In these times, the recognized rulers were the main political figures, who controlled the life of people. Nigerian leaders, whether as members of a military regime or one of Nigeria's short-lived civilian governments, have a history of doing whatever it takes to stay in power and to hold on to the wealth that this power has given them. Nigeria's Governor General before independence (1912 to 1960) are: Fredrick Lugard, Hurge Clifford,Creamer Thompson, Donald Cameroon and ,,,,, organizational vision, and their knowledge of African colonial history. Most of the leaders had an organizational vision centered on ideological and cultural liberation. 1861-1914 - Britain consolidates its hold over what it calls the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria, governs through local leaders. Colonel Odumegwu Ojukwu (1933–2011) from 6 July 1967 to 15 January 1970. The 1920s and 1930s saw worldwide economic crises which caused the price for those things produced in African countries—raw materials and cash crops—to drop sharply (remember that this is the period of the Great Depression and the events leading into it). The corruption associated with General Ibrahim Babangida, who ruled from 1985 to 1993, and General Sani Abacha (1993-1998) alienated citizens even further. The list below shows the Colonial Leaders who ruled Nigeria before independence Sir Frederick Lord Lugard 1912 – 1919 Sir Hugh Cliford 1919 – 1925 Sir Lukmer Thompson 1925 – 1931 Sir Donald Cameron 1931 – 1935 Sir Barard Boundillion 1935 – 1943 Sir Authur Richard 1943 – 1945 Sir […] Most of them are revered for fighting against colonial oppression and bringing together the African people in their respective countries. The NCNC, now headed by Azikiwe (who had taken control after Macaulay’s death in 1946), formed a coalition with Balewa’s NPC after neither party won a majority in the 1959 elections. An implication of the study includes the fact that the process of sensemaking is a natural human process which applies to organizational members regardless of context. History of Nigeria (1500 – 1800) The history of the territories which since ca. All in all, among Nigeria's many historic kingdoms, Benin has earned its widespread renown. Africa has produced some of the greatest leaders. (Boahen, African Perspectives on Colonialism, 76-77) And economic conditions changed. Nigeria - Nigeria - Independent Nigeria: Nigeria was granted independence on October 1, 1960. The Nigerian Civil War (also known as the Biafran War and the Nigerian-Biafran War) was a civil war in Nigeria fought between the government of Nigeria headed by General Yakubu Gowon and the secessionist state of Biafra led by late Lt. In the time of the pre-colonial period a territory of modern Nigeria was occupied by many ethnic groups. Traditional leaders maintain the monarchical style of rule and hold the titles introduced by their ancestors. This is in sharp contrast to the post- colonial African leaders who ruled from the 1960s-1990s who often serve as powerful dictator as the supreme ruler with no room for dissent or other voices. This averment will gain credence once we discuss the top 10 greatest African leaders and some of their achievements in the article. The military strongmen generally disregarded rule of law. Since independence was granted in 1960, Nigerian leaders have used military might to enforce its tentative, personalized authority. The Fulani and Sokoto: 1804-1903: Living among the Hausa in the northern regions of Nigeria are a tribe, the Fulani, whose leaders in the early 19th century become passionate advocates of strict Islam. A new constitution established a federal system with an elected prime minister and a ceremonial head of state.