TODAY IN HISTORY: Dimeji Bankole Emerges Nigeria's Youngest Speaker After Etteh Left - EU Founded

Dimeji Bankole Emerges Nigeria's Youngest Speaker After Etteh Left

On 1 November 2007, Dimeji Bankole was elected Speaker of Nigeria's House of Representatives following Patricia Etteh's resignation over allegations of financial misconduct. Bankole, then 37, became the youngest Speaker in Nigerian history. His election marked a generational shift in the country's leadership, but it lasted only a few years.

Bankole's election was the lawmakers' first independent choice for Speaker without external influence. His administration was notable for advancing key legislation, including the Fiscal Responsibility Act and the Freedom of Information Bill, and for improving the legislative relationship with the executive branch. He also made other changes despite facing pressures from political opponents seeking ways to remove him from office.

EU founded

Also, on this day in 1993, the European Union (EU) was formally established with the Maastricht Treaty coming into effect. This treaty, signed by twelve nations in 1992, transformed the European Economic Community into a deeper political and economic union.

The EU's formation aimed to encourage closer cooperation in areas such as foreign policy, justice, and home affairs, while also paving the way for a single currency, the Euro, which would later strengthen economic integration across Europe.

Other key events on this day

1. Fire killed 189 in less than 25 minutes in Sao Paulo, Brazil - 1974

2. Ottoman Empire was abolished - 1922

3. The world's first aerial bomb was dropped over Libya - 1911

4. United Airlines Flight 629 blew up over Colorado, killing 44 people onboard - 1955

5. Nicholas II became Tsar of Russia - 1894

6. All Saints Day was made compulsory by Pope Gregory IV - 1845.