Ex-President Gowon Calls for Permanent End to Military Rule in Nigeria, Praises Democracy
Former Military Governance Should Remain In History's Shadows, Democracy Remains The Way Forward - Gowon
In a bold statement made at the unveiling of the book "Military Factor in Nigerian History, 1960-2018," published by the Historical Society of Nigeria, former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, declared that the era of military rule in Nigeria must come to an end permanently. Addressing the pressing issue during the event in Abuja, Gowon emphasized the importance of democracy, despite its imperfections, as the best system for national development.
While acknowledging the significant contributions of the military in Nigeria’s development, particularly in ensuring peace and advancing economic growth, Gowon insisted that the military should now concentrate solely on defending the country's territorial integrity rather than engaging in governance or politics.
Gowon stressed, "The armed forces must fully embrace their constitutional role as defenders of the nation's territorial integrity, not as administrators or political actors." He added that the age of military governance should remain history.
Throughout the event, Gowon delved into the complex legacy of the military in Nigeria’s national history. He explained that the military’s involvement in governance is neither a straightforward tale of heroism nor villainy but a nuanced part of Nigeria’s journey.
When discussing the military’s role in preserving national unity during the Civil War, Gowon cited it as the most painful episode in the country's history. However, he noted that the war ultimately reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to national unity.
Gowon also touched on security challenges in current times, stressing the need for a technologically advanced and intelligence-driven military. He advocated for the integration of the military with civilian institutions and society to address ongoing security issues effectively.
Confronting the interruptions to Nigeria’s democratic journey, Gowon referred to the military coups of 1966 and 1983, as well as the annulment of the June 12, 1993 elections, as dark chapters in Nigeria’s history. Subsequently, he called for an honest examination of these events to pave the way for a brighter, more democratic future.
Reflecting on the military's contributions and missteps, Gowon admitted that military rule stifled democratic development, sometimes violated civil liberties, and created structures for corruption. He believes that the answer to the question of whether the military has been a hero or villain lies somewhere in between.
The event, organized by the Historical Society of Nigeria (HSN), to mark their 70th anniversary, featured reflections on the military's role in Nigeria's history. Gowon, who chaired the event, praised the military for their contributions to preserving national unity, building infrastructure, restoring order when civilian structures faltered, and their success in peacekeeping operations.
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- In Abuja, during the unveiling of the book "Military Factor in Nigerian History, 1960-2018," published by the Historical Society of Nigeria, former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, praised the importance of democracy despite its imperfections.
- Gowon stated that the military should concentrate solely on defending Nigeria's territorial integrity and should not engage in governance or politics.
- Addressing security challenges in current times, Gowon advocated for a technologically advanced and intelligence-driven military, integrating it with civilian institutions and society to address ongoing security issues effectively.
- Gowon referred to the military coups of 1966 and 1983, as well as the annulment of the June 12, 1993 elections, as dark chapters in Nigeria’s history, calling for an honest examination of these events to pave the way for a brighter, more democratic future.
- The event organized by the Historical Society of Nigeria (HSN) in Nigeria featured reflections on the military's role in the country's history, with Gowon praising the military for their contributions in preserving national unity, building infrastructure, restoring order, and their success in peacekeeping operations.
