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new constitution approved by british
The British prime minister signed this new constitution giving the people of Nigeria new political rights. Most importantly the right to an expanded leglislative council in Nigeria. -
Action Group (nigerian political party) founded
The party was founded in 1951 by chief Obafemi Awolowo. They were very active in Nigerian politics up until they Nigerian civil war. -
Nigeria gained independence
Nigeria up until 1960 was a British colony. Nigeria officially became independent when the Nigerian declaration of independence was signed on october 1st, 1960. -
Became First Nigerian Republic
Nigeria became a republic for the first time in 1963, hence the name First Nigerian republic. They were led by President Nnamdi Azikiwe. -
AG (Action group) dissolved
After some military coups and the Nigerian civil war the party fell apart. -
The south-eastern part of Nigeria seceeds
Only five countries recognized the "new nation" known as the republic of Biafra. They were only independent during the course of the civil war, then they were brought back into the Nigerian First Republic. -
Nigerian civil war began
The conflict was caused by the attempted secession of some of Nigeria's provinces. The main reasons for the attemp at secession were ethnic and cultural conflicts as well as economic conflicts. -
Nigerian civil war ended
After a long stale mate the war was ended with an increase in British support for the Nigerian federal forces. The Nigerian federal forces prevented the secession of the Biafrans (those trying to seceed). -
military head of state Murtala Mohammed assassinated
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President Shehu Shagari came into power
He was the president during the time of the Second Nigerian Republic. He took over from the previous military government. -
Shagari overthrown by general Muhammadu Buhari
Buhari became the military ruler of Nigeria. Using military power he overthrew Shagari. -
Nigerian third republic was formed
The constitution was drafted in 1989 but The government remained under military control until 1993. -
Election declared anulled
The election was annulled, throwing the country into chaos. President elect MKO Abiola never came into power. -
MKO Abiola declared himslf president
Abiola, elected to be president declared himself as president. Other political leaders believed this was not legal and so he was forced into hiding. -
Fourth republic of Nigeria established
After the death of military dictator Sani Abacha Nigeria adopted its new constitution. This is currently the government in place in Nigeria.