Gideon Orkar: Difference between revisions
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Orkar was a part of the Nigerian contingent sent to [[Chad]] and later served in the 22 Armoured Brigade. His last posting prior to the April 1990 coup was as a member of the Directing Staff of the [[Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji|Command and Staff College]], [[Jaji,_Nigeria|Jaji]].<ref name=Newswatch /> |
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Revision as of 17:30, 13 July 2015
Major Gideon Gwaza Orkar (?- July 27 1990) was a Nigerian military officer who staged a violent coup against the government of General Ibrahim Babangida on April 22, 1990. Orkar and his conspirators seized the FRCN radio station, various military posts around Lagos and the Dodan Barracks, Lagos, the military headquarters and presidential residence. Babangida was present when the barracks were attacked but managed to escape by a back route.[1]
In his coup address, amongst other things Orkar called for the consideration of an excision of five northern states.[2] However, the coup was crushed by the Babangida regime and Orkar was executed for his role.
Background and education
Gideon Orkar was a Tiv who hailed from Benue State. He started his officer cadet training at the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna in 1972 with the 12th Regular Combatant Course.[3] He was commissioned in December 1974 in the rank of Second Lieutenant and posted to the Nigerian Army Armoured Corps School in Ibadan. [3]
Career
Orkar was a part of the Nigerian contingent sent to Chad and later served in the 22 Armoured Brigade. His last posting prior to the April 1990 coup was as a member of the Directing Staff of the Command and Staff College, Jaji.[3]
Death
Major Orkar and 41 other conspirators were convicted of treason[4] and executed by firing squad on July 27 1990 by the government of General Ibrahim Babangida.[5]
References
- ^ Nowa Omoigui, MD. "The Orkar Coup of April 22, 1990". Segun Toyin Dawodu. Retrieved 2009-11-21.
- ^ "April 1990 Coup D'etat Speech". April 1990 Coup Speech DAWODU.COM Dedicated to Nigeria's History, Socio-Economic and Political issues. Retrieved 13 July 2015.
- ^ a b c "Orkar's failed attempt to dismember Nigeria". Newswatch Times. Retrieved 13 July 2015.
- ^ Omoigui, Nowa. "The Orkar Failed Coup of April 22, 1990 Part 2". Urhobo Historical Society. Retrieved 13 July 2015.
- ^ "Nigerian coup-plotters executed". United Press International (UPI). Retrieved 13 July 2015.
External links
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