Former Nigerian Television Authority, NTA, Chief, Engineer Vincent Maduka, has shared a remarkable story about his experience during the 1983 military coup that brought General Muhammadu Buhari to power.
Maduka was sacked as Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) during the civilian government of President Shehu Shagari.
The coup occurred on a Friday, and by Saturday, news began spreading about ministers either fleeing the country or being arrested.
Maduka said he found it amusing, given that one of the ministers had fired him from his position just before the coup.
Military officers arrived at Maduka’s house, instructing him to get into their vehicle. Initially shocked and confused, Maduka was taken to Dodan Barracks, where he was questioned and subsequently reinstated as Director-General of NTA.
In Maduka’s words: “Friday was the coup, from Friday to Saturday we were hearing of ministers running away, sneaking out and being arrested. And I was laughing because this was NPN minister, he just sacked me. So I was celebrating then the military came to my doorstep and said I should get into their vehicle. I said me, what have I done? I am not a minister. So they took me to Dodan barracks. The long and short of it is they said ‘you are going back to NTA’”
