Military Rule In Nigeria General Sani Abacha (1993 – 1998) History Primary 6 Second Term Lesson Notes Week 3

Subject: History

Class: Primary 6

Term: Second Term

Week: Week 3

Topic: Military Rule in Nigeria – General Sani Abacha (1993 – 1998)

Duration: 60 minutes

Behavioural Objectives:

1. Students will understand the background, rise to power, and impact of General Sani Abacha’s rule in Nigeria.
2. Students will identify the reasons for the emergence of military rule in Nigeria and the challenges faced during this period.
3. Students will analyze the weaknesses of the General Sani Abacha government.

Key words:

• Military rule
• General Sani Abacha
• Coup
• Authoritarian
• Human rights abuses
• Corruption
• Challenges
• Weaknesses

Entry Behaviour: Students should be familiar with the concept of government and previous lessons on Nigerian history, including transitions of power and key leaders.

Learning Resources and Materials:

• Lagos State Scheme of Work for History
• Basic History For Primary School 6 textbook
• Whiteboard and markers
• Visual aids (pictures, charts)
• Worksheets

Building Background /Connection to prior knowledge: Recap previous lessons on Nigerian history, emphasizing the transition from colonial rule to independence and the role of military leaders in governance.

Embedded Core Skills:

• Reading comprehension
• Critical thinking
• Oral communication
• Analytical skills

Learning Materials:

• Textbook readings
• Handouts with key information
• Group discussion activities

Content:

Sani Abacha, born on September 20, 1943, was a Nigerian Army General and politician who served as the military head of state from 1993 until his death in 1998. His rise to power came through a successful coup d’état in 1993, making it the last successful coup in Nigerian military history. During his tenure, Abacha held the position of the 10th Head of State of Nigeria until his passing on June 8, 1998. He succeeded Ernest Shonekan and was succeeded by Abdulsalami Abubakar. Throughout his time in office, Abacha’s rule was characterized by political dominance and authoritarian governance.

Military Rule in Nigeria: General Sani Abacha (1993 – 1998)

1. Background, Rise to Power, and Impact of General Sani Abacha’s Rule:
   • General Sani Abacha took power in 1993 through a coup.
   • His rule was marked by strict control and harsh measures against opposition.
   • Abacha’s era was characterized by human rights abuses and political repression.
2. Reasons for Emergence of Military Rule and Challenges Faced by Nigeria:
   • Nigeria faced political instability and ethnic tensions.
   • Economic difficulties and corruption led to dissatisfaction among the people.
3. Weaknesses of the General Sani Abacha Government:
   • Lack of freedom of speech and press.
   • Corruption and mismanagement of resources.

🇳🇬 General Sani Abacha’s rule had a significant impact on Nigeria, with both positive and negative consequences. ✊🏽

Evaluation :

1. Who was General Sani Abacha?
   • General Sani Abacha was a military leader who ruled Nigeria from 1993 to 1998.
2. How did Sani Abacha come to power?
   • He took power through a coup in 1993, becoming Nigeria’s leader.
3. What was the impact of Sani Abacha’s rule?
   • His rule was marked by strict control, human rights abuses, and political repression.
4. Why did military rule emerge in Nigeria?
   • Nigeria faced political instability, ethnic tensions, and economic challenges.
5. What challenges did Nigeria face during Abacha’s rule?
   • Challenges included lack of freedom, corruption, and mismanagement of resources.
6. What were the weaknesses of Abacha’s government?
   • Weaknesses included restrictions on freedom of speech and press, as well as corruption.
7. Did Abacha’s government face opposition?
   • Yes, there were opposition groups and individuals who criticized his rule.
8. What were the positive aspects of Abacha’s rule?
   • Some people believe he brought stability and security to Nigeria during his time in power.
9. How did Abacha’s rule end?
   • Abacha died suddenly in 1998, leading to a transition to civilian rule.
10. What is Sani Abacha’s legacy in Nigeria?
    • His legacy is debated, with some remembering him for his authoritarian rule and others for his impact on Nigerian politics.

Evaluation :

1. General Sani Abacha ruled Nigeria from __________.
   • a) 1985 to 1993
   • b) 1993 to 1998
   • c) 2000 to 2005
   • d) 2010 to 2015
2. Abacha came to power through a __________ in 1993.
   • a) democratic election
   • b) military coup
   • c) peaceful transition
   • d) foreign invasion
3. Abacha’s rule was marked by strict __________ and political repression.
   • a) freedom of speech
   • b) human rights abuses
   • c) democracy
   • d) economic growth
4. Nigeria faced challenges such as political instability and __________ during Abacha’s rule.
   • a) ethnic celebrations
   • b) economic growth
   • c) ethnic tensions
   • d) international cooperation
5. The weaknesses of Abacha’s government included __________.
   • a) freedom of speech and press
   • b) transparency and accountability
   • c) economic prosperity
   • d) equality and justice
6. Abacha’s rule ended with his sudden __________ in 1998.
   • a) resignation
   • b) exile
   • c) impeachment
   • d) death
7. Some people believe Abacha brought __________ to Nigeria during his rule.
   • a) stability and security
   • b) corruption and mismanagement
   • c) poverty and unemployment
   • d) freedom and democracy
8. Nigeria transitioned to civilian rule after __________.
   • a) Abacha’s death
   • b) Abacha’s resignation
   • c) Abacha’s exile
   • d) Abacha’s impeachment
9. Abacha’s legacy is debated, with some remembering him for his __________.
   • a) democracy
   • b) economic growth
   • c) authoritarian rule
   • d) international diplomacy
10. Abacha’s rule was characterized by strict control and harsh measures against __________.
    • a) political opponents
    • b) foreign allies
    • c) military generals
    • d) religious leaders
11. Nigeria faced challenges such as economic difficulties and __________ during Abacha’s rule.
    • a) political stability
    • b) ethnic harmony
    • c) corruption
    • d) international cooperation
12. The weaknesses of Abacha’s government included lack of __________.
    • a) transparency and accountability
    • b) economic prosperity
    • c) freedom of speech and press
    • d) stability and security
13. Abacha’s rule ended with his sudden __________ in 1998.
    • a) resignation
    • b) exile
    • c) impeachment
    • d) death
14. Some people believe Abacha brought __________ to Nigeria during his rule.
    • a) stability and security
    • b) corruption and mismanagement
    • c) poverty and unemployment
    • d) freedom and democracy
15. Nigeria transitioned to civilian rule after __________.
    • a) Abacha’s death
    • b) Abacha’s resignation
    • c) Abacha’s exile
    • d) Abacha’s impeachment

1. Presentation:
   • Begin by revising the previous topic, highlighting key points about Military rule in Nigeria – Ibrahim Babangida History Primary 6 Second Term Lesson Notes Week 2.
   • Introduce the new topic: Military Rule in Nigeria – General Sani Abacha’s era.
   • Use visual aids and real-life examples to engage students and make the topic more relatable.
2. Content:
   • Explain General Sani Abacha’s rise to power through a military coup in 1993.
   • Discuss the impact of Abacha’s rule, including authoritarian governance, human rights abuses, and corruption.
   • Identify the reasons for the emergence of military rule in Nigeria, such as political instability and economic challenges.
   • Explore the challenges faced by Nigeria during Abacha’s rule, including lack of freedom and transparency.
3. Teacher’s Activities:
   • Facilitate group discussions to encourage students to share their knowledge and opinions about military rule in Nigeria.
   • Provide guidance and clarification as needed.
   • Correct misconceptions and reinforce key concepts.
4. Learners Activities:
   • Engage in group discussions and brainstorming sessions.
   • Participate actively in class activities and ask questions for clarification.
   • Complete worksheets and activities to reinforce learning.
5. Assessment:
   • Observe students’ participation and engagement during class discussions.
   • Review students’ worksheets and activities for understanding.
   • Use exit tickets or short quizzes to assess comprehension.

Ten Evaluation Questions Related to the Topic:

1. How did General Sani Abacha come to power in Nigeria?
2. What were some impacts of Abacha’s rule on Nigeria?
3. Why did military rule emerge in Nigeria during Abacha’s era?
4. What were some challenges faced by Nigeria during Abacha’s rule?
5. Name one weakness of the General Sani Abacha government.
6. What role did corruption play during Abacha’s regime?
7. How did Nigeria transition to civilian rule after Abacha’s death?
8. What are some reasons for opposition to military rule in Nigeria?
9. How did Abacha’s rule affect freedom of speech and press in Nigeria?
10. What lessons can we learn from Nigeria’s experience with military rule under General Sani Abacha?

Conclusion: In conclusion, understanding the period of military rule in Nigeria under General Sani Abacha is crucial for understanding Nigeria’s history and its impact on the country’s development. By examining the challenges, weaknesses, and impact of Abacha’s rule, we can learn valuable lessons for building a more democratic and prosperous future.