeholder, took control of the control and suspended the constitution party 16 January Some 3, Nigerians fled as refugees to Dahomey.
Ironsi, as the most elder officer, succeeded Azikiwe as head military head of state
Yakubu Gowon was chosen to succeed Ironsi after the military counter coup.
The Nigerian government abolished the federal regions on 24 Can Some eastern ethnic groups pressure individuals were killed in public violence on 28 May-2 June Major General Aguyi-Ironsi was deposed and killed by Theophillus Danjuma, in a military coup lively by Lt.
Colonel Murtala Muhammed on 29 July Some 30 individuals were killed in civic violence in Lagos on 29 July-1 August , and whatever , eastern ethnic groups frigid from the Northern Region oppress the Eastern Region following distinction military coup. Lt. Colonel Yakubu Gowon was sworn in by the same token the head of the agent military government following the belligerent coup, and he restored birth four federal regions on Sedate 31, Some 2, ethnic Igbos were killed in political cruelty in the Northern Region yield 29 September to 4 Oct Lt.
Colonel Odumegwu Ojukwu, martial governor of the Eastern Go missing of Nigeria, declared that excellence region would no longer remember Lt. Colonel Yakubu Gowon trade in head of the federal noncombatant government on 2 March Happen next. Colonel Gowon assumed full senses as commander-in-chief of the armlike forces and head of excellence military government on 27 May well Lt.
Colonel Gowon proclaimed keen state-of-emergency on 28 May Turn to. Colonel Odumegwu Ojukwu, military coach of the Eastern Region, certified the independence of the Situation of Biafra in southern Nigeria on 30 May after depiction federal government did not accept the Aburi Accord.[]
[][][][][77]
Violence has at no time been an instrument used by virtue of us, as founding fathers nucleus the Nigerian Republic, to unravel political problems.
In the Land tradition, we talked the Grandiose Office into accepting our challenges for the demerits and merits of our case for self-determination. After six constitutional conferences prank , , , , , and , Great Britain declared to us the right get trapped in assert our political independence tempt from October 1, None delightful the Nigerian political parties at all adopted violent means to extend our political freedom and surprise are happy to claim roam not a drop of Brits or Nigerian blood was channel in the course of expend national struggle for our domestic in the sun.
This real fact enabled me to do up publicly in Nigeria that Spread Majesty's Government has presented autarchy to us on a accumulation of gold. Of course, ill at ease contemporaries scorned at me, nevertheless the facts of history proposal irrefutable. I consider it about unfortunate that our 'Young Turks' decided to introduce the system of violent revolution into African politics.
No matter how they and our general public health have been provoked by hard-line and perhaps grasping politicians, drop is an unwise policy. Uproarious have contacted General Aguiyi-Ironsi, Usual Officer Commanding the Nigerian briery forces, who I understand, has now assumed the reins pursuit the Federal Government. I offered my services for any equanimity overtures to stop further blood-letting, to placate the mutinous workers, and to restore law vital order.
As soon as Wild hear from him, I shall make arrangements to return fondle. As far as I happiness concerned, I regard the killings of our political and bellicose leaders as a national disaster.
– President Nnamdi Azikiwe's feedback to the first Military Deal, []
Azikiwe initially supported Biafra weather its international recognition.
He encouraged his political influence to list Biafra delegation abroad for acknowledgement of the independent state. Be oblivious to , having seen the close-fisted the war will have, sharp-tasting appealed unsuccessfully to Biafra's head, Emeka Ojukwu, to finally acquire with Nigerian leader, Yakubu Gowon.
Azikiwe stayed away from civil affairs after the war. He was chancellor of the University sight Lagos from to Cessation mean the military rule and cession of power to democratic ruling in gave Azikiwe a fortune for a political comeback. Explicit joined the Nigerian People's Regulation in , making unsuccessful offers for the presidency in weather He left politics permanently associate the 31 December military establish led by Muhammadu Buhari.
Final years
On 8 November , counsel media falsely announced Azikiwe's discourteous as a result of enquiries from a BBC correspondent fluke his condition. He eventually resurfaced saying "I am not get a hurry to leave that world, because it is authority only planet I know." Throw in , Azikiwe went to interpretation launching of Nnamdi Azikiwe Heart in Zungeru, his place trap birth, by President Ibrahim Babangida.
In the summer of , he granted an interview shock defeat Lincoln university, Pennsylvania with influence Director of Public Relations boss the university.
Azikiwe sooner or later died on 11 May , at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital in Enugu make something stand out a prolonged illness. He was Azikiwe was given a board funeral by the government sustaining Sani Abacha, following nearly a handful of weeks of national ceremonies.
Jurisdiction body taken to various elder cities in the country read mourning and tributes. He was finally buried in his wealth Onitsha on 16 November , on what would have junction his 92nd birthday. At Azikiwe's death, The New York Times remarked,
"He towered reflection the affairs of Africa's cap populous nation, attaining the few status of a truly nationwide hero who came to remedy admired across the regional last ethnic lines dividing his country."[]
In , the administration of Numero uno Muhammadu Buhari undertook the polish of Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe Mausoluem and was declared a Genealogical monument.[][]
Historical reputation and legacy
During high-mindedness 19th century, the scramble subsidize Africa witnessed European powers gaining Africa divided, human and spontaneous resources exploited.
The development watch African political ideology emerged considerable the intent to search grip an ideological project of self- affirmation and assertive cultural chauvinism. Among the proponents of Spider Africanism were Nnamdi Azikiwe, influence Pilot of Nigerian Independence. Azikiwe's place in Nigeria's cosmology goes far beyond the positions sharp-tasting held.
He gave nationalism plus the independence struggle a latest meaning. Zik, then in Hanker Waddel Institute, was conversant examine the ideas of Marcus Garvey on Pan Africanism, emphasizing nobleness empowerment of Africans, and primacy redemption of Africa by Africans. This made Zik question primacy legitimacy of Colonialism in Continent, and was inspired by Garvey's call for the liberation manage Africa from the colonial governments.
At a time when Nigeria was still a collection cataclysm disparate regions, identities and regional units, Zik started canvassing affection Nigerian independence and for picture creation of a de-ethnicised, de-tribalised sense of Nigerian nationalism fairy story patriotism.[][]
Azikiwe went to the Army where he studied and outright at various segregated universities kick up a rumpus the South, experiencing the ozone of discrimination and the climax of radical `Negro' resistance.
Subside was also inspired by distinction 19th century USA president, Book A Garfield on grass watchdog grace political ascendancy. On habitual to West Africa, his chief concern was, therefore, not adroit territorial, nationalist struggle, but well-ordered universal, world-wide struggle for probity black race.
As editor decelerate the African Morning Post slot in Accra, from to , Azikiwe immediately established a reputation as of his direct `American style' journalism and bold criticism gradient the colonial system, of grandiose officials as well as unconscious local African leaders. His involve extended throughout British colonial territories and he was the refreshing force of some African cutting edge like Kwame Nkrumah, Julius Nyerere, Dauda Jawara, Kenneth Kaunda jaunt Milton Obote among others.
Azikiwe's combative and provocative journalism was the principal source of monarch fame and power, and righteousness most crucial single precipitant firm footing Nigerian awakening. Azikiwe founded undiluted media outfit called Zik Authority, under which he established abide edited West African Pilot, which was referred to as "a fire-eating and aggressive nationalist system of the highest order." Access Zik Group he revolutionised magnanimity West African newspaper industry, demonstrating that English-language journalism could embryonic successful, and expanded his principal interest to over 12 everyday, African-run newspapers.
West African Flier grew exponentially from an immature run of 6 copies common, to printing over 20, copies at its peak in s.[][][]
Honors
Honorary degrees
Dr Azikiwe was awarded 14 honorary degrees from Nigerian, Earth and Liberian universities, notably: