Chapter 1: Before the 1914 Amalgamation
The selection of leaders, once a communal decision, became a mere formality, as the true power rested in the hands of the British administrators. The institutions they established, though intended to bring order and control, often clashed with our customs and ways of life. But we adapted, as we always had, finding ways to navigate this new reality while holding onto the essence of who we were.
BEFORE the British invasion and the fateful amalgamation of 1914, we, the people of these lands, governed ourselves. Our lives were shaped by traditions passed down through generations, each community with its own systems of leadership and governance. These were times when decisions were made through selection — leaders chosen not by foreign powers but by our own people, based on wisdom, age, and the respect they commanded.
The British, with their far-reaching empire, arrived on our shores and began their slow, calculated occupation. They did not immediately impose their rule; instead, they observed us, learned our ways, and began to weave themselves into the fabric of our governance. The first significant change came with the appointment of a Governor-General, a representative of Her Royal Majesty, the Queen of England. This figure, foreign and distant from our customs, was to oversee the colonies, including our land.
The district leaders, who once rose from our communities through processes of selection, were now appointed under the watchful eyes of the British. It was still called selection, but the power behind it had shifted. It was no longer our elders and leaders who chose, but the British crown that decided who would lead us. The institutions that were established in this time — courts, administrative offices, and councils — were all formed under the influence of the Governor-General. We had to adapt, to accept that the structures of our governance were now intertwined with the will of a distant queen.
Yet, even as the British tightened their grip on our lands, we did not lose our sense of self. We knew who we were before they arrived, and we knew that, no matter how the system changed, our identities remained rooted in the traditions that had guided us for generations. The amalgamation in 1914 would bring our diverse communities together under a single colonial administration, but before that moment, we lived in a world where our leaders were chosen by us, and our ways were still our own.
As the years went by, the influence of the British grew stronger, and the structures they introduced began to reshape our societies. The selection of leaders, once a communal decision, became a mere formality, as the true power rested in the hands of the British administrators. The institutions they established, though intended to bring order and control, often clashed with our customs and ways of life. But we adapted, as we always had, finding ways to navigate this new reality while holding onto the essence of who we were.
The impending amalgamation loomed over us like a storm on the horizon, and while we did not fully grasp its implications at the time, we knew that a significant change was coming. Our lands, with their rich tapestry of cultures and histories, would soon be woven together into a single entity under British rule. It was a time of uncertainty and apprehension, but also of resilience. We had faced challenges before, and we would face this one too, with the strength and unity that had always defined us.
******
Chapter 2: The Glimmer of Independence
The 1959 general elections, held as a prelude to independence, were meant to be a final step in the transition from colonial rule to self-governance. However, the election was fraught with tension and mistrust. The major political parties — NCNC, AG, and NPC — vied for control of the central government, each determined to secure their region’s interests. The outcome of the election was a coalition government, as no single party could secure a majority
AS the years passed under British rule, the desire for independence began to grow within us. The system imposed by the colonisers had brought changes to our ways of life, but it had also awakened a deep longing for self-determination. We began to dream of a day when we could govern ourselves once again, free from the dictates of a distant empire. This yearning for independence was not just a whisper among a few; it became a powerful movement that swept across our land.
The seeds of independence were planted in the early 20th century, as more of us began to receive Western education and were exposed to the ideas of democracy and self-governance. We saw how other nations were fighting for their freedom, and it inspired us to believe that we, too, could break free from colonial rule. Our intellectuals, many of whom had studied abroad, returned with new ideas and a vision for a Nigeria that could stand on its own. They started to form political groups, sparking discussions about the future of our nation.
One of the first significant political movements was the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP), founded in 1923. Though its initial focus was limited to Lagos, it marked the beginning of organised political activity in our country. The NNDP was a voice for the educated elite, pushing for greater representation of Nigerians in the colonial government. But as time went on, the call for independence grew louder, and more political parties began to emerge, each representing different regions and interests.
By the 1940s and 1950s, the political landscape of Nigeria had become vibrant and diverse. The Nigerian Youth Movement (NYM) had risen as a major force, advocating for greater political participation and self-governance. The NYM was a symbol of our growing awareness and unity, bringing together people from different regions and ethnic groups under a common cause. However, it was the formation of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) in 1944 that truly ignited the fire of nationalism across the country. Led by Nnamdi Azikiwe, the NCNC became the most prominent nationalist party, with a vision of a united Nigeria free from colonial rule.
At the same time, other political parties were gaining ground in different regions. In the Western Region, the Action Group (AG) was formed under the leadership of Obafemi Awolowo. The AG was committed to federalism and the development of the Western Region. Meanwhile, in the Northern Region, the Northern People’s Congress (NPC) emerged, representing the interests of the predominantly Muslim North. Each of these parties had its own vision for Nigeria, but they all shared a common goal: independence.
The clamour for independence reached its peak in the 1950s, as negotiations with the British intensified. The colonial government, recognising the inevitability of change, began to introduce reforms that allowed for greater Nigerian participation in governance. Elections were held, and regional governments were established, giving us a taste of what self-rule could be like. However, these elections were not without their challenges.
The first major elections took place in 1951, as part of the process of decolonisation. We were filled with hope and anticipation, believing that this was the beginning of our journey towards true independence. But the elections did not unfold as we had hoped. The process was marred by confusion and controversy. The system used was complex, involving both direct and indirect elections, which led to disputes over the results. Political alliances shifted rapidly, and the competition between the parties became intense. It was clear that we were still grappling with the complexities of this new political landscape.
Despite the setbacks, the momentum for independence was unstoppable. The British, facing growing pressure from within and from the international community, began to set the stage for a transfer of power. But the road to independence was not smooth. The regional divisions that had emerged during the elections highlighted the deep ethnic and religious differences within Nigeria. These divisions would continue to shape our political landscape, even as we moved closer to independence.
The 1959 general elections, held as a prelude to independence, were meant to be a final step in the transition from colonial rule to self-governance. However, the election was fraught with tension and mistrust. The major political parties — NCNC, AG, and NPC — vied for control of the central government, each determined to secure their region’s interests. The outcome of the election was a coalition government, as no single party could secure a majority. This compromise was a reflection of the complex and diverse nature of our nation, but it also underscored the challenges we would face in building a unified Nigeria.
In the end, the elections did not work out as we had envisioned. While they brought us closer to independence, they also revealed the deep-seated divisions within our society. Yet, despite these challenges, the dream of independence was alive and strong. We knew that the road ahead would be difficult, but we were determined to walk it, driven by the hope of a future where we could govern ourselves, free from colonial rule.
*To continue next week
