Nigerian Second Republic

Nigerian Second Republic
Name	Nigerian Second Republic
Established	1 October 1979
Disestablished	31 December 1983
Capital	Abuja
Government	Presidential system
Leader title	President
Leader name	Shehu Shagari
Predecessor	Military dictatorship of Nigeria (1966–1979)
Successor	Military dictatorship of Nigeria (1983–1993)

Nigerian Second Republic The Nigerian Second Republic was the period of civilian constitutional rule in Nigeria from 1979 to 1983, following a series of military regimes and the transition overseen by the Supreme Military Council. It inaugurated a presidential system modeled in part on the United States presidency and sought to reintroduce multiparty politics after the Nigerian Civil War and the administrations of Olusegun Obasanjo and Murtala Mohammed. The era featured the presidency of Shehu Shagari, intense regional party competition, and tensions that culminated in a military coup.

Background and Transition to Civilian Rule

The Second Republic emerged after the military regimes led by Yakubu Gowon, Murtala Mohammed, and Olusegun Obasanjo initiated a timetable for return to civilian rule, including the work of the Constitution Drafting Committee and the establishment of the Electoral Commission of Nigeria. The 1976 creation of Lagos State and the deliberations over the capital that later became Abuja formed part of administrative reforms. The transition featured interactions among regional leaders such as Aminu Kano, Ahmadu Bello's legacy through Zamfara politics, and influential military figures including Theophilus Danjuma and Yakubu Gowon in advisory roles. International actors including the Organisation of African Unity and the Commonwealth of Nations observed the return to electoral competition among parties like the Nigerian People's Party and the National Party of Nigeria.

Political System and Constitution

The 1979 Constitution established a presidential framework inspired by the United States Constitution with an executive presidency, bicameral legislature comprising the Senate of Nigeria and the House of Representatives (Nigeria), and a Supreme Court of Nigeria as apex court. Federal arrangements reaffirmed the roles of federating units such as Kano State, Oyo State, Rivers State, and Bendel State with governors like Shehu Musa Yar'Adua and Samuel Ogbemudia competing in state-level politics. Electoral law reforms affected the Independent National Electoral Commission precursor bodies, while debates over resource control involved actors tied to Niger Delta development, Kwara State politics, and the influence of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation executives.

Major Political Parties and Key Figures

Key parties included the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) led by figures such as Shehu Shagari and Bukar Kawu, the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) associated with Obafemi Awolowo's ideology and leadership by Chief Obafemi Awolowo proxies, the Nigerian People's Party (NPP) linked to Nnamdi Azikiwe and Nnamdi Azikiwe allies, the Great Nigeria People's Party (GNPP) with leaders like Bukar regional politicians, and the People's Redemption Party (PRP) led by Aminu Kano. Prominent national figures included Shehu Shagari as president, Alex Ekwueme as vice-president candidate and later vice-president-designate, Bashir Tofa in later opposition politics, and state governors such as Murtala Nyako and Olusegun Obasanjo's contemporaries. The era also featured politicians like Adolphus Wabara, Daniel O. Fagunwa, Chike Obi, and regional kingmakers from Enugu to Sokoto.

Government Policies and Economy

The Shagari administration implemented policies addressing oil revenue management via relationships with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and international partners such as Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries delegates and World Bank missions. Public works programs influenced infrastructure in Port Harcourt, Calabar, Ibadan, and Benin City, while agricultural initiatives touched Kaduna State and Borno State farming zones. Fiscal measures involved central banking operations at the Central Bank of Nigeria and dealings with multinational firms in the oil industry. Economic trends included the volatility of oil prices, negotiations with International Monetary Fund representatives, and internal debates over import substitution industrialization in regions like Ikeja and Jos.

Social and Cultural Developments

Cultural life flourished with creative figures tied to institutions such as University of Ibadan, Ahmadu Bello University, and cultural festivals in Lagos State and Calabar. Literary and artistic movements featured writers and artists connected to the legacy of Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka, Ken Saro-Wiwa emerging environmental activism in the Niger Delta, and musicians performing in venues across Yaba and Broad Street, Lagos. Media organizations including Nigerian Television Authority and newspapers headquartered in Enugu and Kaduna shaped public discourse. Sport and education initiatives engaged entities like the National Universities Commission and sporting federations in Soccer competitions watched in cities from Onitsha to Markurdi.

Challenges, Conflicts, and Corruption Allegations

The period saw sectarian tensions in regions such as Kano and Sokoto, labor unrest involving unions affiliated with industrial centers in Jos and Kaduna, and disputes in the Niger Delta over oil revenues and environmental impact. Allegations of corruption implicated federal ministers, state governors, and executives linked to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and major contractors operating in Lagos and Port Harcourt. Political violence affected elections monitored by observers from the Organisation of African Unity and the Commonwealth; legal cases reached the Federal High Court (Nigeria) and the Supreme Court of Nigeria. Scandals and probes referenced prominent personalities and precipitated fractures among elites such as Shehu Musa Yar'Adua's circle and opposition leaders including Obafemi Awolowo supporters.

Collapse and Military Coup of 1983

Mounting economic difficulties from falling oil prices, contentious 1983 elections involving the National Party of Nigeria and rival parties, and accusations of electoral malpractice culminated in the overthrow by military officers led by figures such as Major General Muhammadu Buhari and allied commanders. The coup dissolved the presidency and legislative bodies, brought back military administrative structures reminiscent of regimes associated with Olusegun Obasanjo and Murtala Mohammed, and led to new governance under the Armed Forces leadership. The aftermath affected politicians, civil servants, and institutions across states including Lagos State, Rivers State, and Kano State, reshaping Nigeria's subsequent path toward later transitions and the eventual establishment of the Third Nigerian Republic.

Category:Political history of Nigeria