Chapter 09 of 17

Handing Over

On 1 October 1979 the military kept its promise and handed power to an elected civilian government, a first for the African continent.

With General Obasanjo
Shehu Musa Yar'Adua, left, with General Olusegun Obasanjo.
The Handover Ceremony
Shehu Musa Yar'Adua, right, with General Olusegun Obasanjo at the handover of 1 October 1979 that ushered in the Second Republic.
With Obasanjo and Ekwueme
Shehu Musa Yar'Adua, right, with General Olusegun Obasanjo and Chief Alex Ekwueme at the handover of 1 October 1979.
Vice President Alex Ekwueme
Chief Alex Ekwueme sworn in as Vice President of Nigeria, 1 October 1979.
President Shagari’s First Address
Alhaji Shehu Shagari delivers his first national address as President of Nigeria.
At the Handover Ceremony
Shehu Musa Yar'Adua, left, with General Obasanjo and Alhaji Shehu Shagari at the handover of 1 October 1979.
The Transition to Civilian Rule
Major General Shehu Musa Yar'Adua, third from right, with Vice Admiral Michael Adelanwa, General Olusegun Obasanjo and President-elect Alhaji Shehu Shagari during the transition, 1 October 1979.
The Outgoing Military Government
The outgoing military government on 1 October 1979, marking the formal handover to an elected civilian administration.