15th February: Today in Nigeria history, PDP chose Obasanjo as presidential candidate, Gunmen freed 119 inmates in prison break; other events

• PDP chose Obasanjo as presidential candidate
• Gunmen freed 119 inmates in Nigerian prison break
• Okonjo-Iweala appointed WTO DG — first ever female and African
• Senate confirmed Ibrahim Lamorde as EFCC chair

According to Aldous Huxley, that men do not learn very much from the lessons of history is the most important of all lessons of history.

There is a special place for history in the life of human. It does not only protect memory of events but sometimes creates a spark of reflection about past events. As we forge head, we must consciously take cognizance of our past.

In an effort to increase awareness for the purpose of education, WITHIN NIGERIA highlighted five major events that shaped February 15th in Nigeria history.

PDP chose Obasanjo as presidential candidate

Former military ruler General Olusegun Obasanjo has won the presidential nomination of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and is favourite to win the poll, news organisations reported today, 15th February in 1999.

He achieved a “crushing victory”, according to the BBC, winning over 60 percent of the vote at this weekend’s PDP convention in the central town of Jos. His nearest rival, the former civilian vice-president, Alex Ekwueme, won only 20 percent of the vote and described the poll as “fair”.

Speaking after his nomination, Obasanjo said the “polarisation of society between soldiers and civilians” had come to an end, the BBC reported.

The PDP swept recent local and state elections making it the largest party in Nigeria and this puts Obasanjo in a strong position to win the presidential elections on 27 February, agencies noted.

Gunmen freed 119 inmates in Nigerian prison break

On this day, 15th February in 2012, gunmen stormed a prison in Kogi state in central Nigeria, killing one warden and freeing 119 prisoners.

According to the prison authorities on Thursday, “The invaders came at about 7.15 pm (1815 GMT) yesterday and we suspected they used explosives to bring down the gate of the prison and the roof of the gate and thereafter set free 119 inmates,”

Islamist sect Boko Haram, which has killed hundreds in bomb and gun attacks this year, was behind a prison break in northern Bauchi state in 2010 when about 700 prisoners were freed.

Okonjo-Iweala appointed WTO DG — first ever female and African

On this day, 15th February in 2021, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala was appointed as the director-general of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

The Geneva-based organisation on Monday announced the appointment of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

“Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala from Nigeria is appointed as the next WTO Director-General. Dr Okonjo-Iweala makes history as the first woman and the first African to lead the WTO,” the WTO announced on Twitter.

Senate confirmed Ibrahim Lamorde as EFCC chair

The Nigerian Senate on 15th February in 2012 confirmed Ibrahim Lamorde as the substantive chairman of Nigeria’s foremost anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

The approval is sequel to a January 12 letter from President Goodluck Jonathan requesting the red chamber to okay Mr. Lamorde for the job in accordance with the law establishing the commission.

By his confirmation, Mr. Lamorde becomes the third chairperson of the commission.

Mr. Lamorde, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), is heading the commission after serving in acting capacity twice.

Mr. Larmode, who worked closely with former chair Nuhu Ribadu, acted as chairman of the commission after Mr. Ribadu was sacked in 2007, prior to the appointment of Farida Waziri.