Why We Struck-the Story Of The First Nigerian Coup
(Adewale Ademoyega)
Book Review:
Why we struck ? The story of the First Nigerian Coup
The author, Adewale Ademoyega, is one of the trio that planned and executed the first Nigerian coup detat of 15th January, 1966. The ten chapters Book contains 194 pages. The events were carefully narrated as an eye witness account. In his prelude, he identifies political amalgamation, colonialism, character of Nigerian independence and opposition politics as main issues which attracted the attention of the coup plotters. The Division within the ranks and files of the political class is another factor he considers to arouse military consciousness to take over power. The notion of northern domination of the military as at that time also strengthen the coupists. The ideological inclination, training, and status of the main actors also facilitate the execution of the coup.
The author gave account of their preparation and he admitted flaws in the execution stage. The book also gives an insight into the counter coup of Ironsi and his failure to achieve true unity for the nation. He raised the succession question which later led to face off between Ojukwu and Gowon following the counter coup planned by the northern officers. He carefully linked the disagreement to the Nigerian experience of the civil war. He specifically analysed the role of both Ojukwu and Gowon in the events leading to the Biafran secession plan and consequently the civil war.
In the final analysis, the author listed the achievements of the first coup in Nigeria. He claimed in his epilogue that their orientation was nationalistic and popular. Candidly, the book is to serve as a balancing source of information to the students of history because it is an eye witness account. The story was ordered and carefully presented with elegant style of writing. The book therefore is a necessary reading for students of Political Science and History particularly in Nigeria.
Resumos Relacionados
- The Nigeria Civil War
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- Democracy And Political Life In Nigeria
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