www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/nigeria1.htm

www.africamasterweb.com/BiafranWarCauses.html

From 1965 to 2015 is 50yrs. What transpired within the years is enough for us in Nigeria to learn and re-address our future with right mindset. Much volume of water have passed under the bridge but, ahead of 2015 general election in Nigeria, it's expedient to look back to the aftermath of 1965 federal election that led to the end of first republic and genesis of civil war from 1967-1970 in order to avoid such crisis again.

The subsequent intra-party disagreements over the federal election results in 1965 sparked off a domino effect of conflicts that culminated in a bloody civil war between 1967 and 1970. The disputed federal election of 1965 were the most outstanding conflicts that killed off Nigeria’s First Republic in 1966 and leads to the state we are today.

The election was alleged to be neither free nor fair. All devices imaginable were said to have been used by the ruling parties in the regions to eliminate opponents.

The Chairman of the Electoral Commission himself admitted there were proven irregularities. The President, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe refused to appoint a Prime Minister in the light of these allegations. The President and the incumbent Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, were each seeking the support of the Armed Forces. This marked the first involvement of the Armed Forces in partisan politics. They were the ones who invited Army to rule over.

In the six months after the election, an estimated 2,000 people died in violence that erupted in the Western Region. In the face of the disorders, the beleaguered Balewa delegated extraordinary powers to the regional governments to deal with the situation.

The rigging and irregularities in the election were alleged to be more brazen and more shameful. Law and order broke down completely leading to an almost complete state of anarchy. Arson and indiscriminate killings were committed by a private army of thugs of political parties. Law abiding citizens
lived in constant fear of their lives and properties.

This was the state of affairs when the coup of 15 January 1966 took place. The aim of the coup was to establish a
strong, unified and prosperous nation, free from corruption and internal strife.
But adverse was the case.

Now as February 14 approaches for the presidential election, all body languages of the top contenders signal this year election to be a replicate of 1965 election. The mindsets of the heavy weight politicians seem to be anchor on do or die affairs.

This becomes more obvious as federal government shows non-challant attitude to war-threats coming from all angles. Could the negligence of Federal government to arrest those who threat war after election means a support to the threat?

In 1965, it was President Azikwe. The same war-threat arose but he neglected it at the expense of Nigerians' lives and properties. 2015comes again, it is another President Azikwe, should we allow same to occur?

We cry out to all Nigerians to shun violence during and after election. Those who witnessed civil war will never clamour for it again.

Say No To VIOLENCE

Causes and Consequences of Political Hooliganism in 2011 General Elections
http://www.bravoprojecthelp.com/sociology/causes-and-consequences-of-political-hooliganism-in-2011-general-elections-in-bauchi-state/