Nigeria Summary of the History: Nigeria has had a very tumultuous history. The country had been controlled by Britain since the 1850s. Coming into the 20th century, Britain was consolidating its hold over the country, while it governs through local leaders. In 1960 it gained independence, being led by Prime Minster Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa leading a cotalian government in an effort to balance diverse interests. He then was killed in a coup in January of 1966. Replacing him was Maj-Gen Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, who formed a military government. Six months later, in July of 1966, he was in turn killed in a counter coup and replace by Lieutenant-Colonel Yakubu Gowon. This next period of time, from 1967 to 1993, is called the Biafran War. In 1967, three eastern states secede as the Republic of Biafra, which led to a three year civil war. In 1975, General Gowon is overthrown by Brigadier Murtala Ramat Mohammed, who is then assassinated in a failed coup attempt. He is replaced by his deputy Lt-Gene Olusegun Obasanjo, who assists in introducing a presidential constitution similar to that of the United States. The next few years are marked with reelections amid suspicion, two men seizing power in a bloodless coup, and the military annulling elections when preliminary results show a victory by someone who they didn't want to be in charge. The next era, called the "Abacha years", begins with Gen Sani Abacha seizing power and suppressing opposition. He rules until his death in 1998, and is succeeded by Maj-Gen Abdulsalami Abubaka. Elections in 1999 led to Olusegun Obasanjo being sworn in as president. Beginning in 2000, there begins to be serious ethnic and religious violence. When the Islamic Sharia law was adopted in some northern states, it increased tensions between Christians and Muslims. Continuing in the early 2000s, there are deadly tribal and religious battles and riots, which continue into the 2010s. Religious conflict is further enlarged due to the Boko Haram Islamist movement launching a campaign of violence. This incident continues to cause issues for the people and government of Nigeria. ![[Power & Authority Jigsaw- Nigeria.pdf]]