WEEKEND POLITICS: Military Now Bed of Roses?

By Franklin Ogude

It is believed that the military regime has done more good than damage to Nigeria, and even performed better than any other form of government since its inception in Africa as a whole.

The first of its kind in Africa was in Egypt, on July 23, 1952, when King Farouk was overthrown by Abdel Gamal Nasser and Mohammed Naguib, while the first in West Africa was in Togo on January 13, 1963, when President Sylvanus Olympio was killed. Nigeria was not left out as it recorded its first military coup on January 15, 1966, putting an end to the first republican government.

The military has brought evident changes in their time and dispensations as seen in the time of Yakubu Gowon for instance, who brought about the creation of 12 states, and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in 1973. These initiatives were part of his efforts to unify the regions and ethnic nationalities of the country following the end of the civil war that lasted from 1967 to 1970. This war almost left the country in tatterdemalion.

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For many years, Africans have been forced to live like people with no governing bodies, with people making rules and bending them in their favour under the veneer of democracy. In recent times, African countries are taking up their rights and overthrowing kleptocratic and egocentric leaders who are out to achieve their selfish whims and caprices.

Niger, Guinea, Mali and a few African countries have carried out a successful coup lately. Now, the people of Gabon among others, are in jollity as power has been toppled from President Ali Bongo who took over from his father, Ali Bongo in 2009. His father ruled from 1967 till his death and Bongo has been in power up until August 30, 2023, when he was forcefully evicted by the Gabonese army.

Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. This is what the media is out to do: checkmate the excesses of the government and act as watchdogs. But, is there freedom of expression for thinkers? We keep asking.

The current way suggests that other African countries like Nigeria may one day be next as the people in power live like demigods, allowing the electorates to feed through their noses.

Africa as a whole needs a diarchy; a system where both military and civilians rule side-by-side to checkmate each other’s excesses. Nigeria can be better! Africa can be better! If only we put our heads together and fight corruption. This does not mean there are no corrupt military men, but it will bring a more effective change that is visible to even the local man begging on the streets.

Let Africans take back Africa because it is our land, and our heritage.

The author, Franklin Ogude, is a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) serving in Lagos. Email: fegoson5@gmail.com