The Politics of Unification of the British-Northern Cameroons with Nigeria: 1945-1961

Abstract

This article examines the politics that surrounded the unification of this territory with Nigeria during the first and second plebiscites sponsored by the United Nations, under the United Kingdom for the part of the Northern section of former British-Cameroons amalgamation with Nigeria, in 1961. This region, with its diversity in both ethnic and geographical pattern. Therefore, considered as a large whole because of the nature of its common historical root. The territory was quite remarkable with a unique historical occurrence. It was once a catalogue of slaves for the rulers of the trust territory, perhaps, with the exclusion of the Kanuri Empire of Dikwa emirate? Similarly, it was a German Protectorate; later transformed into a League of Nations mandate; furthermore, hitherto metamorphosed, turn out to be a United Nations trust territory, before finally unified with Northern Nigeria and part of the Federation of Nigeria in 1961. We may infer that no part of Nigeria that has experienced such a significant historical feel. More especially, the contributions of the Prime minister traditional rulers and the Premier of Northern Nigeria on the unification process. The aim is to trace the process and contribution of educated Northern Nigeria elites, which led to the union. The question that comes to mind is why did the first plebiscites fail? The objectives of the union were to uphold the legacy of the Sokoto Caliphate, and ensure that the Northern strips adjoining Adamawa, Borno and Benue (formerly known as the British-Northern Cameroons) unified with Nigeria. This article finds out that educated northern elites and traditional rulers, especially the Prime minister and the Premier of Northern Nigeria have played a vital role in the union process.