₦airaland Forum

Soldiers cannot return to power because military rule is outdated, former Military Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, said yesterday.

He noted that in the last 25 years, democratic rule has survived the onslaught of reactionary forces.

Gen. Abdulsalami said he was proud of laying a solid foundation by handing over power to civilian authorities.

Urging Nigerians and the political parties to nurture the tree of democracy, the former military leader said:

“There is no alternative to civil rule.’’

Gen. Abdulsalami spoke at the launch of a book titled: “100 Years of Political Parties Evolution in Nigeria, 1923 – 2023’’ by the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Abuja.

The former head of state, who was represented by Gen. Abdulrasheed Aliyu, spoke on “100 years of political parties evolution in Nigeria – The imperative of Nigeria’s political stability: issues and solutions.”

Echoing Gen. Abdulsalami, who chaired the event, House of Representatives Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, said strong political parties and opposition were vital for good governance.

Also, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, urged political parties to promote internal democracy.

Gen. Abdulsalami said the fact that democracy has survived in the country for 25 years attested to Nigerians’ resilience and belief in representative governance.

He said: “Despite military interventions, democracy has come to stay in Nigeria.

“There is no substitute to the government of the people, by the people and for the people, which democracy represents as sovereignty resides with the people.

“This year will also make it 26 years of unbroken democracy in Nigeria, the longest period of constitutional governance since 1st October 1960, when the country got Independence from the British colonial masters.

“I am happy that my government, as the then military Head of State, ushered in this era of democracy when I handed over power to the elected President on 29th May 1999.

“My government laid this solid foundation for democratic governance. It also shows that when leaders are patriotic, passionate, resolute and unwavering in building strong democratic structures and institutions, democracy could flourish and yield its dividends to citizens.”

Gen. Abdulsalami added: “We should, therefore, keep watering and nurturing the tree of democracy as there is no alternative to civil rule.
“Our democracy has been tested and shaken by reactionary forces and survived. It is a testament to citizen’s belief and resilience in representative governance.

“It has become expedient to explore political parties’ development priorities to consolidate the nation’s democracy and ensure an environment conducive to successful elections and political stability which is in tandem with the IPAC mandate.

“Since knowledge is power, I have no doubt that we will all be enriched with this book and deliberations on it and chart the way forward in our political process.”

Gen. Abdulsalami called for party supremacy, adherence to party manifestoes and the formation of a party based on ideology.

Speaker Abbas said Nigeria’s return to civil rule in 1999 marked a new beginning for the nation after over 30 years of military rule.

He urged politicians to stop weaponising ethnicity for political and personal gains.
Abbas, represented by House Majority Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, decried the hijack of parties by people with deep pockets.

He believes members should be made to pay dues and to own the party.

Abbas added: “Our parties today, to even give you a membership card, they turn it into trying to get a loan from the Nigerian bank. We need to review it.

“Political parties must serve as platforms for ideation, policy innovation, and citizen engagement, rather than tools for personal aggrandisement or factional dominance.

“The vibrancy of a democracy is measured not just by the strength of its ruling party, but also by the ability of its opposition to provide constructive criticism and alternative pathways for governance.

“Internal democracy within the political parties must play a role in ensuring the emergence of political representations.

“It is by so doing that we will eliminate imposition and godfatherism that have over the years characterised our political management.

“To consolidate our democracy is a duty of all democrats in Nigeria and we must take the bull by the horns. The time is now.”

Former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim said besides the still-born constitutional conferences of 2006 and 2014, no other structured effort has been made in a decade to resolve the ever-lingering instability in the polity.

He said national instability has led to insecurity, economic regression and the heavy burden of maladministration.

Ayim added: “In any heterogenous or plural country of similar complexities as Nigeria, the need for national dialogue and minimum consensus on the terms of the union cannot be ignored or over-emphasised.

“It behoves this generation of leaders and elite to establish that dialogue, and reach that consensus that Nigeria sorely needs to rid herself and her component parts of the mutual suspicions, distrust and antagonisms that have retarded her growth into the stable nation and contending global power she has every potential to be.”

kettykin:
So, does this mean that when civilian dictatorship and shameless abuse of democratic power arise, the military stands idle, powerless to act? What exactly is the purpose of soldiers and police if they can't protect the state from internal threats? Who actually holds Nigeria's democracy accountable? And if democracy mutates into tyranny, what's the plan—watch everything collapse in silence?

SmartPolician:
Military rule isn't outdated. Why the military cannot return to power now is that today's soldiers don't have brave hearts like those who fought in the civil war.

For instance, Babangida trekked from Enugu to Umuahia during the civil war. These are men who were brave and had guts. Today's soldiers are boy scouts who only joined the military because they couldn't get decent jobs.

For you to usurp power, you must strong-willed because if it doesn't go well, you'll be executed. That's why Babangida and his men chased Buhari out of power.

kettykin:
So, does this mean that when civilian dictatorship and shameless abuse of democratic power arise, the military stands idle, powerless to act? What exactly is the purpose of soldiers and police if they can't protect the state from internal threats? Who actually holds Nigeria's democracy accountable? And if democracy mutates into tyranny, what's the plan—watch everything collapse in silence?

rdokoye:
Nigeria was a dreadful country under military rule, it's been decades and they're still finding loot stashed by Abacha. Anyone asking to go back to that is NOT serious.

PressMyButton:
Bitter people in the mud again.

This is a direct reply to Elrufai, Ameachi, Peter Obi and the bitter Obidients who are trying to incite the military and instigate violence. Democracy has finally come to stay in Nigeria forever. If you want a military dictator, you can relocate to Mali, Niger republic, or Sudan.


After God, na Tinubu 💪 God bless Nigeria

SmartPolician:
Military rule isn't outdated. Why the military cannot return to power now is that today's soldiers don't have brave hearts like those who fought in the civil war.

For instance, Babangida trekked from Enugu to Umuahia during the civil war. These are men who were brave and had guts. Today's soldiers are boy scouts who only joined the military because they couldn't get decent jobs.

For you to usurp power, you must strong-willed because if it doesn't go well, you'll be executed. That's why Babangida and his men chased Buhari out of power.

SmartPolician:
Military rule isn't outdated. Why the military cannot return to power now is that today's soldiers don't have brave hearts like those who fought in the civil war.

For instance, Babangida trekked from Enugu to Umuahia during the civil war. These are men who were brave and had guts. Today's soldiers are boy scouts who only joined the military because they couldn't get decent jobs.

For you to usurp power, you must strong-willed because if it doesn't go well, you'll be executed. That's why Babangida and his men chased Buhari out of power.

kettykin:
So, does this mean that when civilian dictatorship and shameless abuse of democratic power arise, the military stands idle, powerless to act? What exactly is the purpose of soldiers and police if they can't protect the state from internal threats? Who actually holds Nigeria's democracy accountable? And if democracy mutates into tyranny, what's the plan—watch everything collapse in silence?

owobokiri:
Giving agbadorian mutants a false sense of security as usual, until you're woken up one morning with that notorious line; "fellow Nigerians... I Brigadier Bla Bla Bla Bla of the Nigerian army....". And you guys will start to make a beeline for Seme Border as usual..

happney65:
The Military will stand back like they have done in 26 years. I pity most of you who were born yesterday. Who do not know what a Military looks like. Because if you knew,you will stand up against anything Military rule.

You can sit online and abuse Tinubu,they no born you well to do that under the Military.

Agreed,our Democracy isnt where it should be. But we are better off than we were democratically in 1999. Elections are getting more fairer. Of course with little issues here and there but we are better.

The Military should keep off from our Political life

It is the people that should do better and vote better candidates and not vote on the basis of Religion and ethnicity but when you do,you take one step forward and take 20 steps backward

EG voting Buhari and Tinubu

ValarDoharis:
Obi never incited the military, you slowpoke

ValarDoharis:
This system of government is not working

PressMyButton:
Obi is the chief instigator.



Enter Niger Republic, you will enjoy a better life there.

rdokoye:
Tinubu is not a dictator, his tenure will lapse and he will leave, that's the difference. The solution is in strengthening institutions, not going back to square one.

happney65:
The Military will stand back like they have done in 26 years. I pity most of you who were born yesterday. Who do not know what a Military looks like. Because if you knew,you will stand up against anything Military rule.

You can sit online and abuse Tinubu,they no born you well to do that under the Military.

Agreed,our Democracy isnt where it should be. But we are better off than we were democratically in 1999. Elections are getting more fairer. Of course with little issues here and there but we are better.

The Military should keep off from our Political life

It is the people that should do better and vote better candidates and not vote on the basis of Religion and ethnicity but when you do,you take one step forward and take 20 steps backward

EG voting Buhari and Tinubu

ValarDoharis:
I like China system

PressMyButton:
Niger Republic is far better than China. You will love it there.

Streetinvestor2:
This is his own opinion. If they don't want nigeria to burn and military back.They should better conduct free and fair elections to all as democratic process. If you think you will be riging elections to win and expect us to accept it as democracy. You must be a joker.Why do we now have military guys in Togo,Mali etc.You rig elections to be sharing hunger/ corruption and you want us to accept it as democracy...you dey mad.

kettykin:
So, does this mean that when civilian dictatorship and shameless abuse of democratic power arise, the military stands idle, powerless to act? What exactly is the purpose of soldiers and police if they can't protect the state from internal threats? Who actually holds Nigeria's democracy accountable? And if democracy mutates into tyranny, what's the plan—watch everything collapse in silence?

owobokiri:
Giving agbadorian mutants a false sense of security as usual, until you're woken up one morning with that notorious line; "fellow Nigerians... I Brigadier Bla Bla Bla Bla of the Nigerian army....". And you guys will start to make a beeline for Seme Border as usual..

happney65:
The Military will stand back like they have done in 26 years. I pity most of you who were born yesterday. Who do not know what a Military looks like. Because if you knew,you will stand up against anything Military rule.

You can sit online and abuse Tinubu,they no born you well to do that under the Military.

Agreed,our Democracy isnt where it should be. But we are better off than we were democratically in 1999. Elections are getting more fairer. Of course with little issues here and there but we are better.

The Military should keep off from our Political life

It is the people that should do better and vote better candidates and not vote on the basis of Religion and ethnicity but when you do,you take one step forward and take 20 steps backward

EG voting Buhari and Tinubu

Sharpsharp00123:
At least hate filled Nyan-miris can rest now

This is from the horses mouth

Brenbentondiaz:
Lolz. Igbos and their well-known love for living in fantasy island and taking it as reality. You forgot Tulumbu would not be sworn in on May 29th?

Gandollar:
Horse's mouth indeed. Dindinrin dey play.