Every 15th January is the armed forces remembrance day in my country, Nigeria. Having come from one of the periods when the whole of the African continent was faced with military dictatorship and the transition to civil rule which many have posited to be one of the many reasons why Africa seem to be backward in terms of development. Are backward?
The armed forces have played a major part in upholding our nation as one common entity and defending her territories from external invasion and external attack thereby paying the ultimate price, death. From the air force to the navy and army, no nation of the world would have survived external attacks if this armed forces did not stand their toes in defense.
Ours is a special kind of remembrance. The combination of the forces are no doubt one of the reasons corruption have thrived in the world today.
By profession, the military obey the last order rule and made some retreat very difficult as soon as they set out to launch.
An Overview of Military In World Politics
Democracy which is the most widely accepted style of government in the world has made the citizens aware of what rights they have or the other.
Under the military, it is not so.
Ban on the constitution
Since the military rule with the decree, the first thing that is done is to suspend the constitution of the state. Then anarchy and abuses are witnessed sporadically without redress. This is the height of military abnormally in government. No wonder many political analysts have said at different times that the military are not built for governance but for defense.
Fundamental Human Rights
Since the rights of citizens are embedded in the constitution, and the military having suspended the constitution, it becomes a mirage to claim a right under a military government. Hence, the citizens live in fear of being humiliated for their speech, association or seeking justice. So everyone just live and accept what is not normal as a new normal under the military.
High Level Corruption
One thing that have been characterized by military government around the world is their ability to embezzled public funds and remain unquestionable. In Nigeria for instance, no single military leader at the state or federal level have ever appeared in court to answer questions bothering on money laundering or embezzlement. It isn't as if those issues do not exist and the volatility of our constitution does not allow for this. If Nigeria or Africa is not developed or is seen from some quarters as a less developed country/ continent (LDCs) it is not because we do not have the materials or resources to develop but for mismanagement of public funds which are stolen and hidden in treasure houses all over Europe and America.
We can say proudly that Africa is the honey well for the development of other part of the world. Many thanks to self centred political and military leaders who have sought personal aggrandizement than in the growth of the nation or continent.
As we celebrate our heroes past, we draw attention of the world to let Africa develop according to her pace. We have the potentials and the resources and even human capital development but politics have torn us apart than unify us.
Good News
Today, I found the most amazing step towards nation building and to support the #NotTooYoungToRule campaign as one brave Nigerian lady is running for the office of the president KOL. She is the rave of the moment and Twitter has gone agog since the federal government have unbanned it after over two hundred days. Need I say Nigerians are people that matters in world politics, business and industry?
I look forward to more people, young intellectuals and people with an eye of the eagle who have seen the capability to make Nigeria take her place in the comity of nations.
Happy remembrance day to the Nigerian Army.