Political instability: Should Military be given a chance?

By Samuel Ajayi

In the wake of recent elections, a cloud of distrust hangs heavy in the air. Betrayals by trusted friends, fractured relationships, job losses, and more have all been sacrificed on the altar of tribal sentiment. Many relationships have been torn due to friends imposing their objections on others. The victims, encompassing all Nigerians, are grappling with the negative repercussions.

The elected officials are under immense pressure to devise policies that will uplift the lives of citizens, while the aggrieved often resort to the tribunal to reclaim stolen mandates.

Enter the "Stolen Mandate" movement, which has sparked uproar among citizens, laced with tribal tensions and favoritism, causing a rift among friends and an alliance among foes due to the failure of consensus.

Exactly 23 years ago, Nigeria broke free from the grip of military rule after enduring it for over 28 years. However, in recent weeks, some Nigerians have subtly called for military intervention in the country's political landscape, citing Gabon, Niger, and similar examples. This call arises from the present state of affairs characterized by spiraling inflation, increased poverty, currency instability, job losses, and more.

Should the Military be Given a Chance?

Military rule, as defined by Britannica, is a form of governance where the armed forces take control of a country, often through a coup d'état, suspending civilian government institutions and exercising authoritarian power. It typically involves restrictions on civil liberties, censorship, and the suppression of political opposition.

Military Rule in Nigeria

In August 1965, a group of soldiers took it upon themselves to rein in Nigerian politicians who were embezzling public funds, leading flamboyant lives, and running the country through corruption.

 This culminated in the first official coup on January 15th, 1966, resulting in the deaths of 22 people, including the prime minister, top politicians, senior army officers, their wives, and guards. The military ruled from 1966 to 1999, briefly returning to democracy from 1979 to 1983. It was officially ousted when General Olusegun Obasanjo was elected in 1999, marking the beginning of a new (fourth) republic.

However, Nigeria continues to grapple with the legacy of previous military interventions in its political affairs. This article delves into the problems associated with military rule, shedding light on the troubling issues it brings to the nation.

1. Disregard for Civil Liberties: Military rule often suppresses civil liberties and human rights, stifling freedoms such as free speech and the press. This has resulted in tragic incidents like the death of Ken Saro-Wiwa.

2. Lack of Expertise: Military rulers may lack the knowledge and experience to manage complex economies, leading to economic instability.

3. Governmental Instability: Power struggles in military regimes can be violent, leading to a cycle of coups and counter-coups, making effective leadership nearly impossible.

4. Disregard for Rule of Law: Military rulers tend to disregard the rule of law, operating without checks and balances.

While military rule may solve political instability or corruption, it often exacerbates these problems, including human rights abuse and economic and government instability. Societies and international organizations must remain vigilant in safeguarding democratic principles to prevent the seeds of military rule from taking root.