The Military in Nigerian Politics | Jamb Government

Reasons for Military Intervention in Nigerian Politics

1. The military often cited widespread corruption among civilian leaders as justification for intervention.
2. Electoral fraud and lack of free and fair elections were key concerns.
3. Political instability, including frequent power tussles and crises, created conditions for coups.
4. The inability of civilian governments to manage ethnic and regional tensions triggered military takeovers.
5. The 1964 federal elections were marred by irregularities, leading to widespread unrest.
6. The census controversy of 1962-63 contributed to mistrust among regions.
7. The 1966 coup was triggered by perceived regional favoritism and corruption.
8. The military claimed that they intervened to “rescue the nation” from collapse.
9. The breakdown of law and order, especially in the Western Region, prompted military action.
10. Civil unrest and communal clashes undermined national stability.
11. The military considered itself more disciplined and efficient than politicians.
12. Cold War politics and the global trend of coups in developing nations influenced Nigeria.
13. Military loyalty to the state, rather than ethnic or religious groups, was used to justify rule.
14. Some coups were counter-coups, aimed at restoring perceived balance (e.g., July 1966).
15. Political parties were accused of being ethnic and divisive, further weakening democracy.
16. Economic mismanagement under civilian rule was a recurring complaint.
17. The military capitalized on citizen disillusionment with politics.
18. External influence and silent approval from powerful countries sometimes encouraged takeovers.
19. The lack of a strong, independent judiciary and legislature made civil resistance difficult.
20. The military viewed themselves as the guardians of national unity and territorial integrity.
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Structure of Military Regime in Nigeria

21. The military regime abolished the civilian constitution and ruled by decrees.
22. The Head of State held absolute executive, legislative, and military powers.
23. The Supreme Military Council (SMC) served as the highest decision-making body.
24. The SMC was composed of top-ranking military officers, including service chiefs.
25. Military governors were appointed to oversee the states.
26. The military established chain-of-command governance, mirroring army structure.
27. Legislatures were dissolved, and political parties banned.
28. Judicial independence was limited under military rule.
29. Decrees issued by the Head of State were not subject to judicial review.
30. Public officers and civil servants worked under strict supervision.
31. Military administrators could be changed at will by the Head of State.
32. Local government reforms were centrally directed.
33. Civilian participation in governance was minimal or advisory.
34. The judiciary functioned only within boundaries defined by decrees.
35. The military often used tribunals and special courts for trials.
36. The chain of command discouraged debate or opposition.
37. Decisions were made quickly but lacked consultation.
38. Security agencies played a significant role in governance and suppression of dissent.
39. Most policies were top-down with limited public input.
40. Ministries were led by military officers or loyal technocrats.
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Achievements of Military Rule in Nigeria

41. Creation of new states and local government areas to reduce regional dominance.
42. Introduction of the Unified Local Government System (1976).
43. Establishment of the NYSC (National Youth Service Corps) in 1973.
44. Formation of the Federal Character Commission to address imbalance in appointments.
45. Construction of major highways and bridges, including the Third Mainland Bridge.
46. Creation of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) under General Abacha.
47. Introduction of UPE (Universal Primary Education) under Obasanjo in 1976.
48. Establishment of Unity Schools to foster national integration.
49. Promotion of national identity through symbols and holidays.
50. Launch of development plans and industrial projects (e.g., Ajaokuta Steel).
51. Improvement in military professionalism and national defense.
52. Creation of new universities and federal institutions.
53. Strengthening of foreign relations, especially with Africa and OPEC nations.
54. Oversaw peaceful hosting of FESTAC '77.
55. Led the transition to the Second Republic in 1979.
56. Initiated economic reforms and SAP (though controversial).
57. Modernization of the civil service through reforms.
58. Establishment of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
59. Stabilization of security during civil unrest.
60. Drafting of new constitutions (1979, 1989, 1999).
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Unitary System and Unification Decree No. 34

61. Unification Decree No. 34 was promulgated in 1966 by General Aguiyi-Ironsi.
62. It abolished federalism and regional autonomy, replacing it with a unitary system.
63. All public servants were placed under central control.
64. The decree was aimed at achieving national unity and integration.
65. It was perceived as favoring the Igbo ethnic group, causing backlash.
66. The decree triggered resentment in the North, contributing to the July 1966 counter-coup.
67. It centralized revenue, administration, and policy-making.
68. Federal ministries took over functions from regional bodies.
69. The unification system undermined regional identities and autonomy.
70. It was the first formal attempt to centralize governance in Nigeria.
71. The move weakened the checks and balances provided by federalism.
72. The unification decree was short-lived due to its negative reception.
73. It played a role in the events leading to the Nigerian Civil War.
74. The decree revealed ethnic sensitivities in federal arrangements.
75. It shaped future military attitudes towards centralization of power.
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Processes of Military Disengagement from Politics

76. Disengagement processes usually began with transition programs announced by military leaders.
77. Constitution drafting committees were set up to prepare for civilian rule.
78. The military organized political party registration and elections.
79. Civil society and international pressure often influenced military exit.
80. Constitutional conferences were held to shape post-military governance.
81. In 1979, military handed power to President Shehu Shagari, ending the first military era.
82. In 1993, General Babangida's transition failed due to election annulment.
83. The Abacha regime promised transition but delayed indefinitely.
84. Following Abacha’s death, General Abdulsalami Abubakar initiated rapid disengagement.
85. The 1999 Constitution was adopted under Abubakar's regime.
86. Elections were conducted, leading to Obasanjo's civilian presidency in 1999.
87. Disengagement required disbanding military political institutions.
88. The military also withdrew from legislative and executive roles.
89. Disengagement involved the professionalization of the military and refocusing on defense.
90. The process included retraining and restructuring military institutions.
91. Retired officers were encouraged to exit politics and join civil society.
92. Electoral commissions were created to oversee democratic elections.
93. Political parties were screened to meet national character requirements.
94. Media and civic space were gradually reopened during transition periods.
95. National orientation campaigns were launched to rebuild democratic values.
96. The military sometimes retained backdoor influence in early civilian regimes.
97. Legal immunity was often granted to retired military rulers.
98. Disengagement was more successful when led by internal military reformers.
99. Transition plans were often derailed by coups or internal sabotage.
100. Final disengagement in 1999 marked the longest uninterrupted civilian rule in Nigeria.
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Conditions that Necessitated Withdrawal from Governance

101. Domestic and international pressure mounted for democratic governance.
102. Military regimes became increasingly unpopular and isolated.
103. Economic mismanagement during military rule led to declining public trust.
104. Human rights abuses under military regimes triggered global condemnation.
105. Internal divisions and failed transitions weakened military authority.
106. Civil society activism rose, demanding a return to democracy.
107. Military leaders grew tired of governance responsibilities and sought professional focus.
108. International donors and institutions demanded democratic reform as aid conditions.
109. The failure to solve Nigeria’s economic and ethnic challenges under military rule became evident.
110. The death of General Abacha in 1998 created an opportunity for transition.
111. Widespread unrest and student/youth protests intensified calls for civilian rule.
112. Religious and ethnic violence exposed the limitations of military centralization.
113. The annulment of June 12, 1993 election was a turning point in public opinion.
114. The military was seen as undemocratic and unaccountable, undermining legitimacy.
115. Nigeria faced diplomatic sanctions and suspension from the Commonwealth.
116. Military personnel were perceived as corrupt and self-serving.
117. The credibility of the Nigerian state was threatened by prolonged military rule.
118. Many military leaders feared prosecution or backlash if they stayed longer.
119. The economic decline and increasing poverty fueled demand for change.
120. Military withdrawal became inevitable to restore national unity and global credibility.

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