Nigeria's Path to Independence and Early Challenges
Nigeria's independence journey culminated on October 1, 1960, marking a pivotal moment in African history. The transition began with the 1959 elections for an expanded House of Representatives, leading to the unification of three distinct regions into one sovereign nation. Nnamdi Azikiwe made history as the country's first president, serving as Queen Elizabeth II's representative in the newly independent state.
The post-independence governance structure revealed significant regional variations. While most regions adopted federal-style constitutions, the northern region established a unique system aligned with Islamic law. This early constitutional diversity would later contribute to internal tensions among Nigeria's ethnic groups, ultimately leading to the devastating Civil War of 1967.
Definition: The Commonwealth of Nations is an international association of independent countries, most of which were former British colonies, established in 1949 to maintain political and economic cooperation.
Nigeria's membership in the Commonwealth of Nations in 1960 positioned it as a pioneer among African nations seeking independence. The country embodied British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan's famous "Wind of Change" speech, which acknowledged the unstoppable rise of African nationalism. This historical moment signaled Britain's acceptance of African independence movements and established Nigeria as a model for other colonial territories.