President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Enugu State inspires the historical context that underpins the National Patriots’ strong support for his leadership. Enugu serves as a symbolic backdrop for this reflection, as its history is deeply intertwined with the story of Nigeria’s political journey and its turning points.
At its inception, Nigeria operated under a federal system that granted significant autonomy to its regions. This arrangement, established during our early post-independence years, allowed the North, West, and East to control their resources and govern themselves within a loosely united framework. Each region pursued its own development agenda, fostering healthy competition. The Western Region, for instance, thrived under Chief Obafemi Awolowo, achieving groundbreaking milestones like free basic education and establishing world-class institutions such as the University College Hospital in Ibadan. It was a time when Nigeria seemed to embody the promise of prosperity and progress.
However, this promising system was disrupted on January 15, 1966, by a military coup led predominantly by Igbo officers. The coup upended Nigeria’s leadership, removing many of its brightest minds, including my great uncle, Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh. This event not only altered the nation’s trajectory but also sowed seeds of division. Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, who assumed power afterward, compounded the situation by introducing Decree No. 34. This decree effectively abolished regional autonomy, centralized power, and transferred control of resources to the federal government—a drastic departure from the balanced structure that had previously existed.
The centralization of authority under Ironsi alienated other regions, particularly the North, leading to a counter-coup in July 1966. This series of events fractured national unity and set the stage for the Nigerian Civil War. It was a period marked by mistrust, miscalculations, and missed opportunities for reconciliation. Had leaders like Colonel Odumegwu Ojukwu and General Yakubu Gowon navigated their differences with greater tact, or if the Aburi Accord had been implemented as agreed, Nigeria’s history might have unfolded differently.
Today, President Bola Tinubu could be perceived as a leader determined to reverse the effects of that centralization and restore the federalist principles that once guided Nigeria. His administration’s commitment to decentralization is evident in the judicial victory that guarantees local government autonomy. By ensuring that local governments now receive funds directly, Tinubu is empowering grassroots governance. Moreover, his tax reform agenda signals a broader push to devolve power and resources to the states, enabling them to thrive independently while remaining part of a united Nigeria.
In Tinubu’s vision, one could recognize a return to the foundational ideals of regional self-determination and cooperation—a system where each part of Nigeria contributes uniquely to the whole. This approach, no doubt represents a pathway to rebuild the trust and unity that were lost in 1966.
President Tinubu’s efforts should remind Nigerians of a modern statesman committed to reshaping Nigeria into the nation it was meant to be: diverse, dynamic, and decentralized. It is for this reason that the National Patriots stands firmly behind him, believing his leadership offers the best chance to revive the spirit of Patriotism, Progress and Unity that once defined Nigeria.
Dr. G. Fraser. MFR
Founder, the National Patriots.
