§ 37. Mr. Sydney Irvingasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the decision of the Governor-General of Nigeria to invoke emergency powers in areas of Eastern Nigeria where disturbances have broken out over the restoration of school fees.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydIn order to finance their programme of universal primary education, the Eastern Regional Government last month announced their decision to introduce certain fees with effect from the beginning of the new school year in January. The resentment aroused in parts of the region by this decision led to mass demonstrations, mostly by women, and to widespread acts of lawlessness. Police action met with resistance. On 5th February, the Governor-General, following a recommendation by the Governor of the Eastern Region and his Security Committee, and after consultation with the Federal Prime Minister, applied emergency powers to 9 out of 29 divisions in the region and to one urban area. Four more divisions were included on 12th February. Strong police reinforcements have been sent into the region. These actions, which were endorsed by the Federal Council of Ministers, have had the effect of restraining violence. One man was killed on the only occasion when the police have had to open fire, and one man has since died. The situation has been calmer in the last few days and some schools closed by the demonstrators have begun to reopen.
1015 In a broadcast on 9th February, the Premier of the Eastern Region called for restraint and for representations to be made only in a constitutional manner. The Eastern House of Assembly met on 13th February, and has been debating a Government motion embodying certain modifications in the application of school fees.
§ Mr. IrvingI think we all regret that it has been necessary to invoke these powers, and we all hope that it will not be necessary to continue them. In view of the fact that the Eastern Region is the poorest of the regions, and that there is a tremendous and inspiring demand for education there, does not the right hon. Gentleman think it possible that some subvention from the Federal Government would help the Regional Government to get over this particular difficulty and to carry on with the progress made so far?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThe Eastern Region of Nigeria has been fully internally self-governing since August of last year, and we must leave such arguments to that Government.