Military Rule in Nigeria: Muritala/Obasanjo – Basic 6 History Lesson Note (First Term)

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

• Discuss the reasons for the emergence of the third military rule (Murtala/Obasanjo)
• Identify the major actors that led to the emergence of the regime
• Identify the achievements of the Murtala/Obasanjo regime
• Explain the reasons for the end of military rule in Nigeria in October 1979
• Explain the shortcomings of the regime

Content

The Third Military Regime: Murtala/Obasanjo (1975-1979)

This was actually one continuous military administration that had two heads of state:

• General Murtala Ramat Mohammed (July 29, 1975 – February 13, 1976)
• General Olusegun Obasanjo (February 13, 1976 – October 1, 1979)

Reasons for the Emergence of Murtala/Obasanjo Regime:

1. Gowon’s Broken Promises

• October 1, 1974 Promise: Gowon promised to hand over to civilians
• Postponement: Later announced indefinite postponement
• Loss of Credibility: Military officers and civilians lost trust
• Democratic Expectations: People wanted return to civilian rule

2. Corruption and Mismanagement

• Oil Boom Waste: Misuse of petroleum revenues
• “Cement Armada”: Ships carrying cement blocked Lagos ports for months
• Contract Inflation: Overpriced government contracts
• Personal Enrichment: Some officials became very wealthy

3. Administrative Inefficiency

• Bureaucratic Bottlenecks: Government decisions too slow
• Poor Service Delivery: Basic services deteriorated
• Lack of Direction: No clear development plan
• Policy Confusion: Contradictory government policies

4. Census Controversy

• 1973 Census Results: Disputed population figures
• Regional Tensions: Arguments over representation
• Political Implications: Affected revenue allocation
• National Unity Threat: Created division among states

5. Military Restiveness

• Young Officers’ Frustration: Wanted change in leadership
• Career Stagnation: Limited promotion opportunities
• Professional Concerns: Army discipline problems
• Regional Balance: Desire for Middle Belt leadership

Major Actors in the Emergence of the Regime:

1. General Murtala Ramat Mohammed

• Background: Born 1938 in Kano State
• Military Career: Sandhurst-trained officer
• Role in Civil War: Brigade commander
• Character: Known for discipline and decisiveness

2. General Olusegun Obasanjo

• Background: Born 1937 in Ogun State
• Military Career: Engineer and infantry officer
• Civil War Role: Accepted Biafran surrender
• Deputy: Second-in-command to Murtala

3. Colonel Joseph Garba

• Role: One of the coup planners
• Position: Became External Affairs Commissioner
• Background: Middle Belt officer
• Influence: Key figure in new administration

4. Colonel Shehu Musa Yar’Adua

• Role: Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters
• Background: From Katsina State
• Influence: Close adviser to both leaders
• Later Career: Became politician in Second Republic

5. Other Key Officers

• Brigadier Iliya Bisalla: Military Governor
• Colonel Ibrahim Taiwo: Lagos State Governor
• Colonel Dan Suleiman: Administrative leader

Major Achievements of Murtala/Obasanjo Regime:

MURTALA’S ACHIEVEMENTS (1975-1976):

1. Administrative Purge

• Mass Retirement: Removed corrupt and inefficient officials
• Public Service Reform: Streamlined government operations
• State Creation: Increased states from 12 to 19
• Federal Capital Territory: Moved capital from Lagos to Abuja

2. Economic Reforms

• Corruption Fight: Recovered stolen public funds
• Contract Reviews: Cancelled inflated contracts
• Banking Reforms: Strengthened financial institutions
• Revenue Management: Better control of oil money

3. Foreign Policy Changes

• Liberation Movements: Increased support for African freedom fighters
• MPLA Recognition: Supported Angola’s independence
• Non-Alignment: Reduced dependence on Western powers
• African Leadership: Took stronger continental leadership role

4. Transition to Civilian Rule

• October 1979 Deadline: Set specific date for handover
• Constitution Drafting: Established Constitution Drafting Committee
• Political Process: Began systematic transition program

OBASANJO’S ACHIEVEMENTS (1976-1979):

1. Constitutional Development

• 1979 Constitution: Completed new constitution
• Presidential System: Adopted American-style system
• Federal Character: Ensured balanced representation
• Fundamental Rights: Strong bill of rights

2. Transition to Civilian Rule

• Political Party Formation: Allowed party registration
• Electoral Process: Conducted free and fair elections
• Successful Handover: Transferred power on October 1, 1979
• Democratic Culture: Strengthened democratic values

3. Administrative Reforms

• Local Government: Created 301 local government areas
• Civil Service: Reformed federal and state civil services
• Revenue Allocation: New formula for sharing resources
• Land Use Act: Nationalized land ownership

4. Economic Development

• Operation Feed the Nation (OFN): Agricultural program
• Green Revolution: Increased food production
• Industrial Development: Promoted manufacturing
• Infrastructure: Continued development projects

5. Social Programs

• Education: Continued university expansion
• Health: Improved medical services
• Housing: Public housing programs
• Youth Development: National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)

6. Foreign Policy

• FESTAC ’77: Festival of Black Arts and Culture
• OAU Host: Hosted Organization of African Unity summit
• Liberation Support: Continued support for African liberation
• International Respect: Enhanced Nigeria’s global image

Reasons for End of Military Rule in October 1979:

1. Commitment to Democracy

• Genuine Promise: Leaders were committed to handover
• International Pressure: World wanted return to civilian rule
• Domestic Demand: Nigerians desired democratic government
• Military Professionalism: Desire to return army to barracks

2. Successful Transition Program

• Constitutional Process: New constitution completed
• Political Parties: Five parties registered and ready
• Electoral Preparations: Elections successfully conducted
• Institutional Framework: Democratic institutions established

3. Economic Stability

• Oil Revenues: Steady income from petroleum
• Development Projects: Infrastructure development on track
• International Relations: Good relationship with world powers
• Confidence: Belief that civilians could manage economy

4. National Unity

• Post-War Healing: Civil war wounds largely healed
• State Creation: 19 states reduced ethnic tensions
• Federal Character: Balanced representation achieved
• Reconciliation: “No victor, no vanquished” policy successful

5. Military Fatigue

• Governance Burden: Military tired of civilian administration
• Professional Focus: Wanted to concentrate on defense duties
• Legitimacy Issues: Military rule lacked popular legitimacy
• International Trends: Global move towards democracy

Shortcomings of Murtala/Obasanjo Regime:

1. Authoritarian Methods

• Mass Purges: Many innocent officials also removed
• Limited Consultation: Decisions made without wide consultation
• Press Restrictions: Some limitations on media freedom
• Military Justice: Harsh punishment for dissent

2. Economic Challenges

• Oil Dependence: Continued reliance on petroleum revenues
• Agriculture Neglect: Food production still inadequate
• Inflation: Rising cost of living
• Unemployment: Limited job creation

3. Murtala’s Assassination

• February 13, 1976: Murtala killed in failed coup
• National Shock: Traumatized the nation
• Leadership Gap: Lost a dynamic leader
• Continuity Questions: Uncertainty about policies

4. Hasty Reforms

• Speed of Changes: Some reforms implemented too quickly
• Inadequate Planning: Limited consultation on major decisions
• Resistance: Opposition from affected groups
• Implementation Problems: Difficulty executing policies

5. Federal Capital Territory

• Forced Displacement: Indigenous people lost their land
• Compensation Issues: Inadequate payment for acquired land
• Cultural Disruption: Traditional communities affected
• Cost Implications: Expensive project for the nation

Legacy of Murtala/Obasanjo Regime:

• Democratic Transition: Successful return to civilian rule
• Constitutional Framework: 1979 Constitution served Nigeria well
• Administrative Reforms: Many reforms still in use today
• National Identity: Strengthened sense of Nigerian unity
• International Standing: Enhanced Nigeria’s global reputation

Activities

• Create a comparison chart between Gowon and Murtala/Obasanjo regimes
• Timeline of the transition to civilian rule (1975-1979)
• Map showing the 19 states created during this period
• Role-play the constitutional conference discussions

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Murtala Mohammed ruled Nigeria for: a) One year b) Seven months c) Two years d) Six months
2. How many states were created during the Murtala/Obasanjo era? a) 12 b) 19 c) 21 d) 30
3. The new federal capital territory was located in: a) Lagos b) Kaduna c) Abuja d) Jos
4. Military rule ended in 1979 because: a) Foreign pressure b) Economic collapse c) Successful transition program d) Popular uprising
5. Operation Feed the Nation was focused on: a) Education b) Agriculture c) Industry d) Health

Homework

Write a speech that General Obasanjo might have given on October 1, 1979, when handing over power to civilians. Include: (1) Achievements of military rule, (2) Challenges faced, (3) Hopes for civilian government, (4) Advice for the future. Make it sound inspiring and patriotic.