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67-576: The palatial residence was completed in 1991, the same year the military junta of Ibrahim Babangida relocated the national capital from Lagos to Abuja . Aso Villa encompasses the 400 meter monolith Aso Rock , located within the Three Arms Zone of Abuja metropolis. In 1976, the Military Government of Murtala Mohammed took the decision to relocate the Federal Capital from Lagos and set up

134-661: A palace coup while Buhari himself was away from Lagos and his chief aide, Major General Tunde Idiagbon , was on a pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. The coup was announced on the radio in the morning by Major General Joshua Dogonyaro , and Babangida later addressed the country, saying that Buhari's regime had been "rigid and uncompromising" and had demonstrated "inconsistency and incompetence". On 22 April 1990, military officers led by Major Gideon Orkar attacked Dodan Barracks in an attempt to overthrow Babangida's administration. Babangida escaped successfully, and fighting stopped ten hours later, when senior military commanders elsewhere in

201-504: A committee under the leadership of Justice Akinola Aguda which recommended the creation of a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the center of the country and a proclamation to this effect was issued on 3 February 1976. Akinola Aguda House (formally named on 1 October 1983) was originally conceived as a Presidential Lodge & Guest House Complex and hosted the first ever formal Cabinet Meeting held outside Lagos, only days after Abuja hosted Nigeria's Independence Anniversary celebrations for

268-657: A generational shift in leadership to allow for a new crop of leaders to replace the 1966 military class. A biopic titled Badamasi: Portrait of a General which chronicled his early life, life during the Nigerian Civil War as well as his time as the military head of state was produced by Obi Emelonye and released in cinemas on 12 June 2020. Babangida was married to Maryam Babangida from 1969 until her death in 2009. They had four children together; Aisha, Muhammad, Aminu, and Halima. On 27 December 2009, Maryam Babangida died from complications of ovarian cancer. Babangida

335-478: A group of officers who called themselves "young revolutionaries" in a radio broadcast; however, they lacked both civilian and military support. The coup was denounced by division commanders and government leaders outside Lagos and was quickly suppressed. Obasanjo became head of state. The Nigerian government reported that the coup had been led by Lieutenant Colonel Bukar Suka Dimka and had aimed at restoring Gowon's regime. 125 people were arrested in connection with

402-766: A national mass mobilization . The fall of Babangida and his regime was precipitated by the transition toward the Third Nigerian Republic and the subsequent militarization of politics in the 1993 presidential election which he annulled. Ibrahim Babangida was born on 17 August 1941 in Minna by Muhammad and Aisha Babangida. He received early Islamic education before attending primary school from 1950 to 1956. From 1957 to 1962 Babangida attended Government College Bida , together with classmates Abdulsalami Abubakar , Mamman Vatsa , Mohammed Magoro , Sani Bello , Garba Duba , Gado Nasko and Mohammed Sani Sami . Babangida joined

469-610: A palace coup led by General Sani Abacha . This followed the annulment of the presidential elections which had been advertised as the beginning of a Third Nigerian Republic . In September 1994, although he had pledged to restore democracy, Abacha issued a decree that placed his government above the jurisdiction of the courts, effectively giving him absolute power. In recent decades, there have been several high-profile arrests in connection with alleged coup plots: According to Nigerian historian Max Siollun , "Military coups and military rule (which began as an emergency aberration) became

536-675: A regional power with diplomatic successes including the Abuja Treaty and the military engagement of Nigerian troops in Liberia and Sierra Leone . Abroad, Babangida's military regime cemented traditional relations with the English-speaking world of the United States and the United Kingdom ; and implemented economic liberalization and the privatization of state-owned enterprises alongside

603-680: A result of the post-12 June 1993 election which he illegally nullified. He rose through the ranks of the Nigerian Army fighting in the Nigerian Civil War and at various times being involved in almost all the military coups in Nigeria , before advancing to the full-rank of a General and ultimately as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces ; and as an unelected President and military dictator from 1985 to 1993, ruling for an uninterrupted period of eight years. His years in power, colloquially known as

670-399: A return to civilian rule: following the drafting of a new constitution and various institutional changes, elections would be held, allowing for a transfer of power on 1 October 1979. On 13 February 1976, Muhammed was assassinated at the outset of an abortive coup attempt. His driver and aide were also killed; as was Ibrahim Taiwo , the military governor of Kwara state. The coup was led by

737-473: A seemingly permanent feature of Nigerian politics." The abundance of natural resources have also been cited as a reason for the prevalence of military coups in Nigeria's history. The regional rivalries which have played such a large part in recurrence of coups were a result of colonialism creating an artificial state encompassing several different distinct ethnic groups. These distinct ethnic groups were represented by regional parties, which ensured that "none of

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804-641: A sustained commitment to the SAP difficult to maintain. Babangida contributed to the development of national infrastructure. He finished the construction of the Third Mainland Bridge , the largest bridge on the continent at the time. His administration also saw the completion of the dualising of the Kaduna-Kano highway. Babangida also completed the Shiroro Hydroelectric Power Station . He had

871-588: Is currently under the protection of the Presidential Guard Brigade which perform ceremonial and protective duties for the president. The brigade performs public duties in a weekly changing of the guard ceremony outside the villa. The Villa is also protected by a squad of State Security Service Agents and a squadron of the Mobile Police Force assigned solely for the protection of the President,

938-695: Is often used as a demonym to refer the Federal Government of Nigeria . However, the name which was inspired by the Aso Rock Monolith , a nearby hill, has become a symbol of Nigeria's maturing democratic governance. Several names that are used for the Aso Villa include: The State House (common among Nigerian Media stations like the NTA and Channels Television ), The Aso Rock (common among Nigerians , and The Villa (common among Nigerian politicians). The villa

1005-538: Is rumoured to be worth over US$ 5 billion. He is believed to secretly possess a multi-billion dollar fortune via successive ownership of stakes in a number of Nigerian companies. Magazine Forbes assumed in 2011 that shortly before the Second Gulf War Babangida channelled US$ 12 billion of unplanned profits ("oil windfall") into his own pocket (the oil price jumped from US$ 15/barrel to US$ 41.15/barrel within weeks in 1990 and then crashed almost as quickly to

1072-579: The 2007 Nigerian presidential election . He said he was doing so "under the banner of the Nigerian people" and accused the country's political elite of fuelling Nigeria's current ethnic and religious violence. On 8 November 2006, General Babangida picked up a nomination form from the Peoples Democratic Party headquarters in Abuja. This effectively put to rest any speculation about his ambitions to run for

1139-802: The Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji . From 1979 to 1980, he attended the Senior Executive Course at the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies . Babangida was the Director of Army Staff Duties and Plans from 1981 to 1983. He was the main figure behind the coup d'ètat of 1983 which led to the overthrow of the Second Republic , with financial backing from his close associate and businessman Moshood Abiola . Babangida alongside his other co-conspirators later appointed

1206-478: The Babangida Era , are considered one of the most controversial in Nigerian political and military history, being characterized by a burgeoning political culture of corruption in Nigeria , with Babangida and his regime estimated to have appropriated at least 12 billion dollars (23.9 billion today). The Babangida regime oversaw the establishment of a state security apparatus; survived two coup d'ètat attempts and

1273-744: The National Electoral Commission – showed the duo of Moshood Abiola and Babagana Kingibe of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) defeated Bashir Tofa and Slyvester Ugoh of the National Republican Convention (NRC) by over 2.3 million votes in the 1993 presidential election . The elections were later annulled by military head of state General Babangida, citing electoral irregularities. The annulment led to widespread protests and political unrest in Abiola's stronghold of

1340-540: The October 2010 Abuja bombing . President Goodluck Jonathan later emerged as the PDP presidential candidate and throughout his presidency sought counsel from Babangida and his military inner circle. In 2015, following the election of his long-time rival General Muhammadu Buhari as president, Babangida maintained a low profile. In 2017, Babangida had corrective surgery. He is considered a foremost elder statesman, and has called for

1407-732: The South West , as many felt Babangida had ulterior motives, and did not want to cede power to Moshood Abiola , a Yoruba businessman. Babangida later admitted that the elections were annulled due to national security considerations, which he didn't specify. The lingering 12 June crisis led to the resignation of General Babangida in August 1993. Babangida signed a decree establishing the Interim National Government led by Ernest Shonekan . As interim president, Shonekan initially appointed Abiola as his vice president , who refused to recognize

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1474-813: The foreign relations of Nigeria . He rejected apartheid in South Africa , involved Nigerian troops in the Liberian Civil War , hosted the Abuja Treaty which gave rise to the African Union and enhanced relations with the United States and the United Kingdom. In 1986, Nigeria joined the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation an international organisation considered the "collective voice of the Muslim world ". This move

1541-599: The 44 Infantry Battalion which was involved in heavy fighting within Biafran territory. In 1969, during a reconnaissance operation from Enugu to Umuahia , the battalion came under heavy enemy fire and Babangida was shot on the right side of his chest. He was then hospitalized in Lagos, and was given the option of removing the bullet shrapnel, which he refused and still carries with him. Away and recovering from his wounds, Babangida married Maryam King on 6 September 1969. He returned to

1608-689: The Advanced Armoured Officers Course at the United States Army Armor School . In 1973, he was made commander of the 4 Reconnaissance Regiment. In 1975, he became the commander of the Nigerian Army Armoured Corps. Babangida attended several defence and strategy courses. Colonel Babangida as Commander of the Armoured Corps was a key participant in the coup d'état of 1975 . He was later appointed as one of

1675-825: The Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and placed Muhammadu Buhari under house arrest in Benin until 1988. He established the Armed Forces Ruling Council (AFRC) as the highest law-making council serving as chairman; he also restructured the national security apparatus, tasking General Aliyu Gusau as Co-ordinator of National Security directly reporting to him in the president's office he created the: State Security Service (SSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA). Shortly after coming to power General Babangida established

1742-524: The NDA's Regular Course 3), and gradually positioned his allies within the echelons of military hierarchy. The execution of the palace coup was initially delayed due to General Tunde Idiagbon the 6th Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters , and ruthless second-in-command to General Muhammadu Buhari. At midnight on 27 August 1985, the plot metamorphosed with four Majors: Sambo Dasuki , Abubakar Dangiwa Umar , Lawan Gwadabe , and Abdulmumini Aminu detailed to arrest

1809-879: The Nigerian Army on 10 December 1962, where he attended the Nigerian Military Training College in Kaduna . Babangida received his commission as a second lieutenant as a regular combatant officer in the Royal Nigerian Army (a month before it became the Nigerian Army) with the personal army number N/438 from the Indian Military Academy on 26 September 1963. Babangida attended the Indian Military Academy from April to September 1963. He

1876-522: The Nigerian Political Bureau of 1986. The bureau was inaugurated to conduct a national debate on the political future of Nigeria, and was charged amongst other things to: Review Nigeria’s political history and identify the basic problems which have led to our failure in the past and suggest ways of resolving and coping with these problems. The exercise was the broadest political consultation conducted in Nigerian history. Between 1983 and 1985,

1943-540: The Presidency. His form was personally issued to him by the PDP chairman, Ahmadu Ali . This action immediately drew extreme reactions of support or opposition from the southwest. In December, just before the presidential primaries, it was widely reported in Nigerian newspapers that Babangida had withdrawn his candidacy. In a letter excerpted in the media, IBB is quoted as citing the "moral dilemma" of running against Umaru Yar'Adua ,

2010-528: The SAP and MAMSER were: Between 1986 and 1988, these policies were executed as intended by the IMF, and the Nigerian economy actually did grow as had been hoped, with the export sector performing especially well. But falling real wages in the public sector and among the urban classes, along with a drastic reduction in expenditure on public services, set off waves of rioting and other manifestations of discontent that made

2077-970: The Three Arms Zone of the Federal Capital Territory, consists of the Main Presidential Villa (Office and Residence of the President, and Offices of the Vice President and Wife of the President), the State House Conference Center, State House Annex State House Clinic, and the Akinola Aguda House. The old Presidential Lodge in Marina, Lagos, was handed over to the Lagos State Government in 2017. The Aso Rock Villa

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2144-810: The Toja Bridge in Kebbi constructed. He also created the Jibia Water Treatment Plant and the Challawa Cenga Dam in Kano . Babangida also founded the Federal Road Safety Corps in order to better manage the national roads. On 23 September 1987, Babangida created two states: Akwa Ibom State and Katsina State . On 27 August 1991, Babangida created nine more states: Abia , Enugu , Delta , Jigawa , Kebbi , Osun , Kogi , Taraba , and Yobe . Bringing

2211-436: The Vice President and their respective families. Aso rock building cost 25B naira in 1989. Ibrahim Babangida Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida GCFR GCB (born 17 August 1941) is a Nigerian statesman and military dictator who ruled as military president of Nigeria from 1985 when he orchestrated a coup d'état against his military and political arch-rival Muhammadu Buhari , until his resignation in 1993 as

2278-470: The assassination of Sir Ahmadu Bello . Alongside several young officers from Northern Nigeria , he took part in the July counter-coup led by Murtala Mohammed which ousted General Aguiyi Ironsi replacing him with General Yakubu Gowon . Following the outbreak of the civil war, Babangida was recalled and posted to the 1st Division under the command of General Mohammed Shuwa . In 1968, he became commander of

2345-452: The country announced their support for Babangida. 42 men convicted of involvement in the coup attempt were executed by firing squad in July 1990. Facing pressure to shift towards a democratic government, Babangida resigned and appointed Ernest Shonekan as interim president on 26 August 1993. Shonekan's transitional administration lasted only three months: on 17 November 1993, it was overthrown in

2412-784: The country suffered an economic crisis. In 1986, Babangida launched the Structural Adjustment Program (SAP), with support from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank , to restructure the Nigerian economy. In 1987, Babangida launched the Mass Mobilization for Self Reliance, Social Justice and Economic Recovery (MAMSER), following a recommendation from the Political Bureau, to increase self-reliance and economic recovery. The policies involved in

2479-581: The coup attempt and, in March, 32 people received death sentences, among them Dimka and the defence minister, Major General Illiya D. Bisalla . On 31 December 1983, a group of senior military officers led a coup which ended the Second Nigerian Republic . The coup deposed the democratically elected government of President Shehu Shagari , which, in the first military broadcast after the coup, Brigadier Sani Abacha called "inept and corrupt". Abacha, who

2546-560: The end of the war, in October 1970, Gowon reiterated an earlier pledge to ensure that military rule would be terminated on 1 October 1976. In 1974, however, he postponed democratisation, explaining that Nigerians had not yet demonstrated "moderation and self-control in pursuing sectional ends". On 29 July 1975, Colonel Joseph Nanven Garba , a close friend of Gowon's, announced on Radio Nigeria that he and other officers had decided to remove Gowon as head of state and commander-in-chief. The coup

2613-596: The first round of 1992 presidential primaries. Babangida annulled the 7 August presidential primaries which Shehu Yar'Adua emerged as the SDP presidential candidate and Adamu Ciroma as the NRC candidate order to get rid of the old guard in both parties. In January 1993, Babangida rejigged the ruling military junta – the AFRC – replacing it with the National Defence and Security Council, as

2680-444: The first time, in October 1982. President Ibrahim Babangida, who took office in 1985, commenced construction of a new presidential residence in 1989 and in 1991 the Aso Rock Presidential Villa was completed and President Babangida became the first Head of State to occupy it, on 12 December 1991. Upon completion of the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, the Aguda House became the Vice Presidential Complex, and has remained so till date apart from

2747-410: The governor of the Western Region, Lieutenant Colonel Francis Adekunle Fajuyi , were among the casualties. Muhammadu Buhari , who was himself installed as head of state in the 1983 coup, was one of the officers involved. Both the coup and the counter-coup assumed an "ethnic colouration" and they fuelled ethnic violence , contributing to events which ultimately led to the Nigerian civil war . After

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2814-437: The head of state. By daybreak, the conspirators had taken over the government and Babangida flew into Lagos from Minna where he was announced as the new commander-in-chief in a radio broadcast by General Sani Abacha . Babangida justified the coup in a speech describing General Muhammadu Buhari's military regime as "too rigid". Babangida ruling by decree promulgated his official title as the President and Commander-in-Chief of

2881-399: The interim government, the crisis lingered for months culminating in the seizure of power by General Sani Abacha . Babangida at the height of the crisis stated "If I am sleeping and I hear the Yorubas beating the drums of war, I would go back to sleep." From his hilltop residence in Minna, Babangida has cultivated a patronage system which cuts across the entire country. In 1998, Babangida

2948-412: The most senior serving officer at the time General Muhammadu Buhari as military head of state from 1983 to 1985; and Babangida was promoted and appointed as Chief of Army Staff and member of the Supreme Military Council . Following the coup d'état of 1983, General Babangida (then Chief of Army Staff) started scheming to overthrow military head of state General Muhammadu Buhari. The palace coup of 1985

3015-408: The old value). Investigations into this did not lead to any concrete results. A critical remark is that the additional profit of US$ 12 billion calculated by Forbes could only have been realised if Nigeria had sold the entire annual production volume of 630 million barrels exactly on 27 September 1990 at the annual peak price of US$ 41/barrel - instead of the officially stated US$ 22/barrel average during

3082-475: The original conspiracy, intervened to impose discipline on the military and became head of state. He suspended the constitution, dissolved all legislative parties, banned political parties, and formed an interim federal military government, though without specifying the date on which civilian rule would be restored. On 29 July 1966, a counter-coup commenced, and Ironsi's regime had fallen by 1 August. Lieutenant Colonel Yakubu Gowon became head of state. Ironsi and

3149-509: The parties could govern Nigeria on its own, and… that conflict was only a matter of time away." Therefore, there was no centralised opposition to military rule; when a coup occurred, it was therefore just another faction of military rule. The economic effects of military rule were disastrous. The traditional agricultural based economy was abandoned and they became extremely dependent on exports of oil which due to frequent fluctuations in oil prices led to an unstable economy. The Babangida regime

3216-418: The parties, which the late Chief Bola Ige famously referred to as "two leper hands." The two-party state had been a Political Bureau recommendation. In November 1991, after a census was conducted, the National Electoral Commission (NEC) announced on 24 January 1992 that both legislative elections to a bicameral National Assembly and a presidential election would be held later that year. A process of voting

3283-404: The period between 1999 and 2007 when the Vice President lived in a Residence that has since been transferred to the Judiciary as Official Quarters of the Chief Justice of Nigeria. In 2010, construction of a new Vice Presidential Residence commenced. The new Residence of the Vice President was completed and commissioned in 2024. Today the Presidential Complex, located in the Asokoro District next to

3350-437: The queen of the United Kingdom making him the second Nigerian leader after Yakubu Gowon to do so. In 1989, Babangida started making plans for the transition to the Third Nigerian Republic . He legalized the formation of political parties and formed the two-party system with the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and National Republican Convention (NRC) ahead of the 1992 general elections . He urged all Nigerians to join either of

3417-572: The short-lived First Nigerian Republic . The officers who staged the coup were mostly young soldiers , led by Kaduna Nzeogwu , and they assassinated several northerners, including Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa , Northern Region Premier Ahmadu Bello , Western Region Premier Ladoke Akintola , finance minister Festus Okotie-Eboh , and the four highest-ranking northern military officers. The coup leaders publicly pledged to eliminate corruption, suppress violence, and hold new elections. Major General Johnson Aguiyi Ironsi , also an Igbo but not party to

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3484-413: The subsequent execution of Mamman Vatsa (1985) and Gideon Orkar (1991) alongside the trial of hundreds of soldiers; assassination in Lagos of Dele Giwa (1986). The regime also faced a series of ethnic and religious outbreaks related to the fallout of Babangida's decision to increase cooperation with the Muslim world and rise in extremist tendencies. On the continent, his rule projected the country as

3551-439: The supreme decision-making organ of the regime. He also appointed Ernest Shonekan Head of the Transitional Council and de jure Head of Government. At the time, the transitional council was designed to be the final phase leading to a scheduled handover to an elected democratic leader in the slated 1993 presidential election . On 12 June 1993, the presidential election was finally held. The results though not officially declared by

3618-423: The total number of states in Nigeria to thirty in 1991. Babangida also increased the share of oil royalties and rents to states of origin from 1.5 to 3 percent. Babangida and his Ministers of the Federal Capital Territory led by Mamman Vatsa , Hamza Abdullahi and later General Gado Nasko , led the regime's relocation of the seat of government from Lagos to Abuja on 12 December 1991. Babangida strengthened

3685-434: The war front in December 1969, commanding a battalion. In January 1970, Babangida was informed by his sectional commander General Theophilus Danjuma of the capitulation of the Biafran Army to the federal military government in Lagos, signaling the end of the war. In 1970, following the war Babangida was promoted twice and posted to the Nigerian Defence Academy as an instructor. From August 1972 to June 1973, he attended

3752-553: The whole year. This is unlikely in view of the long-term supply contracts in the oil business and the sluggishness of the state-owned oil company NNPC . Babangida commented in 2022 on the above allegations that he and his staff had been "saints". This account should be assessed with as much caution as Forbes' calculation. During his military career, Babangida attained the following ranks: Military coups in Nigeria Since Nigeria became independent in 1960, there have been five military coups . Between 1966 and 1999, Nigeria

3819-459: The younger brother of the late General Shehu Yar'Adua , as well as against General Aliyu Mohammed Gusau , given IBB's close relationship with the latter two. It is widely believed that his chances of winning were slim. In September 2010, Babangida officially declared his intention to run for the presidency in the 2011 presidential election in Abuja , Nigeria. Babangida was later urged by his military inner circle to withdraw his candidacy after

3886-423: The youngest members of the Supreme Military Council from 1 August 1975 to October 1979. Colonel Babangida crushed almost single-handedly the coup d'état of 1976 that resulted in the assassination of General Murtala Mohammed by taking back control of the Radio Nigeria station from the main perpetrator, Lieutenant Colonel Buka Suka Dimka . From January 1977 to July 1977, he attended the Senior Officers Course at

3953-442: Was Commanding Officer of 1 Reconnaissance Squadron from 1964 to 1966. From January 1966 to April 1966, Babangida attended the Younger Officers Course at the Royal Armoured Centre in the United Kingdom – where he received instruction in gunnery and the Saladin armored car . Lieutenant Babangida was posted with the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron in Kaduna , and witnessed the events of the bloody coup d'état of 1966 , which resulted in

4020-411: Was adopted, referred to as Option A4 . This process advocated that any candidate needed to pass through adoption for all elective positions from the local government, state government, and federal government. The 1992 parliamentary election went ahead as planned, with the Social Democratic Party (SDP) winning majorities in both houses of the National Assembly , but on 7 August 1992, the NEC annulled

4087-441: Was bloodless: Gowon was abroad, attending a meeting of the Organisation of African Unity in Kampala . He was replaced by Brigadier Murtala Muhammed , with Brigadier Olusegun Obasanjo installed as deputy head of state. The New York Times reported that General Hassan Katsina , a former Chief of Army Staff who had been demoted by Gowon, was said to be "the real author of the coup". On 1 October, Muhammed, like Gowon, pledged

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4154-517: Was characterised by "gross incompetence and unbridled, waste and mismanagement, the privatisation of public office and public resources, the neglect of non-oil sectors and misplaced priorities". As a result of the military economic policy of the 1980s, 45% of foreign-exchange earnings were going into debt servicing and there was very little growth. This led to a rise in poverty, crime, child abuse, disease, institutional decay and urban dislocation. The instability and dissatisfaction caused by these policies

4221-428: Was himself appointed head of state a decade later, was said to have played "a key role" in the coup. The sole reported casualty occurred when Brigadier Ibrahim Bako was killed in a fire fight during Shagari's arrest in Abuja . Major General Muhammed Buhari was installed as head of state. On 27 August 1985, officers led by Major General Ibrahim Babangida , the army chief of staff , usurped Buhari's government in

4288-406: Was instrumental in the transition to democracy. Babangida is one of the founders of the Peoples Democratic Party alongside other prominent military generals such as Aliyu Mohammed Gusau . They were said to have supported General Olusegun Obasanjo in the 1999 Nigerian presidential election in order to springboard themselves back to power. In August 2006, Babangida announced that he would run in

4355-422: Was orchestrated with a degree of military deftness hitherto not seen in the history of coup plotting. The whole affair carried out by Babangida as ringleader was planned at the highest levels of the army cultivating his strategic relationship with allies: Sani Abacha , Aliyu Gusau , Halilu Akilu , Mamman Vatsa , Gado Nasko , and younger officers from his days as an instructor in the military academy (graduates of

4422-420: Was ruled by a military government without interruption, apart from a short-lived return to democracy under the Second Republic of 1979 to 1983. However, the most recent coup occurred in 1993, and there have been no significant further attempts under the Fourth Republic , which restored multi-party democracy in 1999. On 15 January 1966, a group of young military officers overthrew Nigeria's government, ending

4489-410: Was welcomed in Northern Nigeria , where there is a Muslim majority population. However, non-Muslims criticised the move likening it to an Islamisation agenda of Nigeria, a secular country. Babangida's then second-in-command Commodore Ebitu Okoh Ukiwe , opposed the decision to join the Islamic organization and was removed as Chief of General Staff. Close to the end of his tenure, he paid a state visit to

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