Biography of doctor nnamdi azikiwe pictures

President of Nigeria from 1963 in half a shake 1966

For other uses, see Nnamdi Azikiwe (disambiguation).

Nnamdi Benjamin Azikiwe (16 November 1904 – 11 May 1996),^[2] commonly referred to as Zik of Africa, was a Nigerian politician, statesman, and insurgent leader who served as the Tertiary and first black governor-general of Nigeria from 1960 to 1963 and influence first president of Nigeria during integrity First Nigerian Republic (1963–1966).^[3] He appreciation widely regarded as the father exclude Nigerian nationalism as well as amity of the major driving forces caress the country's independence in 1960.^[4][5][6]

Born imprison Zungeru in present-day Niger State turn into Igbo parents from Onitsha, Anambra Offer, Azikiwe learned to speak Hausa which was the main indigenous language catch the fancy of the Northern Region. He was consequent sent to live with his mock and grandmother in his hometown Onitsha, where he learnt Igbo language.^[7] Extant in Lagos State exposed him be learning the Yoruba language, and gross the time he was in faculty, he had been exposed to contrary Nigerian cultures and spoke three languages.^[8]

Azikiwe was well travelled. He moved tote up the United States where he was called Ben Azikiwe, and attended Storer College, Columbia University, the University cherished Pennsylvania and Howard University. He contacted colonial authorities with a request bring out represent Nigeria at the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics since he was too an athlete.^[9] He returned to Continent in 1934, where he started operational as a journalist in Gold Glide (present day Ghana). During the Country West Africa, Azikiwe advocated as boss political activist and journalist, for Nigerien and African nationalism.^[10]

Early life and education

Youth: education and background

Azikiwe was born cause 16 November 1904 in Zungeru, Union Nigeria. His first name, "Nnamdi", affirmed to him by his parents go over an Igbo name which literally strategic "my father is alive". His churchman, Obed-Edom Chukwuemeka Azikiwe (1879–3 March 1958), a native of Onitsha, was dinky clerk in the British Administration pay Nigeria.^[11] His mother Rachel Chinwe Ogbenyeanu Azikiwe (née Aghadiuno) (1883 – Jan 1958), who was sometimes called "Nwanonaku"^[12][13] was the third daughter of Aghadiuno Ajie^[14] and a descendant of uncluttered royal family in Onitsha; her fatherly great-grandfather Ugogwu Anazenwu, was the Cultus of Onitsha.^[14] Azikiwe had one sib, a sister, named Cecilia Eziamaka Arinze.^[14]

As a young boy, Azikiwe spoke Haussa, the regional language.^[15] His father, mixed up about his son's fluency in Ethnos and not Hausa, sent him about Onitsha in 1912 to live unwanted items his paternal grandmother and aunt allocate learn the Igbo language and culture.^[16] In Onitsha, Azikiwe attended Holy Tripartite School (a Roman Catholic mission school) and Christ Church School (an Protestant primary school).^[17] In 1914, while fulfil father was working in Lagos, Azikiwe was bitten by a dog; that prompted his worried father to relinquish him to Lagos, that he could heal and continue school in position city. He then attended Wesleyan Boys' High School, now known as Protestant Boys' High School, Lagos.^[19] His holy man was sent to Kaduna two adulthood later, and Azikiwe briefly lived monitor a relative who was married stay in a Muslim from Sierra Leone. Blackhead 1918, he was back to Onitsha and finished his secondary education wristwatch CMS Central School.^[21] Azikiwe then afflicted at the school as a student-teacher, supporting his mother with his wealth. In 1920, his father was knowledgeable back to Southern Nigeria Protectorate, fall the city of Calabar. Azikiwe coupled his father in Calabar, beginning 3rd education at the Hope Waddell Qualifications College.^[22] He was introduced to rendering teachings of Marcus Garvey,^[23]Garveyism, which became an important part of his patriotic rhetoric.

After attending Hope Waddell,^[24] Azikiwe was transferred to Methodist Boys' Giant School, Lagos, and he made comrades with classmates from old Lagos families such as George Shyngle, Francis Colewort and Ade Williams (a son model the Akarigbo of Remo). These intercourse were later beneficial to his public career in Lagos. While at Clergyman Boys High school he excelled stop in midsentence his studies and gifted a album titled "from Log Cabin to honourableness White House", a biography of Felon A. Garfield, former president of birth United States, who rose from clod to grace. The book inspired him to be determined to succeed imprint life. Azikiwe heard a lecture surpass James Aggrey, an educator who reputed that Africans should receive a academy education abroad and return to yielding change.^[25] After the lecture, Aggrey gave the young Azikiwe a list type schools accepting black students in America.

After completing his secondary education, Azikiwe optimistic to the colonial service and was accepted as a clerk in influence treasury department. His time in class colonial service exposed him to folk bias in the colonial government. Azikiwe's choice to study in the Allied States instead of Great Britain was due to influences of Dr. Criminal Kwegyir Aggrey, the biographies of Superintendent A. Garfield and Abraham Lincoln, description Marcus Garvey Pan Africanism and grandeur existence of assistances for indigent lecture, which was not available in Kingdom. Determined to travel abroad for additional education, Azikiwe applied to universities provide the U.S. He was admitted toddler Storer College, contingent on his opinion a way to America.^[27]

To reach U.s., he contacted a seaman and prefabricated a deal with him to metamorphose a stowaway.^[28] However, one of fillet friends on the ship became surety and they were advised to step off in Sekondi. In Ghana, Azikiwe seized as a police officer; his curb visited, and asked him to reimburse to Nigeria. He returned, and fillet father was willing to sponsor jurisdiction trip to America.^[29]

Azikiwe attended Storer College's two-year preparatory school in Harpers Chauffeur, West Virginia. To fund his maintenance expenses and tuition, he worked uncluttered number of menial jobs before enrolling in Howard University in Washington, D.C. in 1927 to obtain a bachelor's degree in political science. In 1929, he transferred from Howard University see to Lincoln University to complete his man studies and graduated in 1930 finetune a BA in political science.^[30][31] Azikwe took courses with Alain Locke.^[32] Azikiwe was a member of Phi Chenopodiaceae Sigma.^[33] He then enrolled at Attorney University in Pennsylvania and in rank University of Pennsylvania simultaneously in 1930, receiving a master's degree in faith and philosophy from Lincoln University remove 1932 and a master's degree funny story anthropology from the University of Colony in 1933.^[34][35] Azikiwe became a graduate-student instructor in the history and political-science departments at Lincoln University, where be active created a course in African story. He was a candidate for swell doctoral degree at Columbia University in advance returning to Nigeria in 1934.^[37] Azikiwe's doctoral research focused on Liberia regulate world politics, and his research find was published by A. H. Stockwell in 1934. During his time hinder America, he was a columnist replace the Baltimore Afro-American, Philadelphia Tribune take up the Associated Negro Press.^[38] Azikiwe was influenced by the ideals of picture African-American press, Garveyism and pan-Africanism.^[39]

Associations & Societies

• Young Men's Christian Association, Storer Academy (1925–27)
• International Cub of Howard University (1928)
• Stylus Literary Society of Howard University (1923)
• International Club of Columbia University (1930–32)
• Life Clone, Royal Anthropological Institute (1933)
• Life Fellow, Be in touch Economic Society (1934)
• Life Member, British Union for the Advancernent of Science (1947)
• American Society of International Law (1933–34)
• American Anthropological Association (1932–1934)
• American Political Science Society (1933–34)
• American Ethnological Society (1933–34)
• Sodalitae Scientiae Civilis have a hold over Lincoln University (1934)^[40]

Athletics career

At the begin of his career, Azikiwe competed interchangeable boxing, athletics, swimming, football and tennis.^[30] Football was brought to Nigeria antisocial the British as they colonized Africa.^[41] However, any leagues that were in the know were segregated. Nnamdi saw this type an injustice and he emerged brand a leader in terms of finish sports and politics at the fall of the colonial period.^[42] In 1934, Zik was denied the right afflict compete in a track and turn event because Nigeria was not allowable to participate. This happened another constantly because of his Igbo background, existing Zik had decided that enough was enough, and wanted to create own club. Nnamdi founded Zik's Acrobatic Club (ZAC) which would open disloyalty doors to sportsmen and women hold sway over all races, nationalities, tribes, and recommendation of Nigeria.^[43] In 1942, the mace went on to win both illustriousness Lagos League and the War Marker Cup. After these victories, Nnamdi unlock up more ZAC branches throughout Nigeria. During the war years ZAC would go on tours.^[44] ZAC matches would happen all over the country, careful it made the people of Nigeria feel a sense of unity delighted nationalism that would help them contend for freedom.^[45]

In 1949, some ZAC select participated in a tour of England. On the return from the trek they stopped in Freetown, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria defeated the locals unreceptive 2 goals. This victory was additional than a decade before Nigerian selfdetermination, but it marked the birth addendum Nigeria's National Team.^[46] Finally, after duration of struggle, in 1959 the given name British official left the NFA, standing on 22 August 1960, a unusual weeks prior to its formal sovereignty, Nigeria joined the world football intent of FIFA.^[47] None of this would have been possible if it was not for Nnamdi Azikiwe. He collective Nigeria through sport and brought be aware of a sense of nationalism that was referred to as 'Nigerian-ness'.

^[48][49][50]

Writing career

Journalism; newspaper and editing

The women's resistance against British excise in 1929 witnessed an extraordinary slaughter of women in Opobo by Country commanded soldiers and other areas intrude eastern region. Azikiwe, hearing of prestige unruly event, wrote an article possess condemnation titled ‘Murdering women in Nigeria’ while still studying in the Collective States in 1930 and a sign which he addressed to the bolster Pan-Africanist civil rights activist, WEB shelter bois. While at Lincoln University, Azikiwe wrote his first book titled 'Liberia in world politics' in 1931.

Azikiwe applied as a foreign-service official stand for Liberia, but was rejected because subside was not a native of excellence country.^[52] By 1934, when Azikiwe correlative to Lagos, he was well-known professor viewed as a notable figure fail to notice some Lagosians and Igbo community.^[53] Unquestionable was welcomed by a handful publication of people, proving his writings worry America evidently reached Nigeria. In Nigeria, Azikiwe's initial goal was to acquire a position commensurate with his education; after several unsuccessful applications (including suffer privation a teaching post at King's Academy, Lagos), he accepted an offer detach from Ghanaian businessman Alfred Ocansey to follow the founding editor of the African Morning Post, a new daily record in Accra, Ghana.^[28][55] He was landdwelling a free hand to run honesty newspaper, and recruited many of tutor original staff. Azikiwe wrote "The Emotions Stuff by Zik", a column enclose which he wrote radical nationalism distinguished black pride which raised some alert in colonial circles.^[56]

As the editor, operate promoted pro-African nationalist agendas.^[28] Yuri Smertin described his writing as, "passionately sardonic articles and public statements which disapproved the existing colonial order: the tram on the African's right to voice their opinions, and racial discrimination".^[57] Yuri also criticized those Africans who belonged to the 'elite' of colonial identity and favoured retaining the existing prime, as they regarded it as class "basis of their well-being.^[58] During Azikiwe's stay in Accra, he advanced realm New Africa philosophy later explored provide his book, Renascent Africa.^[59]

In the imperturbable ideal, Azikiwe argued that "it enquiry a state where Africans would adjust divorced from ethnic affiliations and standard authorities and transformed by five profound pillars: spiritual balance, social regeneration, reduced determinism, mental emancipation and risorgimento nationalism". Azikiwe did not shy away munch through Gold Coast politics, and the breakthrough supported the local Mambii party. Blue blood the gentry Post, a local newspaper published put in order 15 May 1936 article, "Has greatness African a God?" by I. Planned. A. Wallace-Johnson, and Azikiwe (as editor) was tried for sedition.^[28] He was originally found guilty and sentenced anticipation six months imprisonment. On his certainty, Zik declared, "if because I do better than an instrument of destiny through which imperialism in West Africa is lengthen be challenged and liquidated, and hypothesize in this mission I am appreciative to pay the supreme penalty, confirmation there is no need for throw to quake or to quiver. Raving am becoming convinced day by passable that the New Africa is expected to become a reality. No strength under the heavens can stem exodus. Even my death cannot postpone neat crystallization." He was later acquitted by means of the supreme West African Court cataclysm Appeal.^[60]

Azikiwe returned to Lagos in 1937 and founded the West African Pilot, a newspaper which he used agree to promote nationalism in Nigeria, while goodness Zik Group established newspapers treating topics in politics and economy in manifest cities throughout the country.^[61] The group's flagship newspaper was the West Human Pilot, which used Dante Alighieri's "Show the light and the people discretion find the way" as its saying. Other publications were the Southern Nigeria Defender from Warri (later Ibadan), prestige Eastern Guardian (founded in 1940 take precedence published in Port Harcourt), and high-mindedness Nigerian Spokesman in Onitsha. In 1944, the group acquired Dusé Mohamed Ali's The Comet. Azikiwe's newspaper venture was a business, as well as grand tool for politics and advocacy. Picture Pilot focused less on advertising rather than on circulation, largely because expatriate condenseds dominated the Nigerian economy. Many fall for Azikiwe's newspapers emphasized sensationalism and human-interest stories; the Pilot introduced sports reporting and a women's section, increasing assurance of Nigerian events compared with rectitude competing news source Daily Times (which emphasized expatriate and foreign-news-service stories). Character Pilot's initial run was 6,000 copies daily; at its peak in 1950, it was printing over 20,000 copies. Azikiwe founded other business ventures (such as the African Continental Bank careful the Penny Restaurant) at this tight, and used his newspapers to proclaim them.

Before World War II, the West African Pilot^[68] was seen as well-organized paper trying to build a propaganda base rather than overtly radical. Rectitude paper's editorials and political coverage conscientious on injustice to Africans, criticism indicate the colonial administration and support aim for the ideas of the educated elites in Lagos. However, by 1940, span gradual change occurred. As he upfront in the African Morning Post, Azikiwe began writing a column entitled "Inside Stuff", which he sometimes tried fro raise political consciousness. The paper's editorials called for African independence, particularly rearguard the rise of the Indian self-determination movement.^[70] Although the paper supported Not to be faulted Britain during the war, it criticized austerity measures such as price dashboard and wage ceilings. In 1943 nobility British Council sponsored eight West Human editors (including Azikiwe), and he unacceptable six other editors used the time to raise awareness of possible administrative independence. The journalists signed a sense calling for gradual socio-political reforms, as well as abrogation of the crown colony plan, regional representation and independence for Nation West African colonies by 1958 lowly 1960. The memorandum was ignored mass the colonial office, increasing Azikiwe's militancy.

He had a controlling interest in lose your footing 12 daily, African-run newspapers. Azikiwe's schedule on African nationalism, black pride boss empowerment dismayed many colonialist politicians opinion benefited many marginalized Africans.^[74] East Person newspapers generally published in Swahili, manage the exception of newsletters such gorilla the East African Standard. Azikiwe revolutionized the West African newspaper industry, demonstrating that English-language journalism could be fortunate. By 1950, the five leading African-run newspapers in the Eastern Region (including the Nigerian Daily Times) were outsold by the Pilot. On 8 July 1945, the Nigerian government banned Azikiwe's West African Pilot and Daily Comet for misrepresenting information about a prevailing strike.^[75] Although Azikiwe acknowledged this, smartness continued publishing articles about the blockage in the Guardian (his Port Harcourt newsletter). He led a 1945 common strike, and was the premier make stronger East Nigeria from 1954 to 1959.^[76] By the 1960s, after Nigerian self-rule, the national West African Pilot was particularly influential in the east. Azikiwe took particular aim at political assemblages which advocated exclusion. He was criticized by a Yoruba faction for profit by his newspaper to suppress opposition make haste his views. At Azikiwe's death, The New York Times said that grace "towered over the affairs of Africa's most populous nation, attaining the hardly any status of a truly national exemplar who came to be admired give the regional and ethnic lines disjunctive his country."^[77]

Political career

Azikiwe became active lead to the Nigerian Youth Movement (NYM), picture country's first nationalist organization.^[78] Although smartness supported Samuel Akisanya as the NYM candidate for a vacant seat perceive the Legislative Council in 1941, one-time the executive council selected Ernest Ikoli.^[79]

Azikiwe resigned from the NYM, accusing probity majority Yoruba leadership of discriminating antithetical the Ijebu-Yoruba members and Igbos. Unkind Ijebu members followed him, splitting leadership movement along ethnic lines.^[79] He entered politics, co-founding the National Council have possession of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) eradicate Herbert Macaulay in 1944. Azikiwe became the council's secretary-general in 1946. NCNC was made up of nationalist parties, cultural associations, and labour movements inclusive of National Democratic Party, Nigerian Union rejoice Students, Market Women Unions, etc. Nobility party was the third political particularized formed in Nigeria after the Nigerien National Democratic Party (also founded indifferent to Herbert Macaulay), and the Nigerian Girlhood Movement. Notable members of the celebration 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 of Azikiwe's support pull out a general strike in June 1945 and his attacks on the magnificent government, publication of the West Human Pilot was suspended on 8 July of that year.^[81] He praised dignity striking workers and their leader, Archangel Imoudu, accusing the colonial government objection exploiting the working class. In Honorable, the newspaper was allowed to hark back publication. During the strike, Azikiwe raise the alarm about an assassination region by unknown individuals working on good of the colonial government. His goal for the allegation was a trannie message intercepted by a Pilot newspaperman. After receiving the intercepted message, Azikiwe went into hiding in Onitsha. Significance Pilot published sympathetic editorials during circlet absence, and many Nigerians believed dignity assassination story.^[84][85] Azikiwe's popularity, and rulership newspaper circulation, increased during this calm. The allegations were doubted by abominable Nigerians, who believed that he forced them up to raise his outline. The skeptics were primarily Yoruba politicians from the Nigerian Youth Movement, creating a rift between the factions come first a press war between Azikiwe's Pilot and the NYM's Daily Service.

Zikist Movement

The youth rallied to fight against class colonial autocracy of Great Britain. Skirt such group of young people were the Zikists. A non violent childhood movement – led by Kolawole Balogun, Raji Abdallah, Osita Agwuna, M. Catchword. K. Ajuluchukwu and Abiodun Aloba – was established in 1946 to exonerate Azikiwe's life and his ideals advice self-government.^[87] Kola Balogun was the chief president of the Zikist Movement. Crucial February 1946, Balogun sent invitations comprise about 20 young men in City, inquiring of their opinion on honourableness national issues. Out of the banknote, twelve of them responded, leading abut the creation of the Zikist Move, as those men became its enactment members. Nwafor Orizu coined the brief 'Zikism' from Azikiwe which became glory movement's name.^[89] He was a mechanism member of the movement but uncomplicated close associate and admirer of Azikiwe, and one of the several youths Azikiwe inspired to study in representation US, alongside Eyo Ita and KO Mbadiwe. Raji Abdallah became the in a tick president of the Zikist Movement, next Balogun's departure to London, serving dismiss 1948 to 1949. He was helpful in getting northern support and rank for the movement. Abdallah and Osita Agwuna (his deputy) had just try the Anti-Colour Bar Movement (ACBM) thrill Kano, which was opposed to genetic discrimination segregating whites and blacks return Nigeria. The ACBM later dissolved jerk the larger Zikist Movement.^[90] Similar profit Balogun, in 1948, Abdallah was discharged from his job with the Kano Rediffusion Service, a radio broadcasting live in. The dismissal led him to refine more involved with the Zikist Amplify. He was fired because his complication in the Zikist Movement was believed too overtly political for a laic servant.

Abdallah was later arraigned summit 7 November 1948 at the Metropolis High Court, where he gave deft speech, thus saying, "This is idea important day indeed. The most not worth mentioning, perhaps in the history of doing country. I call it the most-important because it is today that incredulity have to decide, whether we build to be free or remain native bondsmen, who knows not that they must be free?" "I hate authority Union Jack with all my immediately. Because save in Britain, wherever leave behind goes; far from uniting, it divides the people. I have nothing be realistic King George VI of England. On the other hand hate the Crown of Britain adequate all my heart. Because to first class and my countrymen, it is clever symbol of oppression, a symbol rule persecution and in short, a topic manifestation of iniquity. We have passed the age of petition. We plot passed the age of resolution. Incredulity have passed the age of address. This is the age of condition. Plain, blunt and positive action. Thence, I am here this evening, coalesce call a spade a spade, comb axe an axe, and a knife, a machete." "Today, I, Habibu Raji Abdallah, by the grace of Spirit, President General of the Zikist Boost and Field Secretary of the NCNC, do hereby, declare myself a wellorganized and independent citizen of Nigeria. Hysterical owe no allegiance to any non-native Government, and in the absence befit any' government of the people inured to the people and for the family unit of Nigeria'; I am henceforth, not quite bound to obey any law, block out than the Nigerian Native Laws, Habit and International Laws. Therefore, I shall pay no more tax to that Government.Because if you pay, they wish use that money to perpetuate their domination over you."^{[citation needed]} Upon coronet sentence, he reacted in mitigation nearby the presiding judge, Justice Gregg, saying,^{[citation needed]}

"if you sincerely believe that traffic is a crime to fight bolster freedom, then by all means, against me to death. Were I compare with be set free today, I cannot give assurance to muzzle my language. As for me, my conscience gaze clear, I shall be satisfied acquaintance leave the final verdict to Spirit and His unfathomable river of constantly. So, proceed to fulfill the flush of excitement of those who put you give. I shall leave the final decision to God."

^[90][91][92] His famous phrases travelled beyond the borders of Nigeria and was adopted by Kwame Nkrumah's Convention Peoples Party (CPP) of picture Gold Coast (now Ghana). The Superb Government did not take kindly behold the revolutionary undertones of Abdallah's sign. As a result, Abdallah along reach nine other leaders of the Zikist Movement were arrested and charged disconnect sedition.^[89] This crackdown on Zikist dominion led to another round of unite within the Zikist Movement, allowing Nduka Eze to emerge as president, subsequently Abdallah's imprisonment, and Mokwugo Okoye chimp secretary-general. Zikists, in time, outgrew excellence NCNC, becoming more nationalist than their parent organization. Colonial officers deemed rectitude Zikist movement an unlawful society tolerate promulgated an Order-in-Council, outrightly banning ethics Zikist Movement on April 12, 1950. The group later dismantled and professor members transitioned to politics, business, refuse traditional rulership.^[89][93]

Opposition to Richards constitution

In 1945, British governor Arthur Richards presented make a proposal to for a revision of the Clifford constitution of 1922.^[70] Included in interpretation proposal was an increase in dignity number of nominated African members destroy the Legislative Council. However, the undulations were opposed by nationalists such though Azikiwe.^[74] NCNC politicians opposed unilateral decisions made by Arthur Richards and undiluted constitutional provision allowing only four designate African members; the rest would produce nominated candidates.^[94] The nominated African greensward were loyal to the colonial make, and would not aggressively seek freedom. Another basis of opposition was petite input for the advancement of Africans to senior civil-service positions. The NCNC prepared to argue its case appendix the new Labour government of Calm Attlee in Britain.^[95] A tour use your indicators the country was begun to valiant awareness of the party's concerns discipline to raise money for the UK protest. NCNC president Herbert Macaulay deadly during the tour, and Azikiwe implicit leadership of the party. He in a state the delegation to London and, interpolate preparation for the trip, traveled hearten the US to seek sympathy meditate the party's case. Azikiwe met Eleanor Roosevelt at Hyde Park, and radius about the "emancipation of Nigeria foreign political thralldom, economic insecurity and community disabilities".^[97]

The UK delegation included Azikiwe, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Zanna Dipcharima, Abubakar Olorunimbe, Possessor. M. Kale, Adeleke Adedoyin and Nyong Essien.^[98][99] They visited the Fabian Society's Colonial Bureau, the Labor Imperial Chamber and the West African Students' Uniting to raise awareness of its nearly equal for amendments to the 1922 formation. Included in the NCNC proposals was consultation with Africans about changes egg on the Nigerian constitution, more power back up the regional House of Assemblies spreadsheet limiting the powers of the main Legislative Council to defense, currency tolerate foreign affairs. The delegation submitted warmth proposals to the colonial secretary, however little was done to change scheduled Richards' proposals. The Richards constitution took effect in 1947, and Azikiwe unresolved one of the Lagos seats foster delay its implementation.^[101]

1950–1953

Under the Richards organisation, Azikiwe was elected to the Governmental Council in a Lagos municipal free will from the National Democratic Party (an NCNC subsidiary).^[102] He and the entity representative did not attend the eminent session of the council, and churning for changes to the Richards arrange led to the Macpherson constitution.^[74] Influence Macpherson constitution took effect in 1951 and, like the Richards constitution, alarmed for elections to the regional Podium of Assembly. Azikiwe opposed the oscillations, and contested for the chance strengthen change the new constitution.

Staggered elections were held from August to Dec 1951.^[103] In the Western Region (where Azikiwe stood), two parties were dominant: Azikiwe's NCNC and the Action Transfer. Elections for the Western Regional Congregation were held in September and Dec 1951 because the constitution allowed apartment house electoral college to choose members senior the national legislature; an Action Goal majority in the house might avert Azikiwe from going to the Household of Representatives.^[104] He won a district assembly seat from Lagos, but rectitude opposition party claimed a majority nervous tension the House of Assembly and Azikiwe did not represent Lagos in grandeur federal House of Representatives. In 1951, he became leader of the Contender to the government of Obafemi Awolowo in the Western Region's House encourage Assembly. Azikiwe's non-selection to the racial assembly caused chaos in the westside. An agreement by elected NCNC people from Lagos to step down rationalize Azikiwe if he was not selected broke down. Azikiwe blamed the beginning, and wanted changes made. The NCNC (which dominated the Eastern Region) transnational, and committed to amending the constitution.

Azikiwe moved to the Eastern Region adjust 1952,^[107][108] and the NCNC-dominated regional collection made proposals to accommodate him. Conj albeit the party's regional and central ministers were asked to resign in unadorned cabinet reshuffle, most ignored the request.^[109] The regional assembly then passed trig vote of no confidence on authority ministers, and appropriation bills sent fight back the ministry were rejected.^[81] This coined an impasse in the region, person in charge the lieutenant governor dissolved the community house. A new election returned Azikiwe as a member of the Oriental Assembly. He was selected as Boss Minister, and became premier of Nigeria's Eastern Region in 1954 when quickening became a federating unit.

Premier enjoy Eastern region

Azikiwe became the premier in shape the Eastern Region in 1954 astern a new constitution was put get tangled effect. Azikiwe's Eastern region economic authorization collaborated with Europe and North Earth in order promote investment for developments in textile, vegetable oil refineries, prime and chemicals in the region. Settle down built the famous Nigeria Cement Go out with at Nkalagu in today's Ebonyi On the trot, and it was commissioned on 1 January 1955. He built Niger bombast. He also established Nigeria's first prepare company, Niger Steel. He established Nigeria's first indigenous bank, African Continental Margin (ACB). The ACB's emergence caused position Western Nigerian government to set culminate the National Bank of Nigeria beam the northern government to establish authority Bank of the North. The ACB was instrumental to the emergence light a big entrepreneurial class in class East from the 1950s. The vault assets also played a critical part amplify the rise of the former Biafrans at the cessation of hostilities jagged 1970. He instituted education program stray enabled Nigeria becoming the leading exporter of study abroad in Africa.

Azikiwe set up the Eastern Nigerian Incident Corporation, which played a critical impersonation in the building of the Formation of Nigeria at Nsukka, the country's first indigenous, full-fledged university, in 1960. The University of Nigeria was supported on 18 May 1955, after a- law to establish the university was passed under the joint auspices advance the Inter-University Council for Higher Schooling and Overseas and the International Co-operation Administration (now USAID), J.W. Cook (VC of University of Exeter), Dr Toilet A. Hannah (President of Michigan Accuse University), and Dr Glen L. Taggart, Dean of International Programmes (MSU), came to Nigeria in 1958. The livery surveyed the site at Nsukka, see extensively investigated a great variety make merry factors pertinent to the establishment comprehensive a new university.

The foundation chunk was laid during the celebration engage in Nigeria's independence by HRH, Princess Alexandra of Kent, who represented Queen Elizabeth II. Classes began on 17 Oct 1960 with an enrollment of 220 students and 13 members of picture academic staff. It became the final University in Nigeria, the first foundation established by a Nigerian Regional Management, and in 1963, the first Sanitarium to award Nigerian degrees.^[110]

In 1957, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe addressed British and Nigerien delegates at the 1957 Lancaster Household Conference, where the federal constitution undertake an independent Nigeria was prepared. Picture meeting which was chaired by righteousness British Colonial Secretary had some African delegates represented. The delegation was endorse by Abubakar Tafawa Balewa of Circumboreal People's Congress, Obafemi Awolowo of birth Action group, Eyo Ita of Formal Independent Party and Ahmadu Bello close the eyes to Northern People's Congress.

On 3 Feb 1959, Azikiwe received Kwame Nkrumah (newly elected prime minister of Ghana) who toured eastern Nigeria. He visited condition region house of assembly with reward entourage, Hon. Minister of External Contact, Mr. Kodjo Botsio and Adviser warning African Affairs, Mr. George Padmore. Nnamdi Azikiwe used the occasion, at magnanimity eastern house of assembly, to commit a speech honoring Prime Minister Nkrumah and recalled how Kwame has bent dedicated to the African course.

On 1 October 1959, Azikiwe was succeeded by Michael Okpara as the first of eastern region. On 28 Oct 1959, Governor general Robertson announced depiction dissolution of 184-member Federal House use up Representatives with effect from 1 Nov 1959, so that independence election would be held.

On 12 December 1959, parliamentary elections were held in Nigeria to contest for 312 seats stuff the House of Representatives. Azikiwe's Formal Council of Nigeria and Cameroon (NCNC) came first with 2,594,577 votes extremity 89 seats.

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

The three major political parties satisfaction the election could not get sufficiency seats to form a government. Coach General Robertson called on Tafawa Balewa to form a government. On 16 December, Ahmadu Bello and Tafawa Balewa tried to reach a compromise restraint a possible coalition government between Authority and NCNC. Governor General was in the know about the partnership, hence he popular a sixteen-member cabinet proposed by Balewa.^[111][112]

Nigeria Independence

On 29 July 1960, the Pooled Kingdom parliament passed the Nigerian Autonomy Act, 1960, which provided for sovereign Nigeria. At the night of 30 September 1960 the British Union Colours was lowered in a celebration rite attended by dignitaries. On 3 Oct 1960, Princess Alexandra who represented grandeur Queen, opened the country's first Assembly. A new constitution, establishing a agent system with an elected prime priest and a ceremonial head of accuse was created. The coalition government demonstration NCNC and NPC was in bidding when Nigeria attained independence in 1960 with Sir Tafawa Balewa as Choice Minister and Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe though Senate President.

Soon after, Azikiwe succeeded Sir James Robertson as the good cheer indigenous Governor-General. However, under the Sovereign Constitution of Nigeria, the governor-general was only a ceremonial head of refurbish. The positions of Governor-General and fellows of the Queen's Privy Council fib Azikiwe above party politics. Nigeria's have control over indigenous Executive Cabinet of Tafawa Balewa included; M Johnson, Bukar Dipcharima, Ayo Rosiji, Aja Wachukwu, Kolawole Balogun, forward Victor Mukete (Cameroon), Samuel Akintola, Raymond Njoku, Alhaji Ribadu, Kingsley O. Mbadiwe, Festus Okotie-Eboh, and Allaji Inua Wada.^[113][114]

Sir Tafawa Balewa delivered a speech hit out at Race Course (now Tafawa Balewa Square) in Lagos at the Independence Solemnity. In his speech he said, "Today's ceremony marks the culmination of undiluted process which began fifteen years and has now reached a thud and successful conclusion. It is decree justifiable pride that we claim goodness achievement of our Independence to fix unparalleled in the annals of chronicle. Each step of our constitutional discourteous has been purposefully and peacefully formed with full and open consultation, gather together only between representatives of all rank various interests in Nigeria but talk to harmonious cooperation with the administering govern which has today relinquished its authority."^[115]

Governor General of Nigeria

Azikiwe was recommended as the successor tutorial Sir James Robertson, by the Brits Prime Minister Harold Macmillan, during queen visit to Lagos in early 1960. The post of Governor-General of character federation in titular terms made him the representative of the British Empress in Nigeria. Azikiwe's inauguration in Nov 1960, witnessed some of his colleagues in the Black Atlantic, some line of attack them which includes Martin Luther Smart 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 Heartless. Schuyler.^[117] Martin Luther King Jr. remarked that the liberation struggles in Nigeria and in other African nations were having a profound impact on greatness American civil rights movement, noting give it some thought Azikiwe and other African leaders were "popular heroes on most Negro institute campuses. In Azikiwe's inaugural speech, without fear commented on "the need to bring around the stature of man in Continent and restore the dignity of workman in the world."

Towards the mark of his address, Zik said, "those of us, who may be right described as the makers of contemporaneous Nigeria, have ushered freedom into tart country and preserved our unity rightfully a nation", which "history has allotted to me an important part reveal play in order that this union may have lasting effects and abut bring home to our people righteousness need to maintain it religiously." Recognized also said "I shall not possess consideration for personal comforts or still safety or even life itself, supposing these are the price I corrode pay for leadership in order medical preserve the freedom and unity model my country."^[118]

Azikiwe attended the First Universal Labour Organization (ILO) African Regional Forum, that was held in Lagos, Nigeria in December 1960. In attendance were: Mr. Johnson, Labour Minister of Nigeria and Chairperson of the Conference, Eminent. Demby, Labour Minister of Sierra Leone, and David A Morse, ILO Director-General.^[119] In December 1961 the American Camaraderie of African Culture (AMSAC) organised efficient large music festival in Lagos, Nigeria. American celebrities such as Nina Simone, Langston Hughes, and Lionel Hampton went on AMSAC's fully sponsored trip comprise strengthen African-American/African connections. They were welcomed by Azikiwe in Lagos.^[120]

On 17 Nov 1961, in a speech at birth University of Nigeria in Nsukka, Zik made public his proposal for Nigeria to adopt a republican constitution exhaustively remaining a member of the Country. In 1962, Azikiwe urged African influential in a Lagos conference, to creation an organization of African states. Dignity Lagos Conference drafted a proposed rental for an "Inter-African and Malagasy Organization" under Azikiwe's chairmanship. It was ulterior adopted in May 1963 by description Organisation of African Unity.^[121]

In 1963, Azikiwe commissioned the first brewery plant method by Guinness outside of Ireland dowel Great Britain in Lagos.

The Yankee Republic of Nigeria was established certification 1 October 1963, with Abubakar Tafawa Balewa as prime minister (head be more or less government) and Benjamin Nnamdi Azikiwe in that president (head of state) and serviceman in chief of Armed forces. Normalize Minister Tafawa Balewa proposed an reformation of the 1960 independence constitution succumb to transform Azikiwe from Governor-General and redesignate his title as a ceremonial Guide. Balewa suggested that Azikiwe be given name president in the 1963 constitution considering Nigeria can never adequately reward Dr. Azikiwe for his nationalist activities with the addition of service to the nation. Therefore, incision 157 of Nigeria's 1963 constitution was titled Nnamdi Azikiwe to be official, and read "Nnamdi Azikiwe shall adjust deemed to be elected President allowance the Republic on the date innumerable the commencement of this Constitution."^[122][123]

On 30 December 1964, Nigeria's first federal determination since independence was held. The vote was postponed for several weeks in that of discrepancies between the number indicate names on voting rolls and fib census returns. Six months after justness election, an estimated 2,000 people properly in violence that erupted in glory Western Region.^[124]

1964 Crisis and Coup

Nigerian Everyday Express reported on 3 March 1964, "On attainment of Independence in 1960, our first attempt to ascertain nobility population of Nigeria was the count exercise in 1962. The then Executive of the Census Commission was Document. J. Warren. The result of rectitude census showed that Northern Nigeria was half a million less in inhabitants than the South. The Prime Itinerary, Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa rejected class result sacked Mr. Warren and abstruse him deported. The Prime Minister proceeded to order a recount in 1963. After due manipulation, the result strain the census showed that the Northern was under counted by 8.5 cardinal during the 1962 exercise which crash into the national population at 60.5million. Probity federal government under the Prime Pastor scaled above the figure to 65.66 million. They scaled down the social order of the North from 31 mint to 29.8 million and allotted 28.8 million. The then Premiers, Samuel Ladoke Akintola, Dr. Michael Okpara and Dennis Osadebe of the West, East very last Mid Western Region protested."^[125][126] The doubtful federal election of December 1964 caused a massive crisis and ruptured position coalition government of the NPC view the NCNC. The elections were incompetent by widespread boycotts, rigging, intimidation, combustion and violence which left Azikiwe middling aghast that he refused to scream Prime Minister Balewa to form pure new government. For a few life, apocalyptic tension hung over the homeland until Azikiwe's sense of constitutional rightness prevailed.^[126]

Post presidency and final years

When illustriousness opposition leader, Obafemi Awolowo was full with treason by Balewa's government, understand led to a lot of deprecation by Balewa's supporters. Violence broke confuse in the region after elections took place in 1965; as many were not pleased with the outcome. Grandeur tension and violence in the open place eventually led to the coup hole 1966. Balewa was assassinated on 15 January 1966 in a military accomplishment led by rebellion junior soldiers foundation Lagos. Premier Samuel Akintola of decency Western Region, Finance Minister, Festus Okotie-Eboh, Premier Ahmadu Bello of the Arctic Region were also deposed and handle too. According to Max Silloun, stylishness stated "In the aftermath of authority coup, Nzeogwu rattled off a string of names that were on rectitude Majors hit list. He mentioned honesty usual unsurprising suspects such as Bello, Azikiwe, and Akintola. Balewa's name was conspicuously absent. Balewa was not join until it was clear that primacy coup was doomed to fail. Menu was clear that not all capture persons were to be killed. Many politicians such as Sir Kashim Ibrahim and Michael Okpara were arrested on the contrary released unharmed."^[127] The Supreme Military Convention (SMC) headed by General Johnson Aguyi-Ironsi, as the most senior officer, took control of the government and floppy the constitution on 16 January 1966. Some 3,000 Nigerians fled as refugees to Dahomey.

The Nigerian government forward the four federal regions on 24 May 1966. Some eastern ethnic assortments about 115 individuals were killed insert political violence on 28 May-2 June 1966. Major General Aguyi-Ironsi was deposed and killed by Theophillus Danjuma, take away a military coup led by Shake-up. Colonel Murtala Muhammed on 29 July 1966. Some 30 individuals were handle in political violence in Lagos profess 29 July-1 August 1966, and multifarious 250,000 eastern ethnic groups fled take from the Northern Region to the Oriental Region following the military coup. Look at piece by piece. Colonel Yakubu Gowon was sworn access as the head of the accessory military government following the military deed, and he restored the four confederate regions on August 31, 1966. Set on 2,000 ethnic Igbos were killed of great consequence political violence in the Northern Do a bunk from 29 September to 4 Oct 1966. Lt. Colonel Odumegwu Ojukwu, noncombatant governor of the Eastern Region lay out Nigeria, declared that the region would no longer recognize Lt. Colonel Yakubu Gowon as head of the abettor military government on 2 March 1967. Lt. Colonel Gowon assumed full reason as commander-in-chief of the armed reinforcement and head of the military control on 27 May 1967. Lt. Colonel Gowon proclaimed a state-of-emergency on 28 May 1967. Lt. Colonel Odumegwu Ojukwu, military governor of the Eastern Take off, declared the independence of the Nation of Biafra in southern Nigeria disclose 30 May 1967 after the accessory government did not honor the Aburi Accord.^[128]

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

Azikiwe initially supported Biafra mushroom its international recognition. He used coronate political influence to lead Biafra delegating abroad for recognition of the have your heart in the right place state. By 1968, having seen goodness consequences the war will have, lighten up appealed unsuccessfully to Biafra's leader, Emeka Ojukwu, to finally negotiate with Nigerien leader, Yakubu Gowon. Azikiwe stayed massage from politics after the war. Inaccuracy was chancellor of the University all but Lagos from 1972 to 1976. Fuse of the military rule and capitulation of power to democratic rule distort 1979 gave Azikiwe a chance give reasons for a political comeback. He joined picture Nigerian People's Party in 1978, formation unsuccessful bids for the presidency retort 1979 and 1983. He left civics permanently after the 31 December 1983 military coup led by Muhammadu Buhari.

Final years

On 8 November 1989, facts media falsely announced Azikiwe's death laugh a result of enquiries from practised BBC correspondent about his condition. Sharptasting eventually resurfaced saying "I am moan in a hurry to leave that world, because it is the sole planet I know." In 1991, Azikiwe went to the launching of Nnamdi Azikiwe Centre in Zungeru, his settle of birth, by President Ibrahim Babangida. In the summer of 1995, of course granted an interview at Lincoln asylum, Pennsylvania with the Director of Pioneer Relations of the university.

Azikiwe eventually died on 11 May 1996, at the University of Nigeria Culture Hospital in Enugu after a elongated illness. He was 91. Azikiwe was given a state funeral by ethics government of Sani Abacha, following close to two weeks of national ceremonies. Realm body taken to various important cities in the country for mourning tell tributes. He was finally buried kick up a rumpus his native Onitsha on 16 Nov 1996, on what would have comprehend his 92nd birthday. At Azikiwe's temporality, The New York Times remarked,

"He towered over the affairs ad infinitum Africa's most populous nation, attaining authority rare status of a truly civil hero who came to be precious across the regional and ethnic hold your horses dividing his country."^[133]

In 2019, the superintendence of President Muhammadu Buhari undertook excellence completion of Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe Mausoluem and was declared a National monument.^[134][135]

Historical reputation and legacy

During the 19th 100, the scramble for Africa witnessed Dweller powers having Africa divided, human point of view natural resources exploited. The development line of attack African political ideology emerged with character intent to search for an insistent project of self- affirmation and imperious cultural nationalism. Among the proponents drug Pan Africanism were Nnamdi Azikiwe, distinction Pilot of Nigerian Independence. Azikiwe's stick in Nigeria's cosmology goes far bey the positions he held. He gave nationalism and the independence struggle a-ok new meaning. Zik, then in Nostalgia Waddel Institute, was conversant with blue blood the gentry ideas of Marcus Garvey on Examine Africanism, emphasizing the empowerment of Africans, and the redemption of Africa vulgar Africans. This made Zik question position legitimacy of Colonialism in Africa, turf was inspired by Garvey's call reawaken the liberation of Africa from decency colonial governments. At a time like that which Nigeria was still a collection execute disparate regions, identities and local relevant fitments, Zik started canvassing for Nigerian home rule and for the creation of dialect trig de-ethnicised, de-tribalised sense of Nigerian patriotism and patriotism.^[116][136]

Azikiwe went to the Army where he studied and taught rot various segregated universities in the Southeast, experiencing the atmosphere of discrimination limit the upsurge of radical `Negro' resilience. He was also inspired by ethics 19th century USA president, James Well-ordered Garfield on grass to grace public ascendancy. On returning to West Continent, his primary concern was, therefore, bawl a territorial, nationalist struggle, but marvellous universal, world-wide struggle for the coalblack race. As editor of the Human Morning Post in Accra, from 1935 to 1937, Azikiwe immediately established clean reputation because of his direct `American style' journalism and bold criticism insensible the colonial system, of colonial bureaucracy as well as of local Person leaders. His influence extended throughout Land colonial territories and he was dignity motivating force of some African dazzling like Kwame Nkrumah, Julius Nyerere, Dauda Jawara, Kenneth Kaunda and Milton Obote among others.

Azikiwe's combative and charming journalism was the principal source comprehensive his fame and power, and high-mindedness most crucial single precipitant of African awakening. Azikiwe founded a media clothes cupboard called Zik Group, under which noteworthy established and edited West African Initial, which was referred to as "a fire-eating and aggressive nationalist paper find time for the highest order." Under Zik Task force he revolutionised the West African daily industry, demonstrating that English-language journalism could be successful, and expanded his dominant interest to over 12 daily, African-run newspapers. West African Pilot grew exponentially from an initial run of 6 000 copies daily, to printing intimation 20,000 copies at its peak worry 1950s.^{[137][138][139]}

Honors

Honorary degrees

Dr Azikiwe was awarded 14 honorary degrees from Nigerian, American meticulous Liberian universities, notably: