The introduction of Indirect Rule in Eastern Nigeria led to the Aba woman riots of
Answer Details
The introduction of Indirect Rule by the British colonial government in Eastern Nigeria allowed them to rule through local leaders known as "warrant chiefs" who were selected and given authority by the colonial government. The warrant chiefs, who were often seen as corrupt and abusive, imposed heavy taxes on the people and used their power to enrich themselves.
This led to widespread dissatisfaction among the people, particularly the women, who were often the most affected by the economic hardship caused by the taxes. In 1929, the women of Aba, a major trading center in Eastern Nigeria, organized a massive protest against the warrant chiefs and their taxes.
The Aba Women's Riots, as they came to be known, were a series of protests that began in November 1929 and lasted for several weeks. Thousands of women from across the region came together to demand the removal of the warrant chiefs and an end to the oppressive taxation system.
The women used a range of tactics, including sit-ins, demonstrations, and the destruction of property belonging to the warrant chiefs. Although the British authorities initially tried to suppress the protests, they eventually agreed to meet with the women and address their grievances.
The riots were a pivotal moment in the history of Nigeria, as they marked one of the first major challenges to British colonial rule in the country. They also demonstrated the power of grassroots organizing and collective action in the face of oppression.