I wondered why @DrJoeAbah said IBB is the reason Nigeria is askew. While I disagree with that notion, I decided to do some digging. I will show what I found. IBB is a very interesting character. He just might be the smartest coup platter in Nigeria and lasted 8 years. Thread

1st thing IBB did when he toppled Buhari was to assume the title of President. It wasn't just a moniker. It was a master psychological move. Being addressed as Presdient and not Head of State meant he assumed the presidential powers as enshrined in the 1979 constitution.

This move gave him sweeping powers and placed him head and shoulders about the Supreme Military Council which he renamed Armed Forces Ruling Council. Previous Heads of State took decisions with these bodies. IBB as Presdient took decisions on his own. No one questioned him.

The title of President gave IBB the power to appoint Chief of General Staff, Defence Minister, Chairman Joint Chief of Staff, Heads of Army, Navy, Airforce, Police and NSO. These were appointments made after consulting SMC.

Do you see the similarities between IBB as president and post 1999 Nigeria president? It was IBB.

IBB also acquired, by the virtue of being addressed as President, the power to appoint AFRC members. The positions used to be ex officio but when IBB came he appointed officers into the council. By giving them appointment letters he further highlighted his powers.

The AFRC normally would have calendar dates for meetings. IBB called for meetings only when he deemed it necessary. Members of the AFRC were his minions. They only did as he wanted and acted only when he wanted them to act. Subtle but effective.

Many people do not know who Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe is. He was CGS under IBB. IBB made sure his second in command had no influence. This way his position as numero uno was secure. An example of how powerless IBB number 2 was played out during OIC affair.

Nigeria was maintaining an observer status in OIC but in 1986 Nigeria became a full member. While Ukiwe was saying to the media that AFRC had not discussed Nigeria status at OIC IBB sent delegates to OIC who secretly upgraded Nigeria observer status to full member.

This was how ruling by cabal was enthroned by IBB. That practice still functions even today. Ukiwe was removed as CGS Nad posted to head the navy. He retired.

Apart from being president IBB was also chairman of the following: national council of ministers&that of states, police service commission, CBN, SSS, NIA, DIA, Budget dept., Constitution Review Committee etc. He became a very powerful man. It was almost impossible to dethrone him

If you study the 1999 constitution of Nigeria you will see IBB fingerprints on it in many places. By reserving the power to appoint and fire people the Nigeria president is able to enjoy loyalty even by coercion. Such power is enjoyed today

Having said all the above you can see that even though Nigeria's problems didn't start with IBB he institutionalized the problems and made sure they still live with us today.

End of thread