Word: anga
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Dates: during 1970-1979
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There are no serious ideological differences between Gowon and Mohammed; both are defenders of African nationalism and free enterprise. But there are tribal differences. Gowon is a Christian northerner from the relatively small Anga tribe. Nigeria's new leader is a Hausa Moslem with strong tribal loyalties-a factor that led Gowon to regard Mohammed as a threat to his own Lincolnesque policy of "national conciliation" after the Biafran civil war. The least sign of regional or tribal chauvinism on Mohammed's part might well lead to countercoup or renewed civil war. Foreign diplomats in Nigeria also fear...
That is no easy prescription for Africa's most populous nation. Its nearly 70 million people are divided into three major ethnic groups-the Yorubas, Hausas and Ibos-and some 250 tribal offshoots. To reduce the power of the dominant tribes, Gowon, who belongs to the small Anga tribe, split Nigeria's four federal regions into twelve states. He allows them to handle their internal affairs but intervenes discreetly to make sure all tribes are consulted on local government decisions. Although Gowon rose to power as strongman of an army coup eight years ago, he believes that...