Key Aspects of Nigerian Courts and History

### Courts in Nigeria

• The Customary Court of Appeal is a superior court, and has appellate and supervisory jurisdiction in civil proceedings involving customary law.
• State and Federal Election Tribunals have original jurisdiction over election petitions.
• Magistrates Courts are Courts of Summary Jurisdiction, where matters are determined without pleadings.
• Area Courts (northern Nigeria) and Customary Courts (southern Nigeria) administer customary laws.
• Area and Customary Courts are subject to the general supervision of the High Court.
• Area and Customary Courts cannot issue orders like mandamus, certiorari, prohibition, injunctions, and quo warranto.

Key Historical Events in Nigeria

• The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) was established in 1974 to promote unity and integrity.
• The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was formed.
• The Biafra Secession threatened Nigeria's unity.

Gen. Murtala/Obasanjo Regime (1975-1979)

• A coup occurred on July 29, 1975, while Gen. Gowon was at an OAU summit.
• Gen. Murtala Muhammed became head of state and Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo was chief of staff.
• Gen. Murtala Mohammed was assassinated in a coup attempt led by Lt Col. B.S Dimka on February 13th.
• Gen Obasanjo became head of state.
• Seven more states were created, bringing the total to 19.
• The 1979 constitution was formulated.

Gen. Muhammadu Buhari’s Regime (1983-1985)

• Gen Obasanjo handed over power to Alhaji Shehu Shagari.
• The Shagari-led administration was overthrown in a coup on December 31, 1983.
• Maj Gen Mohammed Buhari became Head of State with Maj. Gen Tunde Idiagbon as chief of staff.
• The War Against Indiscipline (WAI) campaign was launched.
• The regime cracked down on violent crime and drug trafficking.

Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida’s Regime (1985-1993)

• Maj Gen Buhari's regime was overthrown on August 27, 1985.
• Maj Gen Ibrahim Babangida became head of state.
• The economy was revamped, with an emphasis on rural development.
• The Directorate of Food, Road and Rural Development Infrastructure (DFRRI) was established.
• A successful population census was conducted.
• The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) was established.

Gen. Sani Abacha’s Regime (1993-1998)

• Gen Babangida handed over power to an interim government led by Chief Ernest Shonekan on August 26, 1993.
• This followed a crisis stemming from not handing over power to the acclaimed winner of the June 12th general elections.

Green Revolution (1980)

• Initiative focused on transforming Nigeria's agricultural sector and promoting food security.
• Launched in April 1980 by the Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari administration.
• Focused on increasing crop production, improving irrigation, enhancing rural infrastructure, promoting fertilizer use, and encouraging small-scale farming.
• Key programs included NAERLS, ADPs, and RBDAs.
• Impacts include increased food production, improved agricultural productivity, enhanced rural development, reduced food imports, and increased income for farmers.
• Challenges include funding constraints, infrastructure challenges, climate change, limited access to credit, and political instability.

Austerity Measures (1984)

• Fiscal and monetary measures implemented in 1984 by the military government of General Muhammadu Buhari.
• Aimed at drastically reducing domestic demand pressure.
• Led by Samuel Joseph Cookey.

MAMSER (Mass Mobilization for Social and Economic Recovery) (1987)

• National orientation program aimed at promoting self-reliance, social justice, and economic recovery.
• Inaugurated on July 25, 1987, and headed by Jerry Gana.
• Objectives included reducing dependence on foreign aid, increasing food production, improving infrastructure, enhancing political awareness, and supporting small-scale industries.
• Strategies involved community mobilization, economic empowerment, infrastructure development, social justice education, and political education.
• Impact included increased political awareness, improved economic activity, enhanced social services, promoted self-reliance, and fostered social justice.
• Challenges included funding constraints, political instability, limited institutional capacity, inadequate grassroots participation, and economic constraints.
• Legacies include contributing to economic recovery, fostering political awareness, promoting self-reliance, and informing subsequent development initiatives.

All Progressives Congress (APC)

• Formed in 2013 through a merger of opposition parties.
• Gained a majority in the House of Representatives in 2015, with defections from the ruling PDP.
• Key figures in the party include Chief Adebisi Akande, Chief John Odigie Oyegun, Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomole, and Mai Mala Buni.
• Abdullahi Adamu was elected party chairman in 2022.

This quiz will test your knowledge on the structure of courts in Nigeria, including the roles of various court types and their jurisdictions. Additionally, it covers key historical events that have shaped Nigeria's political landscape, including the establishment of the NYSC and significant regimes. Refresh your understanding of Nigeria's judicial and historical framework.