While Major Gideon Orkar famously led the April 22, 1990 coup attempt, there was another figure whose strategic mind helped shape the plan Colonel Tony Nyiam.
Hailing from Boki, Cross River State, Nyiam was a senior officer in the Nigerian Army, respected for his discipline and intelligence.
Though not in the public eye like Orkar, he was a key participant and ideological driver behind the coup, which sought to challenge the regime of General Ibrahim Babangida.
After his military service, Col. Nyiam continued to serve Nigeria in a different way: as a national security commentator, offering insights on governance, restructuring, and the challenges of maintaining security in a diverse nation.
His voice became a bridge between military strategy and civic awareness, helping Nigerians understand the complexities of leadership and national cohesion.
Col. Tony Nyiam may not have commanded the headlines during the coup, but his role reminds us that history is often shaped by those working quietly behind the scenes, shaping events in ways the public rarely sees.
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