Government 2,WASSCE (PC), 2017

Question 9

Outline five factors that led to the January 1966 coup d’état in Nigeria.

Observation

This was an unpopular question. The performance of the candidates who answered it was below average. The candidates were expected to provide the following answers to the question.

            (i)         Inefficiency and mal administration – there was high rate of inefficiency and                     maladministration in the Public Service
(ii)        Widespread corruption in all spheres of life.
(iii)       The 1962 census crisis over the ethnicity and nepotism.
(iv)       The Western Nigeria Political Crisis – This led to unprecedented physical combat in the             House of Assembly which eventually led to the declaration of a state of emergency in the Western Region.
(v)        Weak state of internal cohesion
(vi)       Rivalry among political parties – there was unhealthy rivalry and competition                     among the three major political parties.
(vii)      Suppression/victimization of political opponents.
(viii)     Electoral malpractice – Elections were openly rigged.
(ix)       Insensitivity to public opinion.