Focus of the week May 25 1965.

On this week, precisely may 25 1962, the police quelled the riot that occurred during the motion of confidence in new west premier, Chief S.L. Akintola. Akintola was one of the premiers in Nigeria; the other two were Ahmadu Bello and Michael Okpara of the northern and eastern region respectively.
The western region was under the control of Action Group (AG) a party that had Chief Obafemi Awolowo as its leader and Chief S.L. Akintola as the premier of the west. The party was strong and united until 1962 when personality and interest clashes began between the two political maestros (Awolowo and Akintola). This led to the aforementioned motion of confidence in Akintola.
The vote of no confidence went through and the governor of the region, Sir Adesoji Aderemi, was advised to remove Akintola as the primer, which he did. However, the crisis that ensued made the federal government declared a state of emergency in the west and appointed Dr. Koye Majekodunmi as the administrator of the region.
The Federal government’s declared state of emergency last for six months, after which Akintola was reinstated as the premier. With Chief Awolowo charged with treasonable felony and later sentenced to ten years imprisonment, the tension in the western region mounted.
Furthermore, the western election of 1965 was largely influence by the Action Group (AG) crisis of 1962. In 1965, the rivalry in the west was now between United Progressive Grand Alliance (UPGA) and the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP). UPGA represented the defunct Action Group (AG) and NNDP was the new party formed by S.L. Akintola. With Chief Awolowo in prison Alhaji Adegbenro took the mantle of leadership of the new political party, UPGA. But, the 1965 election was fraught with lot of irregularities which favored the ruling NNDP. UPGA leadership rejected the result of the election, and the leader, Adegbenro, declared himself the primer of the region. Chief Akintola was later sworn in as premier and Adegbenro was arrested. The arrest of Adegbenro sparked off violent demonstration. This crisis gave rise to the popular operation wet’e. The violence lasted until the military coup of January 15 1966.
There is nothing to gain this history than the lesson it teaches. As great as the politicians of the first republic were, they allowed personal interest to override their collective interest. Also, poor ego management and the love of power were also part the problems of these political champions. Their actions caused Nigeria the regional system that was very strong and organized. Even the coup of 1966 was not unconnected to these crises.
I urge Nigerian leaders to learn from history and, at all time, place the country’s interest above their personal interest. A Wiseman once said; when our power of love overcomes our love for power, the world will know peace. That is when patriotism will be exalted and Nigeria will be great again. Thank you!