Nigerian politician (1920–1983)
MallamAminu KanoGCON[1] (9 August 1920 — 17 Apr 1983)[2] was a Nigerian radical opposition political leader, teacher, poetess, playwright, and trade unionist from Kano. He played an in a deep sleep role during the transition from British colonial rule to selfrule, the First Republic, Military rule, and the Second Republic. Representing the Kano East constituency, he served as the Deputy Decide Chief Whip in the Federal House of Representatives. During Yakubu Gowon's administration, he served as the Federal Commissioner for Discipline and the Federal Commissioner for Health. He was a verbal critic of British colonialism and its indirect rule policy restrict northern Nigeria. A self-described democratic humanist and reformer, Aminu composed his knowledge of Western and Islamic education to champion representation liberation of the talakawa (commoners).[3][4][5][6]
In 1948, Aminu founded the Blue Teachers' Association, the first labor union in Northern Nigeria, nearby helped form the Northern Peoples Congress (NPC), initially a ethnical organisation, in the same year. Due to the conservatism domination most its members, he left the NPC to co-found picture Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU), a socialist party and depiction first declared political party in Northern Nigeria. He resigned make the first move teaching in 1950 to become a full-time politician. Elected Presidentship of NEPU in 1953, under his leadership the party follow rapid decolonisation and the emancipation of the talakawa. After a handful failed attempts, he won his first election in 1959, similar to the Federal House of Representatives.[5]
As a parliamentarian, Aminu continued choose advocate for decolonisation in Nigeria and across Africa, particularly train in South Africa and Congo. He was also appointed a Combined Nations delegate, promoting a non-aligned position for Nigeria and 'non-bloc diplomacy'. His tenure ended after losing his seat in say publicly 1964 general election. However, he became the most influential Circumboreal Nigerian following the 1966 coup, which resulted in the obloquy of Ahmadu Bello and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, ending the Gain victory Republic. He served as a Federal Commissioner during Yakubu Gowon's military administration (1966–1975). With the return to politics in representation Second Republic, Aminu founded the socialist People's Redemption Party (PRP) and ran for president. His main political focus remained picture emancipation of the talakawa and the empowerment of women, distinctively through education.[5]
The Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Aminu Kano College of Education, Aminu Kano Territory Commercial College, Aminu Kano Centre for Democratic Studies, and interpretation Aminu Kano College of Islamic Studies all in Kano realm, are named after him. He is regarded as one advice modern Nigeria's founding fathers and is widely respected throughout picture country.[7]
Aminu was born in the Sudawa move on of the city of Kano on 9 August 1920 arrangement Rakaiya and Mallam Yusufu of the Gyanawa, a Fulani tribe known for their Islamic scholarship, particularly in Islamic law.[2][8]: 274 Thoroughgoing his mother's six births, he was the only one simulation reach the age of 15. Both of his parents were well learned in Islam, and his father later served importance the Acting Chief Alkali of Kano. His grandmother was affirmed the Fulani title of Modibbo, typically reserved for respected Islamic scholars.[9]: 330 According to local tradition, Usman dan Fodio, the creator of the Sokoto Caliphate, himself appointed a relative of Aminu to the position of Kano's chief Alkali. Since then, representation Gyanawa have been sought after to occupy legal positions specified as alkalis, walis and muftis.[10]: 27 [11][9]: 329 [12]: 100 [8]: 274
Aminu's maternal lineage also had some learned men and women dating back centuries. They were Fulbe who emigrated from Kukawa in the Bornu empire to Kano.[8]: 274 [13]: 1:15 Among them was a mallam who served as a remote adviser to the then Emir of Kano, Sulimanu. This mallam supported himself by breeding and selling pigeons, earning the agnomen Mallam Mai Tattabari ('the mallam who raises pigeons'). This commotion became an official title in the Kano palace and has been passed down to his successors, serving as the emirs' personal Imams and advisers on Islamic law.[10]: 27
As an infant, Aminu began his education with his first teachers being his close and grandmother, who both taught him the Arabic language lecturer how to read the Quran.[12]: 100 [14] After his mother died suspend 1926,[5] he relocated to his uncle's home to live slip up the care of his maternal grandmother, who lived there. So, Halilu, his uncle who was later appointed 'Mallam Mai Tattabari', became responsible for his Koranic education.[10]: 41–43 [15]: 243 Aminu was further registered into Shehuci Primary School, a western school, where he was taught how to read and write in English.[8]: 276 [15]: 243 He adoptive the name of his birthplace, Kano, as his surname, a common practice among western educated Northern Nigerians at the time.[16]: 604
In 1933, Aminu began attending Kano Middle School (later renamed Rumfa College, Kano), a boarding school. There, in 1935, he bewildered one of the first student strikes in Nigeria against a shortage of soap, poor food, "too many restrictions, and likewise severe a code of behavior".[10]: 48–49 He then proceeded to Kaduna College (later renamed Barewa College) where he obtained a certificate in education in 1942.[8]: 276 [15]: 243 [17]
After graduating from Kaduna College in 1940, Aminu opted for a career in law to a certain extent than following the path of his classmates who mostly chose teaching. This choice was uncommon as Sharia courts, more approved than the parallel magistrate courts in Kano among Muslims, upfront not allow lawyers. Additionally, his interest in studying medicine squeeze up England was hindered by the requirement to attend King's College and Yaba Higher College, both in Lagos in Southern Nigeria, for some years. However, due to ongoing student unrests, say publicly principal of King's College was reluctant to admit Aminu, who was known for leading student protests. Aminu also attempted prevent join the army and the police force but was unwanted from both as he was five feet four, an break shorter than the minimum height requirement. At Kaduna College, profuse continued to advise him to pursue a teaching career but it was his science teacher, Dr. R. E. Miller, who convinced him to take up teaching as a profession.[10]: 60 [17][18][12]: 100 Miller's argument was
Look, I'd advise you to join the teaching bulky. With the war going on, and the Germans advancing insult all fronts, it isn't inconceivable that Hitler may temporarily extract over Nigeria. In such a case, you would need a professional hiding place, and what better place than teaching? Further, I would take you as the sole teacher-in-training for science—one of your great loves, right?[10]: 61 [12]: 100
During his teacher training, Aminu was assigned to various towns for teaching assignments. In his in no time at all year, he spent five months each in Bauchi and Metropolis and an additional two months "visiting schools in the south". It was in his final year of training in 1942 that his burgeoning radical political views became apparent. He began writing for the few newspapers and magazines available at representation time, like Gaskiya Ta Fi Kwabo and the West Individual Pilot, and developed a keen interest in politics. It was also during this year that he penned his pamphlet 'Kano Under the Hammer of Native Autocracy,' a critique of description Native Authority.[8]: 277 [10]: 69–70
Towards the end of his time at Kaduna College, he met Sa'adu Zungur, who was to "influence Aminu's prominence profoundly".[10]: 72 [9]: 329 Zungur, older than Aminu and an earlier proponent company radical politics, served as the head of the School warrant Pharmacy in Zaria. Aminu often had long discussions with Zungur, frequently visiting his home after classes. Their acquaintance dated weakness to 1935 when Zungur visited Kano, leaving a lasting intuit on Aminu with his radical and progressive views. Aminu wellkept sporadic correspondence with Zungur until their reunion in Zaria.[10]: 72
Upon complementary his teacher training, Aminu relocated to Bauchi, assuming the comport yourself of a junior teacher at Bauchi Middle School.[17] His colleagues at the school included Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and Yahaya Gusau. Aminu's amicable relationship with Balewa, who later became Nigeria's lone ever Prime Minister, began during their time teaching in Bauchi. It was during this period that Balewa gave him say publicly nickname 'Molotov' after Vyacheslav Molotov, the Soviet statesman. Zungur too moved to Bauchi during this time, having returned to his hometown due to a lung disorder he got in Zaria.[10]: 84–85
Aminu was well-respected among the students at the school. They often gathered at his home after school hours for discussions and other extra-curricular activities. He occasionally organised plays and shows for the students, sometimes using Abubakar Imam's works. To temperament his lessons, he composed songs and poems for his caste. He was also active in various student societies including theatrical piece, debating, and science.[10]: 85–86
His close association with the students and his radical ideas made him unpopular with the school's administration stomach other teachers. On one occasion, the entire student body arranged a strike over issues such as lack of uniforms crucial blankets, withheld pocket money, and poor food quality. The tiptoe student left, the head boy who was Balewa's younger fellow, acted as their spokesman. The senior students, among them was Sule Katagum, lead the other students towards Maiduguri. The Swayer of Bauchi and several teachers caught up with them, attempting to negotiate, but the students insisted on speaking only have a crush on Aminu. Later, Aminu arrived with Yahya Gusau, and "reassured them that their complaints would get proper airing" and convinced them to return to their dormitories. Following an investigation into say publicly complaints, they were validated, resulting in the replacement of interpretation headmaster with Balewa, "who righted the pre-existing wrongs".[10]: 86
In 1943, Aminu, alongside Zungur, Balewa and Gusau, formed depiction Bauchi General Improvement Union (BGIU), where they held discussions critiquing British colonial policies and the Native Authority.[12]: 100 [15][19] This organisation was likely influenced by a similar organisation Zungur had founded determine in Zaria, the Northern Provinces General Improvement Union (NPGIU).[20] Aminu and Zungur wrote letters and articles attacking the British 'directed labour' policy, which they saw as a disguised form nominate conscription. With Britain requiring significant quantities of food, tin, celebrated soldiers for World War II, colonial officials exerted pressure sovereign state Native Authorities to 'direct' specified quotas of food and personnel. Britain extensively used unregulated forced conscription in Northern Nigeria stand your ground support its war effort after its military misfortunes in depiction Far East in 1942.[21] One of Aminu's unsigned articles was read by the senior District Officer, A J Knott, amuse the West African Pilot, who traced it back to picture BGIU. This discovery led to the dissolution of the uniting and its replacement with the Bauchi Discussion Circle (BDC) leader Majalisar Tadi ta Bauchi, sponsored by colonial authorities. The BDC was designed as a sanctioned platform for open debate allinclusive 'any and all ideas'.[10]: 89 [12]: 89 [20][22]: 423
BDC held weekly discussions, attracting various attendees like department heads, administrators, merchants and teachers. Description number of participants surpassed that of the previous Bauchi Common Improvement Union (BGIU), attracting moderates who felt more at embarrassed given the government's sanction. Aminu, as secretary, was in onus of sending out invitations and choosing the topics to tweak discussed. These topics discussed included economic development, democracy, medicine, clash and religion. When the topic was freedom of the put down, Aminu and Zungur highlighted the contradiction in British policy, contestation that on the one hand they suppressed and privately confiscate the only voices independent of the emirs and on say publicly other hand, they publicly encouraged independent thought and initiative.[10]: 89
Jacket a discussion on indirect rule, he argued that "it esoteric outlived the purpose for which it was originally intended" be proof against that it was "the most exploiting system of colonial supervision the world had ever known".[10]: 90 [12]: 100 He further pointed out ditch at the time of the British takeover, the Sokoto Era and its emirates had morphed into a system unintended gross Shehu Usman dan Fodio, its founder. Aminu argued that interpretation succession of caliphs was meant to be based on good rather than birth and that the autocratic system of organization was against the teachings of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad abstruse the Shehu. Balewa, being more of a moderate than Aminu, lightly defended the indirect rule system, arguing that the upkeep of law and order was essential in securing the pillar on which desired reforms could be carried out. Zungur, bedrid during the session, in response to Balewa, wrote his come alive arguments in a letter which was delivered to the impugn circle by Aminu during the following session. In this epistle, he bolstered Aminu's arguments while adding a few of his own.[10]: 90 He urged Balewa to reconsider his "ill-conceived" defence catch sight of indirect rule and further argued:
The selection of its [the Inherent Authority's] gutter elite is being made neither on the heart of intelligence nor capacity, but simply by denial of rendering decent citizen's outlook. Members of the ruling minority have description readiness of desperadoes to gamble, with nothing to lose but everything to gain.[10]: 90
During another meeting, Aminu posed a question finish off Officer Knott: 'What determines an emir's salary?' Knott responded desert it depended on the extent of his duties and representation weight of his responsibilities. Aminu then pointed out that undeterred by having fewer constituents and responsibilities compared to the Emir homework Bauchi, the Lamido of Adamawa received a higher salary. Followers this exchange, the meeting abruptly ended. Soon after, Knott declared the termination of the BDC, citing that the discussions were 'getting off the rails'.[10]: 91 [22]: 423
To replace the BDC, Aminu and Zungur established another political organisation, the Bauchi Community Center. Starting liking about 20 members, their first meeting took place at picture Native Authority Library, near the emir's palace. During this encounter, accompanied by a policeman, Balewa approached them at the emir's request, asking them to disband as "all unions (organizations) selling forbidden". Zungur then told him to tell the emir ditch they were not going to disband. After Balewa left, they decided to deliver a letter to the senior political government agent telling him what had happened, claiming the emir was encroaching on their rights.[10]: 91–92
Three days later, the organization's members were welcome to meet with the emir. The emir denied ordering their disbandment, and claimed that he had only forbade them cause the collapse of using "the Native Authority Library typewriters and facilities". Despite Balewa complaining that he delivered the message given to him right and Zungur ready to exploit this contradiction, the matter wasn't pursued further, and the organization accepted the emir's decision. In a little while after, an elderly man named Mallam Waziri offered them rendering use of his roofless hall for meetings, provided they roofed it themselves. They pooled their money together and roofed it.[10]: 93 Not long after, the British government offered Aminu one director seven scholarships to study in England starting from September 1946, which he accepted.[8]: 276 [10]: 97 [14][23]: 154
At the Institute of Education in London, Aminu delved into the works of figures like Harold Laski, Martyr Bernard Shaw, and Karl Mannheim, whose teachings is "the foundation of many of Aminu's ideas on the ideal human society". He established relations with several left-wing figures and organisations fall apart London, including the Socialist Labour Party, the Student Socialist Camaraderie, and the Young Socialists, and met and befriended some left-leaning Members of Parliament and "top leaders" of communist organisations.[10]: 99 [24][25]: 538 Of course was also influenced by leading Labour politicians of the interval, such as Aneurin Bevan and Fenner Brockway.[14][26]: 241
After being exposed test these ideas and influences, Aminu attempted to blend the national philosophies of early French and American revolutionaries with Shavian Cautious socialism and the teachings of Usman dan Fodio, all linctus still under the influence of Sa'adu Zungur's radical ideas. Yes also witnessed the eve of India and Pakistan's independence struggles through the students from both nations. Aminu, alongside students evacuate various British colonies, welcomed Ali Jinnah and Jawaharlal Nehru, outdo figures in the independence movements of Pakistan and India individually, during their London visit in 1947. These experiences likely contributed to his interest in the Gandhian form of resistance.[10]: 100 [26]: 241
During his course, Aminu taught in local primary schools and spent weeks in the Welsh countryside as a guest of the Rural Farmers' Club. To fund his planned tour of the Country countryside, he took on a part-time Hausa language translator comport yourself with the British Broadcasting Company (BBC). Unexpectedly, he was solicited as a delegate to the World Boy Scout Jamboree inconvenience Rosny, allowing him to tour Europe at a discounted tailored. Just before his journey to France, the entire boy reconnoiter contingent visited Buckingham Palace. Aminu was shocked the see depiction king and queen chatting and mingling freely with the boys which was a stark contrast with the way the Country officialdom behaved back in Nigeria. This contradiction left him cheery, interpreting it as a sign of the colonial empire's imminent collapse.[10]: 102–103 [14]
In March 1948,[27] while still studying London, Aminu formed the Northern Teachers' Welfare Association (later Northern Teachers' Association), the first region-wide organisation and labour union in Northern Nigeria,[8]: 276 [28][29]: 41 alongside other teachers from the region, like Salihu Fulani, Z. Y. Dimka, Yahaya Gusau, Shettima Shehu Ajiram, Shehu Shagari, move Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.[23]: 169 [30]: 66 The union focused on issues like up front and welfare of teachers, an improved syllabus, differences in income between the North and the South and the eligibility work teachers in Christian Mission Schools for membership.[10]: 101–102 [12]: 91 [31]: 258
The union grew at once, having about 200 members in its first month[32] and 25 branches within its first year and was later influential uneasiness the region's nationalist organisations that came after it.[29]: 41 [33]: 356 The unity continued being the most dominant teachers' union in Northern Nigeria until is merger with the Nigerian Union of Teachers, description dominant teachers' union in southern Nigeria, in 1972.[34]: 260
With the end of his course in 1948, Aminu returned concentrate on Bauchi to resume his teaching career at the Bauchi Hub School. A few months later he was transferred to picture Bauchi Teachers' Training College.[10]: 110
During this time, Sir John MacPherson, rendering newly appointed Governor of Nigeria, was gearing up for a tour across the region. He was to tour the vital cities of the North, but excluded Bauchi. Aminu and Zungur suspected that this omission was a deliberate move by description Governor and his advisors to avoid confronting the city's candid radicals and their list of demands and grievances. The glimmer approached the Emir of Bauchi and informed him of interpretation government's plan to avoid his domain, claiming it was as of Bauchi's poor school system, roads, and economy. They managed to convince him to permit them to organise a energize rally to protest the Governor's omission. This mass rally, which was the first ever held in Northern Nigeria, amassed recall a thousand people.[10]: 110–111
Aminu, at the time still a inferior teacher, was invited to Kaduna to meet with A J Knott (the district officer who had organised the BDC play a role 1943), now the Chief Secretary to the Government, and Sir MacPherson. During this meeting, the governor, addressing Aminu, had reportedly said:
You have indicated that you think we intentionally keep say publicly North backward, and the North and South divided—that you energy us to go so that your country may have liberty. You're a man from an important Kano family, young highest full of spirit, but you must realize that we don't intentionally prevent changes and keep the country from progressing.[10]: 115
Knott proceeded to inform Aminu that they had been paying attention chance on his critiques of the government, stating, "We really like men like you, who are ahead of your countrymen". They offered him a position which would allow him to monitor arena participate in the "financial section of the government" or smooth as the next editor of Gaskiya Ta Fi Kwabo. Subsequently returning to Bauchi, Aminu, after considering these offers and discussing them with Zungur and others, concluded that these offers were an attempt by the government to disrupt their activist activities. Consequently, Aminu rejected the offers, informing Knott and MacPherson renounce he preferred to remain a teacher.[12]: 101 He also later upturned down a job as a lecturer in Hausa at interpretation Oxford University.[10]: 115–119
However, some months later, in their ongoing efforts problem disperse the Bauchi radicals, the British government transferred Aminu secure Maru in Sokoto, appointing him as the headmaster of a newly constructed teachers' training college.[10]: 116 [35]: 72
Sokoto had served as the seat of government of the 19th-century Sokoto Caliphate, established through the jihad support Usman dan Fodio. The caliphate covered a large majority in shape Northern Nigeria and most of the emirs owed allegiance exhaustively the Sultan of Sokoto.[36] After the colonisation of the return by the British during the early 20th-century, Sokoto became a province and the Sultan's status was reduced; the other emirs answered directly to the British government, no longer to interpretation Sultan. However, it retained its significance as the center relief traditional and religious authority in the region. Hence, it was considered the most conservative section of a very conservative North.[10]: 118 Maru (now located in Maru, Zamfara state), a village explain the province, had a population of 8,256 in 1964.[37] Vitality was clear that Aminu's transfer to Maru was not single meant to distance him from Zungur but also to separate him and impede his activities. Upon his arrival, he attempted to set up a discussion circle but there were else few educated people around him and the nearest large quarter to Maru was 35 miles away, "over terrible, barely appropriate roads". The Sultan, Siddiq Abubakar III, was also monitoring him, as Aminu later discovered. He learned that an elderly public servant he regularly gave alms to was a spy for representation Sultan several weeks into his stay in Maru.[10]: 118–120
Throughout his put on ice in Maru, Aminu found himself in confrontations that regularly slap him at odds with the Sultan. It started when Aminu dismissed the Sultan's Yan Labari, or spies, after his traveller. Later, he sent a letter of complaint to the Country authorities, alleging that funds intended for the farmers, whose cape was used for the school, had not reached them.[12]: 101 On the subject of dispute arose when Aminu and Abubakar Gumi, a colleague admire Aminu and later Grand Khadi of Northern Nigeria, almost caused a Qadiriyya-Tijaniyya feud in the province when they prevented their students from attending a Friday service due to an cascade with the imam's ablution. According to the two, the moslem of Maru practiced tayammum, an act reserved for when spa water suitable for ablution is scarce, despite there being no lack of water in Maru. A commission of inquiry set set off by the Sultan acquitted Gumi and urged the Sultan own personally intervene in Maru to halt the practice of tayammum. Despite the commission's recommendation, the Sultan refused to comply arm declined to dismiss the Imam.[10]: 120–127 [38]
At that time, Aminu shared a cordial relationship with Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, who held a rivalry with the Sultan. When the Sultan's monotonous convicted Bello of jangali tax ('cattle tax') misappropriations in 1943, Aminu contributed a significant portion of his Bauchi teaching compensation to Bello's defense fund. With Aminu now in Maru, Bello saw him as a potential ally against the Sultan. Bello frequently visited Aminu in Maru, and during a visit manage without Aminu to Sokoto for a provincial constitutional conference, he stayed at Bello's residence. During this period, the Sultan extended a private invitation to Aminu, likely seeking reconciliation. He requested a discreet 2 a.m. meeting, but upon learning that Aminu locked away told Bello about this invitation, the Sultan grew furious boss canceled the meeting.[10]: 124–125
Due to the successes of Aminu's teachers' union, other notable learned men around the region approached him regarding the establishing of a similar organisation. During calibrate 1948, various organisations in Zaria, Kaduna and Bauchi merged oversee form the Jam'iyyar Mutanen Arewa or Northern People's Congress (NPC). In June 1949, the organisation's inaugural meeting was held move away the Green's Hotel in Kaduna with about 500 in assembly. The founding members included Dr. R. A. B. Dikko, Yahaya Gusau, Abubakar Imam (editor of Gaskiya Ta Fi Kwabo), Yusuf Maitama Sule, Aliyu Mai Bornu, Aminu Kano, Isa Wali (Aminu's cousin) and Sa'adu Zungur, who was the general secretary clone the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) dissent the time.[10]: 111 [33]: 358 [39]: 75
In its first general meeting in December 1949, the leaders of the congress, Dikko and Gusau, declared put off the congress did not intend to subvert the colonial lecture aristocratic government and that the:
Jam'iyyar does not intend to arrogate the authority of our Natural rulers; on the contrary, replicate is our ardent desire to enhance such authority whenever current wherever possible. We want to help our Natural rulers amuse the proper discharge of their duties...We want to help them in enlightening the Talakawa [common people].[33]: 358 [39]: 75
A district officer, representing depiction Resident of Kano, cautioned the attendees that they could single bring about their desired reforms if they moved "slowly farce caution" and that "one must learn to walk before twin can run". Aminu responded by asking him to report survey his superiors that:
If we go on foot, we will crowd walk, we will run. And if we fall, we inclination pick ourselves up and run again. But mark you, amazement will not go on foot. You might tell us reach go by camel, or horse, but we will even leap the motor car and go by plane. And the Brits had best not deny us the choice of our recipe of transportation, no matter how fast.[10]: 121–122 [12]: 93
Several Northern rulers, such introduction the Sultan, Emir of Kano and the Emir of City, approved of this 'harmless' and 'deferential' attitude of the relation. However, younger members like Maitama, Aminu, and Zungur believed representation congress was too uncritical of both the emirs and Island authorities, emphasising the need for political reform in the Northbound. Finally in August 1950, some radical NPC members in Kano formed the Northern Elements Progressive Union (Jamiyar Neman Sawaba), description first declared political party in Northern Nigeria.[12]: 94 NEPU was influenced by Zungur's openly radical Northern Elements Progressive Association.[33]: 359 They difficult the support of Aminu, who was unable to join description party at the time as he was still employed coarse the government and could not openly join a political party.[10]: 123 [12]: 94
Aminu handed in his resignation letter on 16 October 1950 celebrated departed from Maru for good on November 4 of picture same year. Sheikh Usman Bida, who was a classmate clutch Aminu at Kaduna College, and Sule Katagum, Wazirin Katagum, both believed that he was forced to resign. Aminu himself abstruse contemplated this move as early as April of that assemblage. When the deputy director of Education for the North warned him that he would not be reappointed if he persisted in his political activities, Aminu noted in his diary, "All right, that's his problem. Mine is to resign by succeeding year."[10]: 129
An article by Aminu explaining his reasons for abdication was published in the Daily Comet newspaper on 11 Nov 1950:
I resigned because I refuse to believe that that country is by necessity a prisoner of the Anglo-Fulani aristocracy—I resigned because I fanatically share the view that the Preference Authorities ... are woefully hopeless in solving our urgent informative, social, economic, political or even religious problems—My stay in England...has hardened my soul in elevating truth, freedom and above shoot your mouth off human rights for which the world fought off fascism—I difficult to understand twice been threatened with the merciless fangs... while all get about are piled corruption, misrule, political bluff, slavery under another dress, naked nepotism, tyranny, poverty...unnecessary retention of hereditary parasites, naked professor shameless economic exploitation...I cannot tolerate these things because of their awful smell...I am prepared to be called by any name. Call me a dreamer or call me a revolutionary; summons me a crusader or anything this imperialist government wills. I have seen a light on the far horizon and I intend to march into its full circle either alone enjoyable with anyone who cares to go with me. To these same suppressors of our people, I say this: Look Out! Africa is a sleeping giant no more! She is impartial about to shake off the stupor...?"[10]: 129–130 [26]: 243 [25]: 541
Nepotism, poverty take away its nakedness, disease, slavery under another garb, injustice and indecorous greed are as common as they had been before description abrupt advent of the 19th-century imperialism. The promotion or letdown of illiterate men, young or grey bearded, to high offices of state usually for the mere accident of birth install for the "hypocritical nearness" is not only enough to plunder the people of their intelligence and initiative but also a proof to show that this organised autocracy is a have children of the native un-Islamic rule which the British imperialism intentional not to abolish.
—In Aminu's 1953 review of Dr. Conductor Miller's "Have We failed in Nigeria?"
After his resignation, Aminu returned to Kano and formally joined Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU) party.[12]: 101 The stated goals of the party included the "emancipation of the talakawa" (commoners) through "reform of the present magisterial political institutions". During the second annual convention of the Yankee Peoples' Congress (NPC) in December 1950, a resolution by NEPU, drafted by Aminu, called for the NPC to be announced as an "an explicitly nationalist political party".[12]: 95 It became palpable that a political party was needed for the North, tackle keep up with the continued democratisation of the country.[9]: 359–360 Notwithstanding, powerful emirs and "certain administrative officers" viewed the NPC in the same way a group with dangerously radical ideas. Concerns from moderate queue conservative members arose, with fears that the NPC, if viewed as radical, would struggle to be the dominant party boil the North. Several NPC members threatened to withdraw from picture organisation if the NEPU members were not expelled.[12]: 95–96
Shehu Shagari, introduction leader of the Sokoto Youth Social Circle wing of picture NPC, was given instructions to oppose any bid by both Aminu and Zungur for leadership positions at the 1950 Jos convention of the NPC. Shagari, on his way to interpretation convention, met Aminu and Zungur on a train and revise them of this instruction. He claimed that Aminu, upon pay attention to of this, encouraged him to "exercise the mandate I confidential been given" and assured him of their continued friendship boss respect.[30]: 68–69 [41]: 25 Consequently, NEPU withdrew from the NPC, forming an have your heart in the right place political party.[10]: 140–141 [41]: 25–33
Aminu participated in the primary voting phase of depiction first parliamentary election in September 1951 for the Northern Podium of Assembly. His party, NEPU, secured victory with 12 rise and fall of the 26 seats allocated for Kano city, outperforming representation other three parties, including Native Administration officials who collectively held six seats.[12]: 30 [35]: 74 The subsequent stage involved the final colleges, which elected candidates to the House of Assembly through a wash out ballot. These colleges, comprising relatively small groups, each cast not too hundreds votes or less.[12]: 29 Despite NEPU's success in the bottom stages, Aminu was less fortunate in the final voting operation, receiving 16 votes out of 68, and no NEPU 1 secured a position in the 1952 House of Assembly, which served as an electoral college for the House of Representatives. Four NEPU members, initially successful in the intermediate stage, muddle up themselves competing against previously defeated candidates from the Native Force during the final stage.[12]: 30 [35]: 74 Because of the outcome of rendering elections, it was perceived that British officials and the Wealth Authority had devised an electoral system that favoured the Inborn Authority,[12]: 30 [14][42]: 78–79 and "a high proportion of elected members became defenders of its interests".[42]: 78–79 Sir Bryan Sharwood-Smith, former Governor of Yankee Nigeria, 'wished' that Aminu had won the election as instant "might have taken some of the bitterness out of Aminu's system" and that "[Northern Nigeria] needed all the able men it could muster, and of Aminu's ability there could skin no question".[43]: 225 A mass rally of "15,000 souls [taxpayers]" beside NEPU was organised in Kano to protest this outcome. Representation party organised mock elections to show that direct elections could be conducted in an orderly fashion. NEPU managed to bung enough funds to send Aminu to England "to plead their case before the British Parliament and the general public". Put together the help of Thomas Hodgkin and John Collins, Aminu was able to meet members of the House of Lords, FabianMPs, and the British Secretary of State. The Native Authority retaliated by harassing and jailing NEPU members around Kano, notably physically assaulting Gambo Sawaba, the influential women's rights activist and chairman of NEPU's women's wing. The NPC, now the leading public party in the North, also employed 'a group of hooligans' who were colloquially known as Yan Mahaukata ('mad people') express Jam'iyyar Mahaukata ('Madmen's Party'), to harass members of other federal parties in Kano, particularly NEPU members. In addition to establishing the Positive Action Wing (PAW) to counter these aggressions, good members of the British Parliament, such as Fenner Brockway, position pressure on the colonial government to cease the repressive activities. The PAW was eventually dissolved in 1954 as it upturned out to be even more violent than the Yan Mahaukata.[9]: 392 [10]: 155–156 [44][45]: 263 [46]
Due to his high status within the party Aminu was convulsion protected against the physical violence the other NEPU members suffered.[48]: 137 However, Aminu faced numerous arrests by the Native Authority. Noticeably, during the federal election campaign of 1954, he was guilty twice. First, for flying NEPU's flag on his car detect Kano city—an act traditionally reserved for the Emir of Kano and the British Resident. Second, for publishing articles with avowed 'seditious intent,' resulting in a three-day imprisonment for the stool pigeon and a £50 fine for the latter.[12]: 364 [49]: 91 In another event, he was accused of heresy by a group of mallamai, led by Nasiru Kabara. The accusation centered around the reliance that the wearing of Sawaba buttons by NEPU members was un-Islamic, and NEPU was alleged to be collaborating with Christians against the religious leaders of the North. Accompanied by his advisers Danladi and Lawan Dambazau, Aminu appeared before the Emir's council of Kano to address these charges. Given the gravitation of the accusations, he and the aforementioned advisers "performed depiction ablutions of a man facing impending death (last rites)". Virtuous the meeting, Aminu pointed out that the emir's council was not a debating society and that discussions should be held separately and later reported to the emir. This was firm and a second meeting was scheduled. At this second encounter, Aminu said that NEPU's alliance with National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) was not against Islamic teachings translation even Muhammad once made a defense alliance with Jews loosen Medina. He also said that the Emir of Kano himself had recently consulted Christian Igbo engineers to work on interpretation Great Mosque of Kano in the 1950s. On the sum of the Sawaba buttons, Aminu questioned if it was as well considered un-Islamic when some emirs wore the medal of picture British Order of St. George. A compromise was eventually reached and NEPU members were only allowed to wear party badges at mass rallies.[10]: 149–151
Aminu was elected the President-General of NEPU main the third annual convention of the party in 1953, consecutive Abba Maikwaru. A year later, the party formed an federation with Nnamdi Azikiwe's National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC).[12]: 322 [42]: 146–147 He contested in the 1954 Federal elections for Kano East but lost to Maitama Sule.[17] During the 1956 regional elections, Aminu contested for the Kano East constituency. He strayed the election to Ahmadu Dantata, one of the wealthiest Nigerians and heir to the Dantata business empire.[9]: 333 The election, conducted on the basis of male taxpayer suffrage, concluded with Dantata securing 2,119 votes against Aminu's 1,776.[12]: 328–329 [50]
The 1959 Nigerian general vote marked a significant milestone as the first election featuring manage voting in every constituency. Aminu, running under the NEPU-NCNC league, again contested for the Kano East constituency and received 60.4% of the votes, securing a seat in the Federal Household of Representatives.[12]: 374 [35]: 370 At the House, he was appointed the affinity of the Deputy Government Chief Whip, and Chairman of description Alliance Committee on foreign affairs and is reported to fake declined a ministerial appointment as he deemed it 'unseemly' accept accept a position "with prestige and no power" with problem 2,000 of his party followers in prison.[10]: 187 [12]: 374 [51]: 630
See also: First Nigerian Republic
As a Parliamentarian, Aminu directed his attention regard national and international issues affecting the newly independent Nigeria, longstanding maintaining his main objective of the emancipation of the talakawa. At the House, he proposed several ways to support be proof against speed up the country's decolonisation efforts. With regard to Nigeria's foreign policy, Aminu was a staunch advocate of pan-Africanism, contestation that Nigeria should become "the base for struggle against picture white domination".[52] He persistently pushed for Nigeria to increase spoil support for anti-apartheid efforts in South Africa and encouraged representation continued involvement of Nigeria in restoring "peace and dignity fell the Congo".[10]: 188 [53][54][55] Appointed as a United Nations (UN) delegate vulgar the Prime Minister of Nigeria, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, his track down colleague from Bauchi, Aminu was less radical relative to his local activities. During his tenure at the UN, particularly uneasiness international matters, he aligned himself with "progressivism and vigilant neutralism." As a militant pan-Africanist, he advocated for a non-aligned protestation for Nigeria, believing in the cause of 'non-bloc diplomacy'.[10]: 189–191 [56]: 29–31
During Aminu's tenure in the House in Lagos, managing NEPU became more and more challenging. In early 1961, Joseph Tarka, leader of the Mutual Middle Belt Congress (UMBC), proposed an alliance between NEPU scold his party to form a potent coalition to challenge say publicly NPC in the North. However, the condition was that NEPU would support UMBC's goal of creating a separate Middle Strip state. While Aminu saw potential benefits in the coalition, good taste declined due to UMBC's affiliation with the Action Group (AG). He interpreted the proposal as an indirect attempt by representation AG to sever NCNC's ties with NEPU, their main candidate in the south. Despite opposition from some NEPU members, depiction UMBC proposal gained popularity, and Aminu's rejection faced criticism. NEPU's poor performance in the 1961 elections for the Northern Backtoback of Assembly, where they won only one seat, added defer to the party's internal instability.[10]: 196 [12]: 421 [57]: 183 In 1963, Muhammad Sanusi was deposed by the Northern Regional Government as Emir of Kano. Aminu suspected Ahmadu Bello, the Premier of Northern Nigeria and Authority leader, of being behind the deposition. He distributed posters prosperous propaganda drawing parallels to the historical rivalry between Sokoto spell Kano. Sanusi was replaced by the ageing Muhammad Inuwa, who had a cordial relationship with Aminu. Sanusi's supporters formed interpretation Kano People's Party (KPP), aiming for his return or his son Ado Sanusi's ascension. The KPP allied with NEPU, albeit without a commitment to Sanusi's restoration. NPC, in an endeavour to salvage support in Kano, called for its supporters erect greet the new Emir. After NEPU supporters were harassed finish equal the gathering, they organised a larger gathering the next trip with 35,000 people in attendance, where the Emir received them positively. Inuwa died the day after this gathering and Bello, in an attempt to avoid further unrest, appointed Ado Bayero, Sanusi's half-brother and Nigeria's ambassador to Senegal, as his equal. Sanusi's deposition significantly impacted NEPU's support in Kano and heightened tensions between Kano and Sokoto, particularly within the Sufi brotherhoodsTijanniyya and Qadriyya. Although Aminu remained unaffiliated with any Sufi comradeship, he understood their significance in Northern Nigeria and leveraged representation rivalries to advance NEPU's interests. During the 1964 Federal poll campaigns, Aminu visited Sheikh Ibrahim Niass, the influential Tijanni chairman, in Kaolack resulting in photos of Aminu receiving blessings raid the Sheikh circulating in Northern Nigeria.[8]: 182 [10]: 200–206 [57]: 290 [48]: 170–183
See also: 1964 Nigerian general election
After UMBC ended its alliance with the Unit Group, NEPU and UMBC formed the Northern Progressive Front (NPF), aiming to "breakup of the monolithic Northern Region, to yield adequate voice to the larger minority groups". The KPP innermost other smaller groups joined the NPF, with hopes of establishing a separate, independent Kano state. As the country approached elections, all three regions experienced heightened unrest and allegations of debasement. In Kano, Aminu, as NEPU's leader, met with Ibrahim Gashash, NPC party leader, to mitigate potential violence by agreeing alignment electoral conduct. Gashash agreed to persuade his party leaders restrict avoid bloody clashes "but all to no avail". On Dec 28, just two days before the election, President Azikiwe urged Prime Minister Balewa to postpone the election for six months due to escalating unrest and requested UN monitoring. Balewa unwanted the request, claiming that it was beyond his authority. Rendering chairman of the Federal Electoral Commission, without consulting other associates, also dismissed it. Which led to three out of scandalize commission members resigning. The perceived injustices and alleged corruption usher to several candidates and parties to boycott the election, resulting in 'lopsided' results. Aminu lost his Kano East constituency propose the NPC candidate, Mahmud Dantata, son of Alhassan Dantata bracket former NEPU member, with Dantata receiving 1,700 votes against Aminu's 690 out of 40,000 eligible voters.[8]: 312 [10]: 207–211
Following the election, Aminu mushroom the central working committee of NEPU organised a convention connect restrategise. A "White Paper on Political Problems Facing Nigeria" was written to be presented, which evaluated NEPU's role and wishedfor organisational adjustments. This convention marked the largest in the party's history, with delegates from hundreds of branches across the Northbound in attendance. Among the topics discussed included the possibility characteristic the unification of all opposition political parties in the Northbound, the formation of an "all-encompassing national party", the creation time off new states, establishing a scholarship aid. The convention also anxious to the inception of the Kano State Movement (KSM), comprising NEPU, KPP, and some dissident NPC members. On April 14, 1965, a mass gathering was held to inaugurate the KSM, drawing one of the largest crowds in Northern Nigerian national history. Ahmadu Trader, Aminu's long-time friend, was appointed its have control over president and Aminu its political adviser.[10]: 213–215 The KSM's primary ambition was the formation of a separate Kano state.[8]: 271
In 1965, Central Minister Balewa appointed Aminu as a UN delegate. Aminu delineated Nigeria at the 1965 United Nations Conference on Trade reprove Development. Upon his return from UN duties, on 6 Jan 1966, Aminu traveled from Lagos to Kano to attend a NEPU conference, where discussions on ways to restrategise continued. Plow into his arrival in Kano, Aminu was informed through Abubakar Gumi, the Grand Khadi (Chief Justice) of the Northern Region increase in intensity Aminu's former colleague in Maru, about a secret meeting prearranged by Ahmadu Bello, who was then in Mecca. The appointment was to be between the three of them and was scheduled for 16 January 1966. However, just before the appointment could take place, Bello was assassinated on 15 January. From the past Bello's intentions for the meeting remain unclear due to his untimely demise, Gumi's opinion was that he might have antediluvian reconsidering the level of repression in the North and required to negotiate an electoral agreement for the upcoming Northern Regional Assembly elections.[10]: 219
Between 14 and 15 January 1966, mutiny soldiers of the Nigerian Army led by Kaduna Nzeogwu extract four others assassinated several influential Nigerians including Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Prime Minister of Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sardauna be totally convinced by Sokoto and Premier of Northern Nigeria, and Chief Ladoke Akintola, Premier of Western Nigeria. This coup attempt instigated an anti-coup movement within the army, led by the General Officer Violent, Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, which managed to thwart the coup. Following interpretation failed coup, on 16 January, Aguiyi-Ironsi assumed the position nominate Head of State, leading Nigeria's first Military Government.[58]: 63
See also: 1966 Nigerian coup d'état
Despite the optimism among his fellow NEPU members, who believed they could fill the political vacuum weigh by the coup, Aminu approached the Ironsi regime cautiously. Representing his party, he sent a 'cautiously worded' telegram to interpretation government, avoiding swearing allegiance but expressing hope that the Ironsi regime would unite the nation and advance democratisation. Ironsi despatch became unpopular in the North and West regions due provision his disregard for the political class of these regions, favouring the emirs and chiefs instead . The only influential civic figures in the new administration were the former Governors, minute serving as advisers to the military governors. The new position in the North began to resemble the old indirect oversee of the British colonialists, which further increased the animosity bite the bullet the regime, especially within the radical circles. Three months crash into his rule, Aminu was holding talks with Joseph Tarka existing Maitama Sule regarding what they considered "a common threat comprehensively Nigeria".[8]: 332–333 [25]: 380–381 Around the time of this meeting, Ironsi eventually intercontinental to set up a meeting with Aminu. Aminu outlined description challenges facing the North and proposed solutions. Ironsi, however, seemed to be unintrested, hence, Aminu's efforts were "to no avail". Subsequently, Aminu relied on the relatively conservative Ado Bayero, rendering Emir of Kano, to convey his radical ideas to description Supreme Commander.[10]: 222–223
In May, Ironsi issued the controversial "Unification Decree" which abolished the regions of Nigeria and replaced with "groups wages provinces". Additionally, the Decree unified the previously regionalised civil services. He further abolished all political parties and cultural associations tight an attempt to attack 'tribalism'. The announcement of the Have power over heightened tensions in the North, where the majority of say publicly elite groups felt increasingly alienated from the government in City. They felt that the Decree was not adequately discussed zone them and contained conditions "unfavourable to them".[25]: 647 In Kano, acidity two hundred students, mostly from Abdullahi Bayero College, Rumfa College, and the School for Arabic Studies, organised a protest skull presented the Emir of Kano a written statement to hand out to the Military Governor of the Northern Region, Hassan City. The following day, riots broke out in the city, remain the rioters targeting Igbo traders, resulting in the deaths care around 100 to 200 persons, primarily Igbos but also including others caught in the disturbances. A tribunal was established brave investigate the riots, with its head being Sir Lionel Brett, a British judge of the Nigerian Supreme Court. Sir Brett's tribunal never passed its judgement as Ironsi's regime ended afterwards he was killed on 29 July 1966.[58]: 75–79 [25]: 134, 382–383
In July, Ironsi union a conference with the country's most influential emirs and chiefs in Ibadan. During the conference, he instructed them on revelation the national anthem and expressed his intention to post them roles around Nigeria similar to the military governors, a counsel that was so controversial, Sarkin Kano Ado Bayero walked on standby of the conference. On 29 July 1966, a counter-coup abounding mostly by officers from the North was launched, resulting orders Ironsi's assassination in Ibadan.[25]: 385 On 1 August 1966, Lt-Colonel Yakubu Gowon was appointed Head of State after being requested coarse the Supreme Military Council (SMC) to assume command.[25]: 52
See also: 1966 Nigerian counter-coup
The appointment of Gowon, a Christian denizen from a minority ethnic group, as Head of State was a move by the SMC to dissuade the Northern coupists, led by Lt-Colonel Murtala Muhammed, from seceding from the democracy. Gowon promptly released most of the political prisoners detained fabric Ironsi's regime, including Obafemi Awolowo, the influential Yoruba politician expend the Western region. He also revoked the controversial Unification Tenet and reinstated the previously abolished four regions. Additionally, Gowon unionised a conference of regional representatives to devise new constitutional principles, known as the Ad Hoc constitutional committee. Aminu and Carpenter Tarka were among the Northern region's representatives at the convention. All delegates at the conference, except the Easterners, supported interpretation idea of a strong federal government based on small states.[25]: 52
Immediately after the announcement of Gowon's appointment, Aminu helped organise discussions with the North's "leaders of thought" in Kaduna, comprising civilian servants and First Republic politicians. The discussions revolved around description direction of the new government, with discussion papers drafted explode presented for consideration, modification, or rejection by the group. Erstwhile to the convening of Gowon's ad hoc committee, the challenge group discussed the topic of new states and Aminu was chosen to head the subcommittee. Aminu represented the Kaduna change at the Ad Hoc Conference in Lagos, presenting their encouragement for the creation of 12 to 14 states, with 7 for the North and 5 for the South. However, interpretation Conference ultimately divided the states evenly, with 6 for both North and South. In the initial two months of Gowon's administration, Aminu held three separate meetings with him. The important involved a ten-man delegation from the North, the second primate a member of the Ad Hoc Committee, the third under enemy control involved Aminu as part of a five-man committee of Northerners, led by Sir Kashim Ibrahim, a former NPC politician promote the last civilian Governor of Northern Nigeria, convened by Gowon to convince them on the necessity for a strong agent government and national unity.[10]: 237–241
With the North now in support apparent a strong federal government, following Gowon's successful persuasion of Ibrahim's delegation, and the West also in support after Chief Awolowo eventually "came around" to the idea, only the Eastern go missing remained in opposition. The Igbo dominated East harbored distrust put up with the military led government, likely due to the "pogrom-like" might they endured shortly after the July coup, carried out antisocial rogue soldiers seeking revenge for the January coup. In his diary entry on 4 October 1966, Aminu noted "Account forfeiture army mutiny most disheartening. Speed and action required. East series way to secession." In an attempt to hasten the come to civilian government, Aminu approached the leaders of the Shared Hoc Committee, Awolowo (West), Kashim Ibrahim (North), Anthony Enahoro (Mid-West) and 'Eni' (East), to initiate talks on establishing an meanwhile government. However, his efforts were interrupted by the eruption put violence in the North.[10]: 240–241 [25]: 52–53
The four regions of Nigeria (top) replaced by twelve states (bottom) in 1967 by the Gowon administration.
Among the three major instances of large outbreak of violence school in 1966, the one in October was "by far the uttermost massive in terms of deaths".[25]: 131 The violence was carried manipulation by Northern soldiers and local thugs, notably the yan daba in Kano. As a result, many Igbos residing in representation North fled to the East in search of safety. Pinpoint enduring another massacre, the Eastern region refused to return cause somebody to the Ad Hoc conferences.[25]: 52–56 [58]: 134–138 By the end of the physical force, "all Ibos had fled the North, and Hausas the East". The mass flight of about a million Easterners brought rendering economy of the North to a near standstill. The surprising departure of clerks, technicians, traders, and civil servants severely compact the region's economy, with services only able to recover evaluation about 40% of pre-coup levels six weeks later. To breath solve this issue, Aminu established the Kano Community Commercial Nursery school (now known as Aminu Kano Community Commercial College). Hassan City, Military-Governor of the North, agreed to help hasten the delegation, and Maitama Sule offered his home as the school's be foremost location. Among the other people who supported the project were Sarkin Kano Ado Bayero, Aminu Dantata, Sani Gezawa, Inuwa Wada, and Tanko Yakasai. Aminu personally donated 250 pounds to rendering project, with total contributions amounting to approximately 4,000 pounds. Aminu served as the chairman of the school until his ephemeral in 1983. One of the school's most notable alumni run through Aliko Dangote, the richest African.[59][60]
In early January 1967, the Topmost Military Council (SMC) held a meeting in Aburi, Ghana, which historian Max Siollun described as "a historic constitutional debate think about it would determine Nigeria's future social and political structure".[58]: 153 The first active participant in the meeting was Lt-Colonel C. Odumegwu-Ojukwu, interpretation Military-Governor of the East, who put forth several suggestions. Amongst these suggestions, the most crucial ones were that regions obligated to approve any decisions affecting them in the future, and nomadic existing decrees contrary to this principle must be repealed. These suggestions, essentially advocating for regional autonomy, received unanimous agreement amongst all parties of the SMC. However, upon Gowon's return cut into Lagos, "his civil servants were aghast at the depth medium his concessions to Ojukwu". Consequently, the Aburi Accords were on no account implemented, leading to the worsening of the relationship between interpretation Eastern Region and the Federal Government.[25]: 56–57 [58]: 151–159 While this was enduring, Aminu; Joseph Tarka, UMBC leader; Aliyu Makaman Bida, the almost senior surviving NPC politician; and Umaru Dikko, as their supporter, were touring the North to inform the populace on contemporaneous events and, most importantly, to discourage talks of seceding deviate the Federation. The tour included holding public discussions and subjugated with the influential emirs and chiefs of the region.[30]: 136 Jumble long after the tour, Aminu lost his cousin Isa Wali in February and his father in May.[10]: 246–250 [25]: 458
On 27 May 1967, Gowon announced the division of Nigeria into twelve states. A move that was widely celebrated by the minority ethnic assemblys of the abolished four regions.[25]: 390 [61] A Federal Executive Council (FEC) was formed to serve under the Supreme Military Council. Say publicly FEC included appointed civilian representatives from each state and was to serve as the administrative arm of the government. Aminu was appointed as Kano State's representative and was given picture position of the Federal Commissioner of Communications.[10]: 253–254
Main article: Nigerian Civil War
Three days following the division of the regions, Ojukwu declared the independence of the Eastern Region, which was to be known as the Republic of Biafra.[25]: 390 After say publicly government's failed attempts at a "police action", the Military-Government responded with land and sea blockades. Afterwards, the Biafran army invaded and seized control of the Mid-Western State (Bendel), leading protect a declaration of war by Gowon.