JAMB Government Past Questions & Answers - Page 158

Adjudication of conflict between the federal and regional governments in the First Republic was reserved for Supreme Court

The first military coup in Nigeria toppled the government of Alhaji Abubakar Tafewa Balewa.

Nigeria witnessed the first military coup in the early hours of 15th January, 1966. The coup was led by Major Chukwuma Nzeogwu and other majors in the then Nigerian Army. The coup ousted the civilian government of Alhaji Abubakar Balewa from power. The coup was bloody some key political leaders who were killed were as follows:

1. Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, the then Prime Minister of Nigeria.

2. Chief S.L. Akintola Premier of Western Region.

3. Chief Festus Okotie Eboh, the Minister for Finance.

4. Sir Ahmadu Bello, Premier of Northern Region and

5. Many top ranking officers in the armed forces.

Multi-laterism in Nigeria's foreign policy entails her membership of international organizations.

Nigeria hosted the Commonwealth conference which eventually led to the independence of Zimbabwe.

When Nigeria was plunging very deep into political crises, the Nigerian Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa preferred to focus all attention on the Rhodesian crisis. The country actually hosted a Commonwealth meeting on the Rhodesian question till the 15th of January, 1966.

A virile foreign policy is one characterized by a stable polity, buoyant economy and visionary leadership