This is a list of Nigerian region governors and premiers in the First Republic (1960 - 1966). Nigeria became independent on 1 October 1960 and became a republic on 1 October 1963. On 16 January 1966 a military coup brought Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi to power, terminating the first period of democratic rule.During this period an appointed governor was nominal head of state while an elected premier led the government.