Nigerian Army’s Grip Firmer

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31069, 26 May 1966, Page 13

Nigerian Army’s Grip Firmer

(N.Z.P A. Reuter—Copyright)

LAGOS, May 25.

Nigeria’s military rulers have abolished all political parties and said the Army would remain in power for three years.

The head of Nigeria’s military government, Major-Gen-eral Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, said in a nationwide broadcast that the measures were aimed at forging national unity. Tribal unions and the country’s former regions would also be abolished. Nigeria would cease to be a federation and become a republic, he said. The announcement is the first time General Ironsi has

indicated how long the Army would remain in office.

Previously he had said the country would be handed back to civilian rule as soon as peace and order were restored. General Ironsi assumed power after a military coup on January 16, when many former politicians were detained.

He then suspended the

regional Governments and the premiership and presidency, announcing a two-year reorganisation of the country. A return to civilian rule at an unspecified date was promised. He has now said that Nigeria would be grouped into territorial areas called provinces.