• Home
  • Anti-Corruption
  • Fact-Check
  • Economy
  • National
  • Security
  • Features
  • State
  • Event
  • E-Book
Search
  • Home
  • About
  • Adverts
  • Contact
Sign in
Welcome! Log into your account
Forgot your password? Get help
Password recovery
Recover your password
A password will be e-mailed to you.
PRNIGERIA PRNigeria News
PRNIGERIA PRNIGERIA
  • Home
  • Anti-Corruption
  • Fact-Check
  • Economy
  • National
  • Security
  • Features
  • State
  • Event
  • E-Book
Home Features Military and the Challenge of Safeguarding Nigeria’s Democracy, by Mukhtar Ya’u Madobi
  • Features
  • Security

Military and the Challenge of Safeguarding Nigeria’s Democracy, by Mukhtar Ya’u Madobi

By
Mukhtar Ya'u Madobi
-
February 25, 2024
General Christopher Gwabin Musa, Chief of Defence Staff, CDS
General Christopher Gwabin Musa, Chief of Defence Staff, CDS

Military and the Challenge of Safeguarding Nigeria’s Democracy, by Mukhtar Ya’u Madobi

By MUKHTAR Ya’u Madobi

“We want to make it clear that the Armed Forces of Nigeria is here to protect democracy, we all want democracy; we do better during democracy, and so, the armed forces will continue to support democracy.” – Gen. CG Musa

Above is a snippet from the words of the Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, while making his position clear on the call for a military takeover by some Nigerians, amid increase in the cost of living nationwide.

The Defence Chief stated this while responding to questions from the media during his operational visit and inauguration of facilities at Headquarters 6 Division, of the Nigerian Army, in Port Harcourt, last week.

He emphasised that the country’s democracy was achieved through great efforts, and therefore, calls for a military intervention by some Nigerians were unpatriotic, needless and should be ignored.

It is obvious that Nigerians are currently experiencing an unprecedented economic hardships coupled with increasing cost of living.

This started with the scrapping of fuel subsidy, which was followed by new economic policies and reforms by the present administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. No doubt, the forex crisis has also contributed a lot to worsening the situation.

While dousing the tension, the military chief stated that the government had initiated actionable measures to address the array of challenges facing Nigerians. Instead of calling for a military takeover, he emphasised that all citizens should rally behind the government to resolve the present circumstances.

“It is when you go through difficulties, and you come out of it better, that you will truly appreciate what it is to build a nation. The country is going through its trying period, but I can assure Nigerians that the situation will get better,” Gen Musa stated.

Read Also:

  • CDS Lauds Northern Monarchs’ Role in Intelligence, Conflict Resolution
  • Still on the Misleading Global Story About Nigeria’s Insecurity, By Mukhtar Ya’u Madobi
  • Celebrities, Brands Shine as Nigeria Digital PR Summit Clocks 10 Years of Ethical Storytelling

It is documented that Nigeria has experienced several military coups since its independence in 1960. Nonetheless, the country is now practicing and enjoying democratic form of leadership with the military playing a critical role in ensuring its success through performing its constitutional mandates of ensuring security.

Revisiting the history of military ousting showed that the first coup occurred in January 1966, when a group of mostly Igbo officers overthrew the democratically elected government of Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. This was followed by a counter-coup in July 1966, which saw the return of power to the Northern-dominated government.

In 1975, General Murtala Mohammed overthrew the government of General Yakubu Gowon and established a new military regime. In 1983, General Muhammadu Buhari overthrew the civilian government of President Shehu Shagari and established another military regime.

Also, in 1985, General Ibrahim Babangida overthrew Buhari’s regime and ruled until 1993 when he was forced to step down after annulling the presidential elections. In 1998, General Abdulsalami Abubakar took over from Sani Abacha and handed over power to an elected civilian government in 1999. Since then, there have been no successful military coups in Nigeria.

Since inception, the Nigerian Military has been a powerful tool for realizing the country’s core national interest, one of which is the safeguarding of Nigeria’s territorial integrity and protecting the lives and properties of the citizens.

Up to now, the AFN has never rested on its oars as far as these mandates, and thus, the military is not supposed to be distracted especially at this crucial moment when the country is battling with myriad forms of insecurity and socio-economic problems.

Meanwhile, the relationship between the military and democratic governments is complex and nuanced. While the military’s role in protecting a democracy is potentially important, it is crucial to emphasize 6 some instances, the military also assists civilian authorities in maintaining public order during emergencies or natural disasters, under strict civilian control and adhering to democratic principles.

As such, a professional and apolitical military can contribute to a stable environment where democracy can flourish.

Let’s therefore cheer our military and support their cause by appreciating their efforts.

Mukhtar Ya’u Madobi, an NDA research student is the author of “National Security Strategies: A Young Writer’s Perspective.” Email: [email protected]

VISIT OUR OTHER WEBSITES
PRNigeria.com EconomicConfidential.com PRNigeria.com/Hausa/
EmergencyDigest.com PoliticsDigest.ng TechDigest.ng
HealthDigest.ng SpokesPersonsdigest.com TeensDigest.ng
ArewaAgenda.com Hausa.ArewaAgenda.com YAShuaib.com
  • TAGS
  • AFN
  • Armed Forces of Nigeria
  • Coup
  • General Christopher Gwabin Musa
  • Military
  • Military takeover
  • Nigerian Democracy
Previous articleUNEMPLOYMENT: Prioritise Technical and Vocational Education – Former NASENI Boss Urges Northern Governors
Next articleTroops Eliminate Bandit Warlords, Baldo, Baban Yara in ‘Deadly Operation’
Mukhtar Ya'u Madobi
Mukhtar Ya'u Madobi

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

ASUU-STRIKE

JUST IN: ASUU Suspends 2-Week Warning Strike, Cites Progress in Negotiations

Troops of Nigerian Army after successfully foiling an ambush by Boko Haram/ISWAP Terrorists

Troops Kill Notorious Bandit Abu A.K, Several Others in Zamfara Operation

Still on the Misleading Global Story About Nigeria’s Insecurity, By Mukhtar Ya’u Madobi

From left: Founder/CEO, TruCSR Consulting, Dr. Ken Egbas; Head, Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing Communications, Wema Bank, Mabel Adeteye; Convener, Nigeria Digital PR Summit, Segun McMedal; Director, External Affairs and Social Performance, Seplat Energy, Chioma Afe; and Associate Director, Sustainability, IHS Towers Nigeria, Asmau Smaila, during the 10th Nigeria Digital PR Summit held at the Conference Centre, Naval Dockyard, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Thursday, October 15, 2025.

Celebrities, Brands Shine as Nigeria Digital PR Summit Clocks 10 Years of Ethical Storytelling

Court Dismisses Suspended NCAA Boss Suit Against ICPC

Nnamdi Kanu of IPOB arrested by Nigerian security services

Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyer, Brother, 11 Others Remanded in Kuje Prison Over Protest

DIG Hashimu Argungu Rtd PSC Chairman

PSC, NECA Partner to Develop AI-Enabled Complaint System for Ethical Policing

Critical Appraisal of Mike Arnold’s Findings on Alleged Christian Genocide in Nigeria, By Prof. Adam Abba-Aji

Customs, EFCC, KACCIMA Collaborate to Boost Trade Compliance in Kano

NDLEA Unveils Online Portal for Drug Integrity Test, Visa Clearance Certification

Nigerian Army

In Lagos, Army Clarifies Ojo Shooting Incident, Denies Killing Inside Cantonment

Terrorist Peace Dialogue Leads to Release of Over 120 Captives in Northwest, But New Mass Abduction Reported

Recent Posts

  • JUST IN: ASUU Suspends 2-Week Warning Strike, Cites Progress in Negotiations
  • Troops Kill Notorious Bandit Abu A.K, Several Others in Zamfara Operation
  • CDS Lauds Northern Monarchs’ Role in Intelligence, Conflict Resolution
  • Still on the Misleading Global Story About Nigeria’s Insecurity, By Mukhtar Ya’u Madobi
  • Celebrities, Brands Shine as Nigeria Digital PR Summit Clocks 10 Years of Ethical Storytelling
  • Home
  • About
  • Adverts
  • Contact
© 2020 PRNigeria. All Rights Reserved.
Latest News
Troops Kill Notorious Bandit Abu A.K, Several Others in Zamfara OperationCDS Lauds Northern Monarchs’ Role in Intelligence, Conflict ResolutionStill on the Misleading Global Story About Nigeria's Insecurity, By Mukhtar Ya’u MadobiCelebrities, Brands Shine as Nigeria Digital PR Summit Clocks 10 Years of Ethical StorytellingCourt Dismisses Suspended NCAA Boss Suit Against ICPCTinubu Seeks Senate Confirmation of Bernard Doro as MinisterNnamdi Kanu’s Lawyer, Brother, 11 Others Remanded in Kuje Prison Over ProtestPSC, NECA Partner to Develop AI-Enabled Complaint System for Ethical PolicingICPC, UBEC Partner to Promote Transparency in Basic Education SectorCritical Appraisal of Mike Arnold’s Findings on Alleged Christian Genocide in Nigeria, By Prof. Adam Abba-AjiCustoms, EFCC, KACCIMA Collaborate to Boost Trade Compliance in KanoBUK Launches 10 Solar-Powered Tricycles to Boost Campus TransportationNDLEA Unveils Online Portal for Drug Integrity Test, Visa Clearance CertificationIn Lagos, Army Clarifies Ojo Shooting Incident, Denies Killing Inside CantonmentTerrorist Peace Dialogue Leads to Release of Over 120 Captives in Northwest, But New Mass Abduction Reported
X whatsapp