Military Rule in Nigeria:
SS 3
GOVERNMENT
FIRST TERM
LESSON NOTE SCHEME OF WORK
WEEKLY LESSON NOTE
WEEK: 7
DATE: _______________
SUBJECT: GOVERNMENT
CLASS: SS 3
TOPIC:
Military Rule in Nigeria:
CONTENT: (a) Military Rule: (i) 1966 – 1975, (ii) 1975 – 1979, (iii) 1983 – 1985, (iv) 1985 – 1993, (v)1993 – 1999.
(b) Features
(c) Causes
(d) Consequences
(e) Structure.
SUB-TOPIC 1: Military Rule in Nigeria between 1966-1999
Military Rule: This is the government controlled by members of the Armed Forces. This could only be achieved through force known as coup de tat. A coup de tat is a violent change of government by the Armed Forces to remove the existing government. Military rule became prevalent after independence in those countries that experienced it.
MILITARY RULE BETEEN 1966 – 1975.
GENERAL J.T.U. AGUIYI-IRONSI (January – July 1966)
The first military coup in Nigeria took place on 15 January 1966, led by Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu, but the then most senior military officer, Major General J.T.U. Aguiyi-Ironsi later took over position of the head of state. The coup ended the First Republic government of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, who was the Prime Minister.
There were two main causes of this first military coup. Firstly, there was a lot of political unrest and tension in the country at that time due to the fact that different ethnic groups had conflicting ideas about how power should be shared. This tension came to a head when the Igbo people, who were generally more educated than other groups in Nigeria, began calling for political reforms that would give them more power and representation in government.
Secondly, there was also economic instability due to rising oil prices on the global market. The country’s main source of revenue at the time was oil, but rising prices meant that the Nigerian government was not able to keep up with rising costs in other areas like education and healthcare. This made many Nigerians very unhappy at the time, which contributed to general feelings of discontentment and tension in the country.
Structure of government under General Ironsi
In his capacity as the head of state, General Ironsi suspended the constitution and dismissed the executive and legislative arms of the federal and state governments. He appointed military governors as sole administrators for the four regions. They were assisted by permanent secretaries. He with the governors constituted the supreme military council (SMC) with power to formulate policies for the whole country. He also had the federal executive council, comprising civilians, to assist him in the execution of policies.
General Ironsi appointed a constitution review commission, under Chief Rotimi Williams and the commission for the review of the unification of the federal and regional civil services, headed by Francis Nwokedi.
The July 1966 Counter-Coup
There were both civilian and military casualties in the 15 January 1966 coup.
However, while the prime minister, a northerner, the premiers of both the Northern and Western Regions and some other notable people from these regions were killed, there was no prominent easterner that was killed. There were also many Igbo officers among the coup plotters which gave some other Nigerians the impression that it was intended to usher in Igbo domination of the nation. This impression was helped by General Ironsi’s appointment of Igbo officers to head most of the armed forces divisions and positions. He later introduced Decree 34 of 24 May 1966 abrogating federalism and replacing it with a unitary system of government.
Thus came the counter-coup that killed General Ironsi, and Lt Col. Adekunle Fajuyi, his host on the day of the coup, and ushered in Lt Col. (later General) Gowon as head of state.
Structure of Government under Gowon
General Gowon abolished Decree 34 of General Ironsi and returned Nigeria to federalism. He also created twelve states by Decree 27 of May 1967. He retained the titles of head of state, supreme military council (SMC) and federal executive council for the organs of government at the federal level.
The Head of State
Hewas the commander-in-chief of the armed forces and head of the federal executive council and supreme military council. He appointed the chief justice, other justices of the Supreme Court and other federal judges. The appointment of judges was made on the advice of the Judicial Service Advisory Committee. He also appointed most senior civil servants on the advice of the Public Service Advisory Committee. He in addition appointed Nigerian ambassadors to foreign nations.
Supreme Military Council (SMC)
Members of the SMC included the head of state and commander-in-chief of the armed forces as the chairman. Others included the chief of army staff, chief of air staff, chief of naval staff, the military governors of eleven states and the administrator of the East Central State. The SMC formulated policies, took decisions on major national issues and foreign affairs, and maintained law and order.
Federal Executive Council
The federal executive council comprised the head of state as chairman, the chief of army staff, chief of naval staff, chief of air staff, military governors of eleven states and the administrator of the East Central State. It also included civilian commissioners most of whom were politicians.
State Governments
Each of the states had a military governor and an executive council, responsible to the federal government. The state military governor had legislative and executive powers; so he made edicts and chaired the state executive council, most members of whom he appointed. Other members of the council included the secretary to the state government, civil commissioners, state police commissioner, permanent secretaries and the commanding officer of the army unit in the state.
Achievements of the 1966-1975 Military Regimes
1. Major General Ironsi made some impact during his short rule. He restored normalcy, especially in the West, after the coup. He sought to build a stronger, united nation by instituting the unitary system.
2. Gowon created twelve states which allowed better development in the areas.
3. The civil war could not really be blamed on Gowon. He succeeded in ending the civil war in three years, reconciling with the Igbo and implementing much reconstruction work in the war ravaged east.
4. The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme was established which made young graduates more knowledgeable about their fatherland, and encouraged mobility of labour and unity among Nigerians.
5. There was general development in the educational, health and many other sectors during
Gowon’s regime.
Failures of Gowon’s Regime
1. Gowon’s regime failed to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor, and so mass poverty continued.
2. The regime failed to carry out a reliable census.
3. In effecting the recommendations of the Udoji Commission on the increase of workers’ salaries andallowances, the regime backdated the increases, resulting in very serious inflation and instability in the labour market.
4. Contrary to his programme of handing over governance to the civilians, Gowon did not put in place any political project like the formation/registration of political parties.
5. It appeared that he wanted to perpetuate himself in government, thus unknowingly inviting the 29 July 1975 coup.
Military Rule: 1975-1979
On 29 July 1975 Brigadier (later General) Murtala Muhammed in a bloodless coup took over power from General Gowon who was in Kampala for an Organisation of African Unity (OAU) meeting. General Muhammed was himself killed in an abortive coup on 13 February 1976 leaving his deputy, General Obasanjo to continue his programme. This situation gave the regime the tag, Murtala-Obasanjo regime.
Reasons for Murtala’s Coup
1. Majority of Nigerians had become disappointed with Gowon’s regime after allegations of corruption against some of his key officials at both state and federal levels, officials whom Gowon single-handedly exonerated.
2. After the civil war, Gowon had promised to hand over power to civilians, not later than 1 October 1976. Unfortunately, on 1 October 1974, he announced that the date could no longer be met.
3. The inflation that arose from the payment of Udoji Commission’s recommendations and the long-term arrears created instability in the economy, which made Nigerians uncomfortable.
4. In the last years of his government, General Gowon had taken decisions and implemented many programmes without consultation with the people.
Structure of the Murtala-Obasanjo government
There was the federal executive council composed, as under Gowon’s regime, of the head of state as chairman, the chiefs of army, naval and air staff, state governors and federal commissioners, many of whom were civilians.
The supreme military council however excluded governors who had the chief of staff, supreme headquarters as the link between them and the head of state. There was however an advisory body to which governors belonged. This was the national council of states, an advisory body that deliberated on issues relating to states or the whole nation.
Achievements of the Murtala-Obasanjo administration
1. National ‘purge’.The administration from its inception stated clearly its mission of ridding the public service of corruption and redundancy.
2. Creation of states. The Murtala-Obasanjo administration created additional seven states, bringing the total number of states to nineteen.
3. Creation of new federal capital territory. A panel was set up to consider restructuring Nigeria politically and solving the problem of a new, central, acceptable capital for the country. This panel located Abuja which is Nigeria’s capital today.
4. Local government reform.The administration restructured the local government system and standardised it throughout Nigeria.
5. Policy of low profile.Wasteful expenditure was reduced and government personnel were made to use cost-saving measures and embark on only compulsory trips and projects.
6. Agricultural boost. The regime initiated the ‘Operation Feed the Nation’ programme, whereby both state and federal governments established farms and encouraged mechanised farming, making high-yield seeds and fertilizers available to farmers.
7. Dynamic foreign policy. The regime pursued a dynamic foreign policy that made Nigeria maintain a leadership position in Africa and a respectable place in the world. The nation spearheaded support for the newly independent Angolan government and liberation movements in Namibia, Mozambique and South Africa.
8. Demobilization of the army. The large Nigerian army was reduced by about 50 000 officers and men, making the army more effective and manageable, and saving much cost for other important national needs.
9. Return to civil rule.Unlike the Gowon regime, the Murtala-Obasanjo administration was definite and consistent in its programme of handover to a civilian government.
10. It instituted a Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC). The constitution drafted by the CDC was further considered and amended by the Constituent Assembly.
11. A Federal Electoral Commission was set up which registered five parties that contested the 1979 elections, ushering in Alhaji Shehu Shagari as the first (civilian) executive president of Nigeria on 1 October 1979.
Failures of the Murtala-Obasanjo regime
1. The public service probes and purge meant to instil discipline and a sense of probity were carried out discriminatorily in many cases. This greatly dampened the working spirit of civil servants who saw their security of tenure as no longer assured. Corruption continued in many places.
2. General Obasanjo’s Operation Feed the Nation failed to stop the inadequacy of local food production. There was much mass Media publicity but little results.
3. Mass poverty continued as there was no programme of redistribution of wealth and no concrete efforts at providing or increasing housing, educational and health facilities.
The 1983 military coup
Civil rule which began in October 1979 lasted for only four years and three months, before it was terminated by another coup on 31 December 1983.
General Muhamadu Buhari
Factors Responsible for the 1983 Military Coup
1. Duringthe Shagari regime, the nation’s wealth was allegedly squandered. Grandiose projects which had little relevance to the needs of the people were introduced, and government officials spent much money on numerous foreign trips and unrealistically high salaries and allowances for legislators and executives.
2. The cost of food and other essential goods rose astronomically by the beginning of 1983. There was an artificial scarcity of foodstuffs like rice and other commodities,
all of which had to be imported and made easily available mainly to government loyalists.
3. There was a high level of unemployment. Young school leavers roamed thestreets in search of jobs, and government could not afford to pay workers’salaries.
4. The health sector was in a shambles. Brigadier(now General) Sanni Abacha who announced the change of government had said, ‘Our hospitals have been turned into mere consulting clinics.’
5. There was alleged widespread corruption in government. Various public office holders allegedly engaged in fraudulent financial practices. Contracts were awarded without following laid-down procedures.
6. The ‘Green Revolution’ and housing programme of the government which the government called its focal programmes and earmarked enormous resources for, turned out largely to be failures.
7. A situation of insecurity became established in the country. There was a high level of incidents of armed robbery, looting, arson, riots, and murder.
Structure of the Buhari Government
The Buhari administration followed the structure of the Murtala-Obasanjo regime. Thus at the apex of government was the supreme military council comprising sixteen senior military officers, the inspector general of police, the director general of the Nigerian Security Organisation and three civilians, namely the attorney general of the federation, secretary to the military government and head of the civil service.
There was the advisory national council of states comprising the head of state as chairman, the chief of staff, supreme headquarters, and the nineteen state governors. The federal executive council that ensured the execution of government policies included eighteen ministers in charge of various ministries.
The state governors had commissioners, one of whom, at least, must be a woman.
Achievements of the Buhari administration
1. At the inception of this administration, the economic situation in the country was in a mess due to corruption, mismanagement and abuse of public office. The new regime took major steps towards revamping the economy and recovery of embezzled funds.
2. To instil discipline in both the civil service and the whole citizenry, the Buhari regime launched what it referred to as the ‘War Against Indiscipline’ (WAI) which encouraged orderliness, moral probity, cleanliness and patriotism.
3. The regime reorganised the country’s foreign missions with a view to cutting costs as much as possible.
4. The Buhari administration allocated greater funds for the development of agriculture. It also increased the number of River Basin and Rural Development Authorities.
Failures of the Buhari regime
1. The regime took many steps on very important issues without due consultations with senior military officers, opinion leaders, experts and other well-meaning Nigerians.
2. The Buhari regime was considered by many as being repressive. It promulgated decrees
which provided for detention without trial, curtailment of press freedom, and the death sentence for drug trafficking, among others. Some of these decrees were considered to be in violation of fundamental human rights.
3. The regime’s programme of ridding the public service of corrupt officials led to indiscriminate mass retrenchment and unemployment.
4. Many stalls and some houses were destroyed in the programme of street clearing. All these brought untold hardship on Nigerian citizens.
5. The regime had no well-defined foreign policy and so could not maintain the dynamism of the Murtala-Obasanjo foreign policy.
Military rule: 1985-1993
The bloodless coup that took place on 27 August 1985 brought in Major General (later General) Ibrahim Babangida as head of state (later president) and commanderin-chief of the Nigerian armed forces. Babangida retained most of the personnel of the Buhari regime, in one form or another.
General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida
Reasons for the 1985 Coup
General Babangida accused the Buhari regime of failing to revamp the national economy that had declined so much during the civilian rule of 1979-83. Babangida also complained of massive fraud in the issuance of import licences and counter-trade agreement.
Structure of the Babangida Government
The Supreme Headquarters which was the seat of government was renamed the General Staff Headquarters, and the position of the Chief of Staff Supreme Headquarters was also renamed Chief of General Staff.
The Chief of General Staff no longer had control over the armed forces, but was made to handle only political issues detailed to his desk.
The Supreme Military Council (SMC) became the Armed Forces Ruling Council (AFRC). The AFRC was the supreme body with Babangida as President. The AFRC performed executive and legislative functions.
The AFRC consisted of the President (as the chairman), Chief of General Staff (later Vice President), Service Chiefs, Divisional Commanders, Defence Minister who also became the Chairman of the newly created Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Inspector General of the Police, and the Attorney General of the Federation.
The Federal Executive Council was renamed the National Council of Ministers (NCM). Its membership was enlarged to twenty-two from eighteen of the previous regime with its own secretary. In the council was the head of state as chairman, Chief of General Staff, minister of defence, service chiefs, the inspector general of police, attorney general and minister of justice and other ministers. The council performed administrative and executive functions. The Council of State was made up of the head of state as chairman and the chief of general staff, minister of defence, service chiefs, the inspector general of police, the attorney-general and minister of justice, former heads of state and all military governors. The council was to co-ordinate and harmonize the work of the various state governments and of the federal .military government.
The secretary to the military government was the head of public service. Directors general replaced the permanent secretaries by the 1988 ‘civil service reform’ and the directors general became political appointees.
The judiciary remained the same as in the civilian era with the chief justice as head.
There were also various tribunals which had judges and military officers as members.
Achievements of the Babangida Administration
1. Upon assumption of power, this regime abrogated the unpopular Decree No. 2 and then promised to reorganise the Nigerian Security Organisation. Many detained people regained their liberty.
2. The Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) was introduced to restructure and diversify the economy in order to promote the production of other goods for export, and reduce the dependence on a single product, oil.
3. The notorious import licence system was abolished.
4. There was the attainment of a ‘realistic’ value for the naira.
5. The civil service was reformed, including the replacement of permanent secretaries with directors-general.
6. There was commercialisation and privatisation of many parastatals in order to enhance their efficiency and productivity.
7. The regime established the Peoples Bank and Community Banks to help the poor in both urban and rural areas. So also were the Directorate of Food, Roads and Rural Infrastructure and the National Directorate for Employment set up.
8. The mass transit programme was set up to ease transportation problems of Nigerian citizens in all parts of the federation.
9. The programme ‘Better Life for Rural Women’ was established to improve the lot of women.
10. A new population census was carried out, even if its results were contested as those of all earlier censuses in Nigeria.
11. Two states were created in 1987 and nine states in 1991, bringing the number of states to thirty.
12. The administration set up a political transition programme intended to lead to a return to civil rule. This programme led to the conduct of elections that ushered in civilian governments at the local government and state, levels.
Failures of the Babangida Administration
1. The regime was characterised by a high level of indiscipline and corruption. There was disorderliness and corruption in public conduct and uncleanliness in
most urban (and rural) streets.
2. During this regime, incidents of hard drug pushing by Nigerians became rampant and there arose drug barons who became emergency millionaires and flaunted their ill-gotten wealth.
3. Most of the bodies established and generously funded by the Babangida regime later became avenues for the self-enrichment of a few. Such organs included DFRRI, MAMSER, People’s Bank and the Better Life for Rural Women scheme.
4. There was no accountability in public office while bribery and corruption seemed to have been institutionalised.
5. There was little respect for popular opinion. For instance, none of the many political associations freely formed by Nigerians was registered as a political party. Instead, the government formed two parties, the National Republican Convention (NRC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP), which all interested politicians were required to join.
6. Just as the collation of results of the 12 June 1993 presidential election was about to end, the regime cancelled the election, and cited as reasons issues that had been settled well before the election.
The Abacha administration
General Sani Abacha came to power on 17 November 1993, having forced Chief Earnest Shonekan to resign as the head of the Interim National Government. General Abacha was the Secretary of Defence in the same administration.
On assumption of office, he dissolved the National and State Assemblies, relieved elected state governors and their executive councils of their positions and also dissolved the various local government councils. He disbanded the existing two political parties — SDP and NRC, and established a new transition programme to return the country to civil rule on 1 October 1998.
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Abacha, Sani
Structure of the Abacha administration
The provisional ruling council (PRC) was the highest organ of government and it comprised of the head of state as chairman and the chief of general staff (Lt General Oladipo Diya) as vice chairman. It included the service chiefs — chief of army staff, chief of air staff, chief of naval staff, inspector general of police and the chief of defence staff. Other members of the body were the general officers commanding military divisions and
some other top military and police officers.
The civilian members were the attorney general and minister of justice and the secretary to the federal government. The PRC was vested with legislative and executive powers. The PRC ratified the appointment of judges, ambassadors, state military governors and administrators, federal ministers, as well as approved-the budgetary estimates of both the federal and state governments.
Next was the council of ministers which comprised of both civilian and military members, with the head of state as chairman. There was the national council of states comprising of the head of state as chairman, with the chief of general staff, service chiefs and military administrators as members.
Some achievements of the Abacha administration
1. The administration brought relative peace, law and order.
2. It appointed important figures from all sections of the country as ministers.
3. There was stability in the exchange rate of the naira.
4. It organised a constitutional conference which drew up the draft of a new constitution.
5. The administration introduced relief packages for workers.
6. It encouraged free enterprise and creation of a conducive atmosphere for foreigninvestment.
7. There was some consultation with people on major national issues.
8. Abacha’s regime created six states, namely Ekiti, Ebonyi, Zamfara, Nasarawa, Kebbi and Bayelsa in 1996.
9. It created the Federal Character Commission to address the imbalance in federalappointments.
10. The Petroleum Trust Fund was created for road construction, supply of drugs to hospitals and development of infrastructure.
11. The Education Tax Fund was created to utilise the two per cent service charge from quoted companies to support development.
12. It also created the committee on devolution of power, so as to divide Powers between the states, federal and local governments.
13. The National Reconciliation Committee headed by Chief Alex Akinyele wascreated to attempt to resolve various conflicts in the country.
Failures of Abacha’s Government
1. Abacha’s regime became dictatorial, thereby paying very little attention to the constitution.
2. The regime introduced ouster clauses to restrain the judiciary from adjudicating on matters in which the government was involved.
3. At some point, the regime had conflicts with the trade unions, students’ unions, etc, which led to prolonged strikes and closure of universities.
4. The economy became paralysed with shortages of essential goods and commodities.
5. There were bomb blasts in several parts of the country.
6. Some prominent Nigerians suspected to be anti-Abacha were detained without trial, and some were reportedly assassinated.
7. Members of National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) who were pro –democracy
activists fled into exile.
8. The regime appointed military officers without laid down procedures. This created widespread disaffection within the rank and file of the military.
9. Abacha’s second in command, Lt General Oladipo Diya was accused of treason and saved from being executed when Abacha died suddenly.
10. Abacha and his associates reportedly looted the national treasury and stashed huge loot abroad.
The Regime of General Abdusalam Abubakar
General Abdusalam Abubakar became the head of state and commander in chief of the armed forces, following the death of General Sani Abacha on 8 June 1998. Prior to this date, he was the chief of defence staff and a member of the provisional ruling council (PRC). General Abubakar terminated the three-year transition programme which General Abacha initiated in 1995 and in its place, initiated a ten-month transition programme that would return the nation to civil rule on 29 May 1999.
Structure of the Abubakar Regime
The provisional ruling council (PRC) remained the highest policy making organ of the government, with the head of state as chairman. Admiral Mike Ahigbe, the chief of general staff was the vice chairman. Other members were the chief of army staff, the chief of air staff, the chief of naval staff, the inspector general of police and divisional commanders.
Achievements of Abubakar’s regime
1. General Abubakar successfully conducted the transition to civil rule, and handed over power to a popularly elected government.
2. He supervised a short and successful transition programme of ten months.
3. The government set up a review panel for the 1995 constitution.
4. The electoral commission (INEC) offered provisional registration to nine political parties, out of which three of them, namely A.D., A.P.P.and P.D.P.were registered.
5. INEC under Justice Ephraim Akpata conducted elections into local governments, states’ houses of assembly, national assembly and presidency.
6. The government recovered some money, which some officials of the previous governments had embezzled.
7. A measure of professionalism was returned to the armed forces.
8. The positive role of the military in a democracy was emphasised.
9. The regime returned full democracy to the country.
10. The country witnessed relative peace as political assassination of opponents of the government, arson and bomb blast were absent.
11. The government released political detainees incarcerated by the Abacha administration.
Failures of Abubakar’s Regime
1. The constitution was hastily produced.
2. The constitution contained so many ambiguities and contradictions.
3. The constitution ignored the fundamental issues of federalism.
4. The government could not alleviate the economic difficulties facing the nation, for
example, shortage of fuel and depreciation of the naira.
5. The foreign policy lacked vibrancy and dynamism.
6. The government could not eliminate corruption among officials of the government.
7. It failed to take crucial decisions on many matters. For example, it failed to release Chief Moshood Abiola from detention, from where he eventually died.
8. The administration was considered very weak.
Sub-Topic 2: Features and Causes of Military Rule in Nigeria Features of Military Rule in Nigeria.
i. The suspension and modification of some section of constitution to be in line with the military rule.
ii. Dictatorial form of government.
iii. A highly centralized system of government
iv. Rule with decrees.
v. Absence of all forms of opposition.
vi. Fusion of the legislative and the executive arms of government.
vii. Inclusion of civilians in the administration.
iix. The use of coercion in the implementation of policies.
ix. Absence of elections.
x. Closure of the country borders, seas and airports when military first come to power.
xi. Imposition of dusk to dawn curfew whenever the military take over power in a country.
Causes of Military Rule in Nigeria or Reasons for Military Intervention in Nigeria Politics.
Since Nigeria became independent on October 1, 1960 till date, she had five successful military coup and avalanche of unsuccessful ones. Military came to power as a result of the following:
i. Tribal loyalty: This is a problem facing Nigeria as a nation. Tribal loyalty takes precedence over loyalty to the central government.
ii. Regional differences: Differences among the regions were so acute as to precipitate crises leading to direct assumption of power.
iii. Regional/State Based political Parties: Political parties of the First Republic were all regional political parties. In fact, no one of them commanded a nation-wide support. For example, NPC was for the North, NCNC was for the East and AG was for the West.
iv. Politicalization of the Army: The army or military of the first Republic maintained her status quo and thereafter became politicalized. Appointments and promotions were based on tribal and political sentiments, not on seniority or merits.
v. Dispute over Census Result: Another reason for military involvement in politics in Nigeria was because of the 1962 and 1963 census result.
vi. General Election Crises of 1964: the election was held in 1964 but the result was seriously disputed. There was alleged massive rigging in the election. Nigeria was on the verge of anarchy and reign of terror and so the military has to come in to forestall such/peace
vii. The Action Group crises of 1962: The crises came as a result of serious conflict within the party and differences of opinion and personality clash between Obafemi Awolowo, the
party leader and his deputy, Cief S.L. Afolabi.
iix. Western Nigeria Election Crises of 1965: this was another election crisis that drew the attention of the military into the political process.
ix. Allegation of Corruption, Nepotism, Sectionalism: This led to the military intervention in Nigeria. Many were involved in spending the nation’s wealth with reckless abandon. Many politicians were so rich that they were making a public display of their wealth. Nepotism and sectionalism played major roles in appointments, promotion, etc.
x. Absence of Honest and Reliable Leadership: This had eluded the country even since independence. Many of the rulers were dishonest and not reliable.
EVALUATION
1. Highlight five features of military rule in Nigeria.
2. State five causes of military rule in Nigeria.
Sub-Topic 3: The Consequences and Structure of Military Rule Consequences of Military Rule
1. Keeping the country together: the first major effect of military rule in Nigeria was the keeping of the country together as one geographical entity. The thirty-month fratricidal war, fought by soldiers in Nigeria was aimed at keeping the country together.
2. Maintenance of Peace: Since the end of the civil war, the reign of the military in Nigeria has been that of peace and unity, which has created fertile ground for national development, rather than dissipation of energy on political rivalry, vain propaganda and fanning of embers of tribalism as was the case during the dancing days of politics in the first and second republics.
3. Creation of States: Nigeria was divided into twelve states on May 27, 1967 and 19 states on February 3, 1976 by Gowon and Muritala administrations respectively. Gen. Babaginda, between 1987-1991 created 11 state and Gen. Abacha in 1996 created additional 6 states. These states have contributed immensely to bringing the government and development nearer the people.
4. Corruption: The military boys that come to power in order to correct the civilians of their corrupt practices also indulge in the same act. They amass wealth no wonder all retired army officers seem to be wealth
5. The Civil War: The civil war which took place in Nigeria between 1967-1970 in which millions of Nigerians and property worth millions of naira were destroyed can be attributed to the military. That war could have been averted if the military had displayed good diplomacy and sound political maturity.
6. Violation of Fundamental Human Rights: The military administrations in Nigeria no matter how humane, indulge in denying the citizen their fundamental human rights. People are detained with impunity without trial.
How to Prevent Military Intervention in Government
1. The rulers and the ruled should comply with the provisions of the constitution.
2. There should be peaceful resistance to any attempt at imposing any form of military administration on the people.
3. Military rule should be outlawed in the constitution.
4. All elected officials should display the attributes of good leadership.
5. Political education should be carried out to sensitise the masses and the armed forces on the merits of democracy.
6. The judiciary should be independent, courageous, free and fair in the performance of their duties.
7. Bribery, corruption and financial mismanagement shbuld be eliminated from public service and offenders should be exposed and punished according to the law.
8. Politicians should not interfere with the affairs of the military, and members of the armed forces should not openly or secretly belong to political parties.
9. Civilians should reject political appointment from the military.
10. Politicians should be accountable to the electorate and act in a noble manner.
11. Politicians should play the game of politics according to the laid down rules and regulations.
12. Politicians should accept defeat during elections.
Politicians should implement their electioneering promises to the people.
The Structure of the Military Government in Nigeria
1. The Head of State/President: The head of state sometimes called the president is also the commander-in-chief of the Nigeria armed forces. As the head of state he presides over the meeting of the Armed Forces Ruling Council (AFRC), the Council of States and the Council of the Ministers. It is his duty to appoint and dismiss ministers, Ambassadors, High Commissioners, Chief Justice, Judges of the Supreme Court, High Court Judges etc. All subject to the approval by the AFRC.
2. Supreme Military Council (SMC): AFRC, SMC with the new nomenclature of the Armed Forces Ruling Council is the highest legislative organ of the military government in Nigeria. It is composed of the Head of State/President who is the the chairman, the Chief of General Staff, the Chief of Defence Staff and Chairman Joint Chief of Staff, the Heads of the Army, Navy, and the Air Force popularly called the Service Chiefs, the Inspector General of Police, Justice Minister, Secretary of the Federal Military Government and the High Ranking Military Officers.
3. The Council of States: This organ advises the Head of State/President on important national issues. It is made up of the Head of State/President as the chairman, the Chief of General Staff, former Heads of State and all State Military Governors.
4. National Council of Ministers: This is the organ that implements the decisions and policies made by the AFRC. It is headed by the Head of State/President and assisted by the Chief of General Staff with all Federal ministers as members.
5. The State Military Governor: A State military governor is the Chief Executive and the Head of State military government and the representative of the Head of State/President in the state. He is responsible to the Head of the Federal Military Government and the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. The governor performs both the executive and legislative functions. He is the Chairman of the State Executive Council. He appoints the State Commissioners and other state officials.
6. The State Executive Council: This organ is responsible for the formulation and execution of the state military government’s decisions and policies, maintenance of law and order in the state. It is headed by the military governor with the Commander of Army unit in the state, the state Commissioner of Police, the Secretary to the state military government state commissioners, etc as members.
EVALUATION
1. Explain five consequences of military rule in Nigeria.
2. Explain the structure of military rule in Nigeria.
GENERAL EVALUATION
1. Discuss General Aguyi Ironsi military regime.
2. Explain General Murtala and Obasanjo military regime.
3. Explain six causes of the first military intervention in politics.
4. Highlight the military structure in Nigeria.
5. State five consequences of military rule in Nigeria.
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
Objective Test
1. Which of the following military regimes in Nigeria played a prominent role in the libration of colonized African States? (a) Aguyi Ironsi (b) Murtala/Obasanjo (c) Muhammadu Buhari (d) Ibrahim Babangida
2. Immediately after the civil war, Gowon’s regime embarked on (a) rejuvenation, resettlement, and reconstruction (b) reconciliation, rehabilitation, and reconstruction (c) rebuilding, rejuvenation and rehabilitation (d) reconciliation, rehabilitation and repression.
3. The first military coup d’etat in West Africa was stage in (a) The Gambia (b) Niger (c) Nigeria (d) Togo.
4. A coup d’etat is regarded as (a) a source of political legitimacy (b) a manipulation of the constitution (c) a constitutional way of changing the government (d) an unconstitutional way of changing the government.
5. The military intervenes in West African politics mainly because (a) politicians play the game accordingly (b) law and order are maintained (c) they are better rulers (d) of election malpractices..
1. What is a military regime? How does it relate to civilian government?
2. Describe the structure of Ironsi’s military regime. What were the main objectives of his regime and how far did he achieve success in achieving these goals?
Essay Test
1. Give six reasons for the reluctance of military regimes to hand over power to civilian administrations.
2. Discuss the Nigerian civil war.ationale for Military Intervention in Politics
1. Corruption and economic mismanagement are serious problems in many African countries, particularly those with weak democratic institutions. Civilian administrations may be unwilling or unable to address these challenges effectively, and military leaders may see an opportunity to step in and take control of the government.
2. Political instability is anotheroles of the Military in Politics
3. The military is often seen as a neutral and apolitical institution, with strong discipline and an ability to enforce order that civilian governments can lack. As such, it may be called upon to intervene in political disputes or civil unrest in order to restore stability and prevent violence.
4. Another key role foroles and Responsibilities of the Military in Politics
5. At the most basic level, the military acts as a security force to protect citizens from external threats like foreign aggression and terrorism, as well as internal threats like violent crime and social unrest.
6. Beyond this core function, however, the military can play many other roles in political life roughly speaking, there are two main types of military regimes: direct and indirect. A direct military regime involves a “de jure” transfer of power to the military itself, while an indirect regime entails the appointment of one or more military officers as “de facto” leaders but allows political parties and other civilian institutions to continue operating.
Reading Assignment: Read military rule in The New Analytical Study of Government for SSS class pages 316-337
PRE-READING ASSIGNMENT: Read conflict resolution and management in your e-learning note.
