General Sani Abacha: Nigeria’s Military Head of State (1993–1998) – Biography, Legacy and Controversies General Sani Abacha GCFR (20 September 1943 – 8 June 1998) was a Nigerian military ruler and statesman who led Nigeria with an authoritarian grip from 1993 until he died in 1998, following a bloodless palace coup. His regime is remembered…
General Murtala Ramat Muhammed: Nigeria’s Boldest Head of State (1975–1976) General Murtala Ramat Muhammed GCFR (8 November 1938 – 13 February 1976) was a Nigerian military officer and the fourth Head of State of Nigeria. He played a key role in the 1966 Nigerian counter-coup on July 29, 1966, which overthrew the military regime of…
Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa: Nigeria’s First Prime Minister (1912-1966) Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa (1912–1966) was a key Nigerian statesman and the first Prime Minister of Nigeria, serving from 1957 until his assassination in 1966. Born in Bauchi, Northern Nigeria, Balewa was educated at the University of London’s Institute of Education. He began his political career…