Atom kpera

Retired Brigadier General John Atom Kpera is a Tiv man from Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State, born on January 3, 1941, held the position of the inaugural Military Governor of Anambra State in Nigeria from March 1976 to July 1978. Anambra State was established from the former East Central State during General Olusegun Obasanjo’s military administration. Subsequently, he served as the Military Governor of Benue State from January 1984 to August 1985, a tenure that occurred during the military regime led by Major-General Muhammadu Buhari.

Background and Early Life

For his secondary education, Atom Kpera enrolled at Katsina-Ala College, which is presently known as Government College Katsina-Ala, from 1956 to 1961. His early life had an element of excitement, considering the challenging circumstances he was born into. Hailing from a humble background, he faced financial hardships throughout his upbringing. At one point, he spent part of his formative years under the care of his uncle, and later, he found himself living with his grandmother in Mkar. Eventually, he moved in with his late uncle in Gboko.

In his family, financial resources were scarce, and they made do with what they had. His uncle, despite limited means, did his best to provide for him, even though it may not have been the most comfortable upbringing. Looking back, he acknowledges the efforts made by his uncle to support him during those early years.

Recalling his time in Gboko, he describes it with a sense of nostalgia. His daily routine included a range of household chores, such as sweeping the compound and fetching water for his uncle and aunt before heading off to school. School commenced promptly at 7 am, and being punctual was of utmost importance, just as fulfilling the daily chores was a non-negotiable task. Over time, he grew accustomed to this routine and appreciates the care and support his uncle provided during those years.

A significant change occurred when his uncle had to leave town, leaving them facing tougher times. Despite the absence of his uncle, they managed to get by, as Providence somehow provided for their needs, albeit in a modest manner. Life during that era was characterized by simplicity and limited resources, especially during the early 1950s. They relied heavily on services offered by the Tiv Native Authority, including the public water system. Electricity was a luxury that eluded everyone in Nigeria at that time, leading them to rely on kerosene lamps for lighting.

He reminisces with a sense of enthusiasm about the nights he spent selling kerosene on the streets of Gboko. Holding bottles of kerosene and calling out “kananjir” to attract potential customers was part of his routine. Occasionally, accidents would occur, resulting in broken bottles and the subsequent challenges of facing his family. These memories hold a special place in his heart, as they represent a significant part of his journey. Looking at the present, he acknowledges that today’s children do not face the same hardships, with access to electricity and clean water, a far cry from their time when they had to fetch drinking water from the stream and engage in early morning household chores. His uncle and aunt would prepare for work, leaving him responsible for sweeping the compound. In retrospect, he finds those days quite fascinating, understanding that given the circumstances, there was little else that could have been done.

Early Life Influences on Atom Kpera

In his reminiscences of bygone years, the indomitable figure of His Royal Majesty, the late James Akperan Orshi, emerges as a prominent influence in Atom Kpera’s early life. Serving as their headmaster, Akperan Orshi was renowned for his strict disciplinary approach and unwavering work ethic. Despite his young age, he found himself deeply impressed by Akperan Orshi, a man he greatly looked up to. Akperan Orshi’s dedication to the school and his exemplary conduct across various spheres left an indelible mark on the young Atom Kpera.

As Atom Kpera matured, he encountered a diverse array of individuals who played pivotal roles in shaping his life. This period also marked his introduction to Christianity, where he crossed paths with numerous pastors and clergy members whose influence he held in high regard. Their moral and spiritual guidance instilled in him a desire to emulate their path.

Yet, amidst these multifaceted influences, it was the late Akperan Orshi who wielded the most profound impact on Atom Kpera’s aspirations. As he approached the culmination of his secondary education, his ambition was firmly set on becoming a teacher, primarily influenced by the remarkable headmaster. However, fate intervened, and a divine calling beckoned him towards a different path—the path of a soldier, a calling he believed God had destined for him.

Military Training and Entry

It appears that Atom Kpera’s entry into the military was somewhat serendipitous, with circumstances aligning in an unexpected way. In the early days after Nigeria gained independence, there was a concerted effort to nationalize various sectors, including the military. The British, who were instrumental during this period, were committed to this endeavor.

During his time at Katsina-Ala College, a recruiting officer, an expatriate captain, visited the school as part of a widespread recruitment drive. This initiative was not limited to his school alone; it encompassed educational institutions across the Northern Region. The officer presented an enticing proposition, inviting students to express their interest in joining the Army. Those who chose to participate would be called to Kaduna for interviews, receive allowances, and be accompanied by a trained government warrant. The offer held a certain allure during that era, prompting Atom Kpera to discuss it with his late uncle.

Seeking guidance, he traveled to Kaduna for the interview and, as promised, received his allowance. Soon after, he received a telegram, bearing a trained warrant, directing him to return to Kaduna. Although initially hesitant about joining the Army, he informed his uncle of the situation. His uncle advised him to go to Kaduna, suggesting that since they had issued a trained warrant and continued to provide allowances, it was worthwhile to explore the opportunity.

Atom Kpera returned to Kaduna once more and found himself among the first 20 individuals selected for military training. During this selection process, it became clear that he was destined for a career in the military. Despite his reservations, he pressed on and underwent military training. He later rushed back to Gboko, expressing his reluctance to his uncle once more, but circumstances prevailed.

A telegram was sent to the District Officer in Gboko, and the officer personally intervened, urging Atom Kpera to accept the opportunity. Ultimately, he relented, and he returned to Kaduna, where he was immediately kitted and subsequently flown to Ethiopia for military training. In this manner, his path diverged from becoming a teacher to embarking on a career as a military man.

Military Training in Ethiopia

The experience at the training academy was both enriching and exhilarating for Atom Kpera. However, it came with its share of challenges. He commenced his training six months after the course had already begun, but his determination and aptitude for learning enabled him to quickly catch up with the academic aspects of the program.

On the military front, the physical demands of the training were rigorous and demanding, but Atom Kpera embraced these challenges wholeheartedly. Despite the tough conditions, he managed to excel, ultimately ranking third in the order of merit within a class of more than 50 individuals.

It’s worth noting that Atom Kpera’s entry into the Ethiopian training program was not a personal choice; it was the result of negotiations between the Nigerian government and the Ethiopian government. Initially, a group of 20 individuals was selected for training, with 10 destined for the Army Military Academy and the other 10, including Atom Kpera, designated for Air Force training. While they embarked on this training journey together, Atom Kpera, unfortunately, did not complete the Air Force program successfully to earn his pilot’s wings. Among his cohort of 10 trainees, six faced similar outcomes, while the remaining four successfully achieved their wings. Those who couldn’t complete the Air Force training were subsequently redirected to the military academy. Therefore, his career path was not a matter of personal choice but rather a consequence of the circumstances and training outcomes.

Failure in Pilot Training

Speaking from his personal experience in the Air Force training program, Atom Kpera embarked on the journey to become a pilot. In this rigorous training, there were distinct stages, starting with instruction under a teacher pilot. Upon successful completion of this phase, trainees would progress to solo flights, where they operated aircraft independently. Atom Kpera accumulated approximately 15 hours of flight time during his solo training, diligently logging his hours.

However, his solo flights were marked by two incidents of landing difficulties. On both occasions, upon returning to land, his landings resulted in crash-landings, where the aircraft veered off into the surrounding terrain.

During the second incident, as he was in the process of clearing the runway as instructed by the control tower due to a distress call, he inadvertently ended up in the bush. Subsequently, a comprehensive evaluation of his performance led to the conclusion that he might not be suited for flying, as a third attempt could potentially be life-threatening. Consequently, he was grounded and reassigned to the Haile Selassie Academy.

Throughout the training process, candidates faced rigorous testing, with failure leading to disqualification. In Atom Kpera’s case, he was among the last to be grounded, while others faced similar disqualification for various reasons, with some not even progressing to solo flights.

Notable Assignments and Achievements

After enlisting in the army, and attending the Haile Selasie Military Academy in Ethiopia in 1962 for his Military Cadet Training. His dedication and commitment led to his commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers in 1965. Throughout his military career, he held a range of significant command and staff positions, including roles such as Engineers Brigade Commander, Squadron Commander, Regimental Commander, and Commander of the Corps of Engineers.

One notable chapter in his military history was his involvement in Nigeria’s first military coup on January 15, 1966. During this event, he played a role alongside Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu in an attempt to overthrow the Northern Region government. Although the coup did not achieve its intended objectives, it did pave the way for Major-General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi to assume power as the head of the first Nigerian military government.

first military coup in Nigeria

In 1966, Atom Kpera was stationed in Kaduna as a second lieutenant. He had returned to Nigeria in August of the previous year and resumed his service in the engineering section of the military, where he had been prior to the events of 1966. At the time, he was in command of a troop, which, in the Engineers, is equivalent to what is called a platoon in the infantry.

The sequence of events leading to his involvement in the coup can be summarized as follows: His Officer Commanding organized what they referred to as “Exercise Damisa,” which internally they simply called “orders.” This exercise was a training operation conducted at night. Atom Kpera’s entire squadron participated, and their mission was to execute a night attack and subsequently secure strategic locations.

In his case, his troop was tasked with seizing and protecting the National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) station in Kaduna. Following the night attack in the wilderness, their commanders identified and marked various vital points (VPs).

Initially, after the first night of the night attack, which included seizing and guarding the Radio station, the Officer Commanding inspected their operation and instructed them to “stand down,” signifying that they could return to their regular duties.

However, on the following night, during a similar assembly at 7 pm, their Officer Commanding inspected the troops again but did not issue a “stand down” order. Instead, he informed them that they would receive their stand-down orders later. It was at this point that Atom Kpera began to suspect that something was amiss, and the exercise might not be what it seemed.

The next day, an officer named J. C. Ojukwu informed them that the exercise had been completed, and Major Hassan Katsina was also present. Atom Kpera inquired about the nature of the exercise, which further raised suspicions. Their Officer Commanding then instructed them to remain at their posts and not allow anyone to enter or exit. It was during this second night that Atom Kpera began to grasp the possibility that what they were involved in might be part of a coup. He described his participation in the events as “blindfolded,” and he noted that he was not the only one in this situation. Among the officers in his squadron, there were only four who were not of Igbo extraction, while the rest were of Igbo origin. This context sheds light on the complex circumstances surrounding his involvement in the coup.

Military Governor of Anambra State

John Atom Kpera’s journey to becoming the military governor of the East Central State unfolded with remarkable spontaneity. He had no inkling of the impending assignment when he received orders to report to Dodan Barracks. Upon his arrival, he was met with an astonishing declaration: “You are going to be the military governor of the East Central State.”

The announcement came directly from the Head of State at the time, General Murtala Mohammed. General Murtala informed him that he would be taking a military plane to Enugu the following day to assume this significant role. Atom Kpera’s response was a resolute “Yes, sir!”

Before this momentous revelation, Atom Kpera had been stationed in Ibadan, commanding the Engineering Brigade. It was a far cry from his current appointment, and the news took him by complete surprise.

General Obasanjo, who held the position of Chief of Staff, played a pivotal role in the unfolding events. Having worked with Atom Kpera previously, General Obasanjo broached the idea of his becoming a governor. Atom Kpera’s initial reaction was one of bewilderment: “What are you saying, sir?”

General Obasanjo and Atom Kpera then embarked on a visit to the Commander-in-Chief, General Murtala. It was in General Murtala’s office that the official proclamation was made: “You are going to be the governor of the East Central State.” It was an unforeseen and momentous turning point in Atom Kpera’s life.

Upon arriving in Enugu, Atom Kpera encountered Colonel Ochefu, a distinguished officer, in the office. As a gesture of respect, he saluted Colonel Ochefu as his senior. This marked the commencement of their working relationship, as Colonel Ochefu provided Atom Kpera with a comprehensive briefing, setting the stage for his tenure as the governor of the East Central State.

From Atom Kpera’s perspective, his appointment as the military governor of the East Central State was essentially a posting within the military hierarchy. His extensive military background and training had equipped him to handle various command responsibilities. At the time of his appointment, he held the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and had undergone numerous courses, including those in the United States, which had prepared him for diverse command roles.

For Atom Kpera, the transition to Enugu was akin to a military assignment, albeit with a unique twist. Instead of commanding commissioned officers to whom he could issue direct orders, he now had civilian commissioners under his jurisdiction. This marked the key difference in his role. To adapt to this change, he had to shift his mindset and approach to work effectively with civilians.

In his initial assignment as military governor, he encountered a commissioner who was a former soldier, and even held a higher rank than him during their military service. However, the commissioner had retired by the time Atom Kpera assumed office. Despite this, the commissioner adapted smoothly to the new working dynamic, and this transition was relatively problem-free. This experience extended to the other civilian commissioners as well, as they recognized the need to adjust their approach in light of the changed circumstances. It became evident to all parties involved that the status quo had shifted, and a different approach was required.

Military Governor of Benue State

Atom Kpera’s journey intertwined with that of General Muhammadu Buhari at various stages, reflecting their shared military experiences and collaborations.

During the civil war, they both found themselves in the same theater, holding the rank of majors at the time. This proximity fostered a close working relationship, and they developed a deep familiarity with each other’s capabilities.

Their partnership continued when Atom Kpera was appointed as the Military Governor of the East Central State, and simultaneously, General Buhari assumed a similar role in the North-East State. Their concurrent appointments allowed them to collaborate closely in their respective regions.

Subsequently, when General Buhari ascended to the position of head of state, he appointed Atom Kpera as the Military Governor of Benue State. In this capacity, they continued to work together, with General Buhari maintaining a keen interest in the activities of the military governors.

An illustrative example of their shared history involves General Murtala Mohammed’s decision to post them to states other than their places of origin. Atom Kpera was posted from the Benue Plateau to the East Central State, while General Buhari was relocated from the North Central State to the North-East. However, when General Buhari assumed leadership as head of state in 1983, he opted to post officers to their respective states of origin. His reasoning behind this decision was rooted in the belief that being stationed in one’s home state would lead to greater accountability, as the local population would hold their leaders accountable for their performance.

This change in posting philosophy presented Atom Kpera with a fresh challenge when he took up the role of Military Governor in Benue State, further demonstrating the intertwining paths and shared experiences of these two military figures.

Challenges Faced as Military Governor of Benue State

The circumstances of Atom Kpera’s tenure as the Military Governor of Benue State were marked by several challenges, which he navigated with pragmatic solutions.

Upon assuming office in January 1984, he was confronted with a concerning financial situation. The state was burdened with a substantial amount of debt, and many employees had gone unpaid for extended periods. Recognizing the need for immediate action, Atom Kpera implemented a stringent fiscal approach. He issued directives to ensure that the state did not accumulate further debts, and these measures ultimately proved effective. By the end of the year, all outstanding debts had been cleared.

The financial situation was compounded by the absence of funds from the federation account, leaving the state to rely solely on internally generated revenue. To address this limitation, Atom Kpera made necessary adjustments to government expenditure, aligning it with the available resources.

In pursuit of development projects, he sought permission to secure a bond of N12 million, a substantial sum at the time. However, before the bond could be finalized, the military government of General Buhari was overthrown by Babangida, leading to Atom Kpera’s departure from office. His successor, David Jang, inherited the process of acquiring the bond, which likely played a crucial role in addressing financial challenges.

During his tenure, Atom Kpera faced the difficult task of managing a sizable civil service, including local government personnel, amid financial constraints. He had to make tough decisions, such as reducing the number of schools, approximately 22 of which had been initiated by his predecessor, Aper Aku. These decisions were made to prevent further financial strain and indebtedness.

Atom Kpera also prioritized internal revenue generation and witnessed substantial improvements in revenue collection, thanks to the efforts of his Director of Internal Revenue.

Despite the challenges, Atom Kpera acknowledged the understanding and cooperation of the civilian population in Benue State. Many citizens, though impacted by his directives, recognized the necessity of measures such as encouraging farming as an alternative livelihood. This support and understanding from the people were vital during his tenure, allowing him to navigate complex financial constraints while maintaining order through military orders.

Life after Military Service

The twists and turns in John Atom Kpera’s life post-retirement can be attributed to divine intervention. Upon retiring from the military in 1985, he embarked on a farming venture that lasted for about two years. However, this endeavor took an unexpected turn when a fire disaster struck his farm. His rice crops, which were ready for harvest, were tragically consumed by the flames. Despite the setback, there was a silver lining, as the previous year’s maize crop had yielded a bountiful harvest of one hundred bags, which he sold for a substantial sum of N45,000. At the time, this amount was considered a substantial fortune and represented a significant financial milestone for him.

Reflecting on his retirement, John Atom Kpera recollected that his last pay slip as a Brigadier General in September 1985 amounted to a mere N1,500. This detail remains preserved in his possession as a tangible reminder of his journey. With the windfall from the maize harvest in hand, he decided to reinvest in agriculture by planting rice the following year.

However, the devastating fire incident altered his plans. Undeterred, he sought opportunities in Lagos, where he engaged with friends who were still serving in the military. They provided him with contracts, enabling him to generate income. He also leveraged his engineering background to secure additional contracts that contributed to his financial stability.

This marked the start of his journey to rebuild and regain his footing in farming and contract work, demonstrating his resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.

References:

•  Nwachukwu, John Owen (31 December 2017). “Role I played in 1966 coup – General Atom Kpera”. Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 4 June 2023.
•  “Gresham Asset Management Limited”. Gresham Asset Management Limited. Retrieved 6 June 2023.
• Reminiscences With General John Atom Kpera. Sun, 11 Apr 2021 2:56:12 WAT. Daily trust. Retrieved 4 September 2023
• Benue State Governors. Brigadier General Atom Kpera, military governor of benue state from january 1984 to august 1985