The years following Nigeria’s independence in 1960 brought rapid political change and rising regional tensions. After the military coups of January and July 1966 ended the First Republic, governance shifted to the Supreme Military Council. By 1967, this group of senior officers carried the responsibility of preserving national unity as disagreements between the federal government and the Eastern Region intensified. The months leading to the Nigerian Civil War were shaped by the decisions, personalities, and leadership styles of the men who held power at this critical time.
The Supreme Military Council Takes Centre Stage
With the collapse of civilian rule, the Supreme Military Council became Nigeria’s highest governing authority. The Council included the Head of State, the military governors of the regions, the service chiefs of the armed forces, and the Inspector General of Police. Their task was to stabilise the federation, respond to rising tensions, and guide the country through its most fragile political period since independence.
General Yakubu Gowon led the Council and presided over all major decisions. His administration faced the challenge of maintaining cohesion across regions that were divided by political distrust and the aftermath of the 1966 crises.
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General Yakubu Gowon: Steering a Fractured Federation
General Gowon assumed leadership in July 1966 and focused on rebalancing relationships among Nigeria’s regions. His government sought to restore order, rebuild confidence in the federation, and negotiate political solutions to emerging disagreements. As Head of State, Gowon occupied the central role in determining the national direction and managing the growing pressure surrounding the fate of the Eastern Region.
Hassan Usman Katsina: Leadership in the North
Hassan Usman Katsina served as the Military Governor of the Northern Region. His administration worked to maintain calm during a period of heightened tension. The North, being the largest and most politically influential region, played a vital role in federal stability. Katsina’s leadership helped sustain order and support federal initiatives aimed at preserving unity.
David Akpode Ejoor: Overseeing the Strategic Mid West
Brigadier David Ejoor governed the Mid Western Region, a territory uniquely positioned between the East and the West. The region held strategic value as political disagreements deepened across the country. Ejoor’s government focused on regional security and continuity in administration, ensuring that the Mid West remained stable as national uncertainty grew.
Mobolaji Johnson: Safeguarding the Federal Capital
Mobolaji Olufunso Johnson served as the Military Governor of Lagos, then Nigeria’s capital. Lagos housed key federal ministries, diplomatic missions, and the administrative machinery of the government. Johnson’s leadership played a crucial role in keeping the capital functioning smoothly during a politically sensitive period. His administration ensured that Lagos remained stable as national events began to escalate.
Vice Admiral Akinwale Wey: Stability on the Seas
Vice Admiral Joseph Akinwale Wey served as Chief of Naval Staff and provided steady leadership within the armed forces. His command of the Navy ensured continued operational readiness at a time when national security required close coordination across all military branches. Wey contributed actively to the work of the Supreme Military Council as it shaped federal policy in the months preceding the conflict.
Kam Salem: Maintaining Internal Security
As Inspector General of Police, Kam Salem oversaw policing and internal security throughout the federation. His role linked military governance with civil oversight, ensuring that law enforcement remained effective across urban and regional centres. Salem’s work supported federal efforts to maintain public order during a period marked by tension and uncertainty.
Murtala Ramat Muhammed: A Rising Force in the Military
Murtala Ramat Muhammed was an increasingly influential officer within the Nigerian Army during this period. His energy and assertive military leadership made him a notable figure within the federal structure. Murtala would later play major roles during the Civil War and eventually become Nigeria’s Head of State in 1975. In 1967, he stood among the key personalities shaping the direction of federal military planning.
READ MORE: Ancient & Pre-Colonial Nigeria
The Turning Point of 1967
Efforts to resolve tensions between the federal government and the Eastern Region reached their limits in early 1967. The restructuring of Nigeria into twelve states was announced on 27 May 1967 as part of a new administrative vision for the federation. On 30 May 1967, the Eastern Region declared independence as the Republic of Biafra.
The declaration marked a decisive moment in Nigerian history. By July 1967, federal forces initiated military action, and the Nigerian Civil War began. The senior members of the Supreme Military Council played critical roles in the political, military, and administrative decisions that shaped the early course of the conflict.
Author’s Note
This article reflects on the key figures and the leadership decisions that shaped Nigeria in the months leading up to the Civil War. Their actions, responsibilities, and differing spheres of influence reveal how the Supreme Military Council navigated a period of profound national uncertainty. Understanding their roles provides a clearer picture of the events that defined Nigeria’s path at one of the most consequential turning points in its history.
References
Siollun, Max. Oil, Politics and Violence: Nigeria’s Military Coup Culture 1966 to 1976.
Federal Government of Nigeria. Official Gazette: Statements of the Supreme Military Council 1966 to 1970.
Falola, Toyin and Matthew Heaton. A History of Nigeria.
