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Abubakar Tafawa Balewa




Balewa entered the governement in 1952 as Minister of Works, and later served as Minister of Transport. In 1957, he was elected Chief Minister, forming a coalition government between the NPC and the National Council for Nigeria and the Cameroons, led by Nnamdi Azikiwe . He retained the post as prime minister, when Nigeria gained independence in 1960 , and was reelected in 1964 . His term in office was turbulent, however, with regional factionalism constantly threatening his government. He was overthrown and killed in a military coup on January 15, 1966, as were many other leaders, including his old companion Ahmadu Bello. His body was discovered by a roadside near Lagos six days after he was ousted from office. Balewa was buried in Bauchi.

The Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University in Bauchi is named in his honor.