The Orkar Failed Coup of April 22, 1990

By Nowa Omoigui, MD, MPH, FACC

Shortly after dawn broke on April 22, 1990, the following broadcast was heard over the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) in Lagos:

"Fellow Nigerian Citizens, On behalf of the patriotic and well-meaning peoples of the Middle Belt and the southern parts of this country, I , Major Gideon Orkar, wish to happily inform you of the successful ousting of the dictatorial, corrupt, drug baronish, evil man, deceitful, homo-sexually-centered, prodigalistic, un-patriotic administration of General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida. We have equally commenced their trials for unabated corruption, mismanagement of national economy, the murders of Dele Giwa, Major-General Mamman Vatsa, with other officers as there was no attempted coup but mere intentions that were yet to materialise and other human rights violations.

The National Guard already in its formative stage is disbanded with immediate effect. Decrees Number 2 and 46 are hereby abrogated. We wish to emphasise that this is not just another coup but a well conceived, planned and executed revolution for the marginalised, oppressed and enslaved peoples of the Middle Belt and the south with a view to freeing ourselves and children yet unborn from eternal slavery and colonisation by a clique of this country. Our history is replete with numerous and uncontrollable instances of callous and insensitive dominatory repressive intrigues by those who think it is their birthright to dominate till eternity the political and economic privileges of this great country to the exclusion of the people of the Middle Belt and the south. They have almost succeeded in subjugating the Middle Belt and making them voiceless and now extending same to the south. It is our unflinching belief that this quest for domination, oppression and marginalisation is against the wish of God and therefore, must be resisted with the vehemence. Click here to print or download complete article

Comments

[Dr. Olumide Awe]

Dear Nowa,
I commend you in your zeal and attention to details in trying to unravel the threads of military interventions in the politics of Nigeria as a nation. I see your 'reviews' have been mainly commentary in nature, rather than analytical, especially with regards to the catastrophic effects of what these incursions have wrought on our great nation. It is no accident that the military (albeit in altered toga of 'politicians') has continued to dictate the directions of events in our nation. I ask you, which group of people has the most fund at their disposal? It is no accident that Babaginda has the impudent boldness to consider running for presidency again. Can you, Nowa, as a professional, aspire in Nigeria to have the same living standard you currently enjoy in the US? Have you paid a recent visit to your Alma Mater, UCH to see its derelict state? (A friend's wife, no less a medical doctor recently died after surgery on her CaCervix stage 1a.)
Let us not 'glorify' or edify these charlatans in articles, but write more decisively on the ruins they have caused, and how best to get rid of such 'human dregs' and prevent them from ever causing the likes of you (who tower above them morally and intellectually) from writing about their negative contributions to history, in ways to suggest their 'greatness'.

[Dapo Ogunlade]

Dear Dr. Omoigui,

In response to the comments of Dr. Awe over his observations after reading one of your articles( namely the article dealing with the failed Orkar coup) I felt compelled to respond with some observations of my own. Firstly, I would like to commend Dr. Omoigui for is continued insightful documentaries, on major issues in Nigerian history. It is no secret that probably 80% of Nigerians are ignorant of what really transpired in these cases, and with subsequent governments paying lip service to rights of free press and free speech, without the efforts of Dr. Omoigui and his like , no lessons would be learnt from these events, whether good or bad. Nigerian history dating from independence till present is not taught in Nigerian schools..till this day, so without educating our youth and with an ignorant adult population.. how exactly does the good Dr. Awe propose we go about building a bridge to a better Nigeria? With no knowledge of your past.... that just isn't possible.
I have been opportuned to read most of the articles Dr. Omoigui has written to date , and not at anytime have I identified the "glorification of those involved" of which Dr. Awe spoke of. He delivers the facts....thats all. Any assumptions or presumptions that are made in his writings are well qualified as his opinions. The reader has the same rights to draw whatever conclusions he/she sees fit. Moreover I think it is much easier to make learned conclusions when presented with all the facts from different personalities who actually participated in the events in question. To ask whether the Dr.(Omoigui) could expect to live the same life in Nigeria as he currently lives in America is both irrelevant and somewhat disturbing coming from a Nigerian intellectual. Dr. Omoigui is in his own way doing his bit in the rebuilding and revamping of Nigeria by providing information about her recent history. What exactly are you doing Dr. Awe?
I express my deepest sympathy, for the loss of your collegue. I also am an Alumni of the University of Ibadan although I suppose a much later graduating class than you two Drs. (1987), and the process of dereliction that engulfed the campus and college of Medicine probably had just started in my graduating year, however, sad as it may be, the breakdown in our instititions of healthcare and higher learning.. has nothing to do with Dr. Omoiguis writings...actually I think the exposure he provides in his articles makes us more wary of what exactly can happen when the rule of law is subjucated by totalitarian leadership. If anything that should encourage a free people to be more protective and nuturing of institutions that symbolize our strength and knowledge.
Dr. Awe.... your letter is a classic case of killing the messenger. If the affairs of your country depress you so.. do something about it and leave those who have set out to enlighten the populace alone. To Dr. Omoigui.....Bravo!

[jerry osamudiamen]

I want to salute ur courage, though i don't know you much.My first contact with the name is the article i red on the failed coup of 1990.I wud like to know you better

[Okwuchi Uzoebo]

I will be doing my conscience a great injustice if I fail to let you know the positive influence your articles have had on young Nigerians like myself, who were children or not born when these events took place.
History always has a way of repeating itself, but if we all know of the shortcomings and failures of our leaders of the past, then when we see such traits in present leaders we can all with one voice arise and refuse to be violated again.
Thank you. You are doing a great job.
People like you make some of us still have hope that we could effect change in our nation if we make decisions today, avoiding the mistakes of the past.
You are a strong positive voice of Nigeria. keep it up.