APC3703 MAY JUNE
PORTFOLIO (COMPLETE
ANSWERS) Semester 1
2025 - DUE 29 May 2025
For assistance contact
Email:
, Section A: West Africa
1. Critically discuss the assertion by Onwutuebe (2002, e-reserve) that “problems of
democratic infractions are prevalent in the current political system largely due to the
persisting influence of military culture of political leadership” in Nigeria since
independence in 1960.
Onwutuebe's assertion that the persistent influence of military culture significantly contributes to
democratic infractions in Nigeria post-1960 holds considerable weight. Nigeria's political
landscape has been deeply scarred by decades of military rule, and the transition to civilian
governance has not entirely eradicated the ingrained norms, values, and practices of the military.
One key aspect of this persisting influence is the authoritarian mindset. Military regimes are
inherently hierarchical and command-oriented, often suppressing dissent and prioritizing order
above political freedoms. When former military leaders transition to civilian politics, they may
carry with them this predisposition towards centralized power, limited consultation, and a less
tolerant approach to opposition. This can manifest in various ways, such as the personalization of
power, the marginalization of dissenting voices within political parties, and a tendency to view
political opponents as enemies rather than legitimate competitors.
Furthermore, the legacy of military intervention can create a political culture where the threat
or possibility of military involvement in politics remains a latent factor. This can undermine the
development of strong democratic institutions and processes, as civilian leaders may be wary of
challenging established military interests or may resort to undemocratic practices to maintain
their own power and prevent future coups. The normalization of extra-constitutional changes of
government during military rule can also erode public faith in democratic processes and
institutions.
The militarization of state institutions beyond the armed forces is another crucial element.
Military regimes often embed their personnel and practices within civilian agencies, including
law enforcement, intelligence, and even civil service. This can lead to a culture of impunity, a
lack of accountability, and a tendency to prioritize security concerns over civil liberties, all of
which are detrimental to democratic consolidation.
However, it is also important to acknowledge that the problems of democratic infractions in
Nigeria are multi-faceted and cannot be solely attributed to the lingering influence of military
culture. Factors such as deep-seated ethnic and religious divisions, high levels of corruption,
weak institutions, socio-economic inequalities, and the actions of civilian political elites
themselves also play significant roles. Civilian leaders, even without a military background, can
perpetuate undemocratic practices for personal gain or to maintain their grip on power.
Therefore, while Onwutuebe's assertion highlights a crucial and undeniable factor in Nigeria's
struggle with democratic consolidation, a comprehensive understanding requires acknowledging
the interplay of various historical, social, economic, and political forces. The persistence of
military culture acts as a significant impediment, shaping the behavior of political actors and the
functioning of institutions, but it is not the sole determinant of democratic infractions.
PORTFOLIO (COMPLETE
ANSWERS) Semester 1
2025 - DUE 29 May 2025
For assistance contact
Email:
, Section A: West Africa
1. Critically discuss the assertion by Onwutuebe (2002, e-reserve) that “problems of
democratic infractions are prevalent in the current political system largely due to the
persisting influence of military culture of political leadership” in Nigeria since
independence in 1960.
Onwutuebe's assertion that the persistent influence of military culture significantly contributes to
democratic infractions in Nigeria post-1960 holds considerable weight. Nigeria's political
landscape has been deeply scarred by decades of military rule, and the transition to civilian
governance has not entirely eradicated the ingrained norms, values, and practices of the military.
One key aspect of this persisting influence is the authoritarian mindset. Military regimes are
inherently hierarchical and command-oriented, often suppressing dissent and prioritizing order
above political freedoms. When former military leaders transition to civilian politics, they may
carry with them this predisposition towards centralized power, limited consultation, and a less
tolerant approach to opposition. This can manifest in various ways, such as the personalization of
power, the marginalization of dissenting voices within political parties, and a tendency to view
political opponents as enemies rather than legitimate competitors.
Furthermore, the legacy of military intervention can create a political culture where the threat
or possibility of military involvement in politics remains a latent factor. This can undermine the
development of strong democratic institutions and processes, as civilian leaders may be wary of
challenging established military interests or may resort to undemocratic practices to maintain
their own power and prevent future coups. The normalization of extra-constitutional changes of
government during military rule can also erode public faith in democratic processes and
institutions.
The militarization of state institutions beyond the armed forces is another crucial element.
Military regimes often embed their personnel and practices within civilian agencies, including
law enforcement, intelligence, and even civil service. This can lead to a culture of impunity, a
lack of accountability, and a tendency to prioritize security concerns over civil liberties, all of
which are detrimental to democratic consolidation.
However, it is also important to acknowledge that the problems of democratic infractions in
Nigeria are multi-faceted and cannot be solely attributed to the lingering influence of military
culture. Factors such as deep-seated ethnic and religious divisions, high levels of corruption,
weak institutions, socio-economic inequalities, and the actions of civilian political elites
themselves also play significant roles. Civilian leaders, even without a military background, can
perpetuate undemocratic practices for personal gain or to maintain their grip on power.
Therefore, while Onwutuebe's assertion highlights a crucial and undeniable factor in Nigeria's
struggle with democratic consolidation, a comprehensive understanding requires acknowledging
the interplay of various historical, social, economic, and political forces. The persistence of
military culture acts as a significant impediment, shaping the behavior of political actors and the
functioning of institutions, but it is not the sole determinant of democratic infractions.
