Supreme Military Council (Nigeria 1966)
Encyclopedia
The Supreme Military Council was the body that ruled Nigeria after the coup d'etat in 1966.
According to a Constitutional Decree, published in Lagos
on March 17, 1967 legislative and executive power was vested in the Supreme Military Council. The Chairman of the Council was the head of the Military Government.
The Supreme Military Council consisted of the Regional Military Governors and the Military Administrator of the Federal Territory, the Heads of the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force, the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces and the Inspector-General of Police or his Deputy.
The Supreme Military Council could delegate powers to a Federal Executive council, predominantly composed of civilian Commissioners.
President of the Supreme Military Council was Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Gowon
, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
The Military Governors of the twelve states of the federation were ex-offcio members of the committee.
According to a Constitutional Decree, published in Lagos
Lagos
Lagos is a port and the most populous conurbation in Nigeria. With a population of 7,937,932, it is currently the third most populous city in Africa after Cairo and Kinshasa, and currently estimated to be the second fastest growing city in Africa...
on March 17, 1967 legislative and executive power was vested in the Supreme Military Council. The Chairman of the Council was the head of the Military Government.
The Supreme Military Council consisted of the Regional Military Governors and the Military Administrator of the Federal Territory, the Heads of the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force, the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces and the Inspector-General of Police or his Deputy.
The Supreme Military Council could delegate powers to a Federal Executive council, predominantly composed of civilian Commissioners.
President of the Supreme Military Council was Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Gowon
Yakubu Gowon
General Yakubu "Jack" Dan-Yumma Gowon was the head of state of Nigeria from 1966 to 1975. He took power after one military coup d'etat and was overthrown in another...
, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
Members (in 1970)
| Name | Title |
|---|---|
| Rear-Admiral J. E. A. Wey | Head of the Nigerian Navy |
| Col. Alao | Commandant of the Nigerian Air Force |
| Brig. Hassan U. Katsina | Chief of Staff (Armed Forces) |
| Brig. Ekpo | Chief of Staff (Supreme Headquarters) |
| Col. Bissala | Chief of Staff (Army) |
| Alhaji Kam Selem | Inspector-General of the Police |
The Military Governors of the twelve states of the federation were ex-offcio members of the committee.