APC3703 Assignment
1 (COMPLETE
ANSWERS) Semester 2
2025 - DUE August
2025
FOR MORE ASSISTANCE CONTACT:
100% TRUSTED WORKINGS, EXPLANATIONS & SOLUTIONS
,APC3703 Assignment 1 (COMPLETE
ANSWERS) Semester 2 2025 - DUE August
2025
MAY/JUNE 2025 Section A: West Africa 1. Since
independence in 1960, Nigeria has seen many military
rulers recycled as civilian rulers. With this in mind,
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”. [50]
To answer this essay question effectively, you need to critically discuss the
assertion by Onwutuebe (2002) that the democratic infractions in Nigeria are
largely due to the persisting influence of military culture in its political
leadership since independence. Here's a structured, critical response that you can
adapt for your assignment or exam. You may need to supplement it with exact
references from Onwutuebe (2002) if you have access to the e-reserve.
Introduction
Since gaining independence in 1960, Nigeria’s political history has been
characterised by repeated military interventions and the recycling of former
military leaders into civilian political positions. According to Onwutuebe (2002),
the persistence of military culture in governance is a significant factor behind the
democratic infractions that continue to plague the country. This essay critically
discusses this claim by examining the nature of military culture, its legacies in
civilian governance, and its effects on Nigeria's democratic institutions.
1. Understanding “Military Culture” in Nigerian Context
, Military culture refers to a system of leadership marked by hierarchy,
authoritarianism, suppression of dissent, and a preference for command-style
governance. Characteristics include:
Centralisation of power
Limited tolerance for opposition
Emphasis on order and obedience over participation and dialogue
In Nigeria, military regimes ruled for almost three decades (1966–1979 and
1983–1999), shaping the political environment and influencing future
civilian governance.
2. Military Rule in Nigeria: A Historical Overview
First coup in 1966 ushered in a long era of military rule.
Notable military rulers: Yakubu Gowon, Murtala Mohammed, Olusegun
Obasanjo, Muhammadu Buhari, Ibrahim Babangida, Sani Abacha.
Many of these leaders later re-emerged as civilian rulers (e.g., Obasanjo in
1999, Buhari in 2015).
3. Transition to Civilian Rule: Military Men in Civilian Clothing
Many former military rulers, after retiring, contested elections and won, but often
maintained authoritarian tendencies:
Obasanjo’s third-term bid (2006) despite constitutional limits.
Buhari’s intolerance for dissent and media criticism, reminiscent of his
1983–85 military regime.
These tendencies suggest a continuity of military-style leadership even in
democratic dispensations.
4. Key Democratic Infractions Linked to Military Legacy
a. Weak Institutional Structures
The military suppressed judicial independence, legislature, and civil
liberties.
1 (COMPLETE
ANSWERS) Semester 2
2025 - DUE August
2025
FOR MORE ASSISTANCE CONTACT:
100% TRUSTED WORKINGS, EXPLANATIONS & SOLUTIONS
,APC3703 Assignment 1 (COMPLETE
ANSWERS) Semester 2 2025 - DUE August
2025
MAY/JUNE 2025 Section A: West Africa 1. Since
independence in 1960, Nigeria has seen many military
rulers recycled as civilian rulers. With this in mind,
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”. [50]
To answer this essay question effectively, you need to critically discuss the
assertion by Onwutuebe (2002) that the democratic infractions in Nigeria are
largely due to the persisting influence of military culture in its political
leadership since independence. Here's a structured, critical response that you can
adapt for your assignment or exam. You may need to supplement it with exact
references from Onwutuebe (2002) if you have access to the e-reserve.
Introduction
Since gaining independence in 1960, Nigeria’s political history has been
characterised by repeated military interventions and the recycling of former
military leaders into civilian political positions. According to Onwutuebe (2002),
the persistence of military culture in governance is a significant factor behind the
democratic infractions that continue to plague the country. This essay critically
discusses this claim by examining the nature of military culture, its legacies in
civilian governance, and its effects on Nigeria's democratic institutions.
1. Understanding “Military Culture” in Nigerian Context
, Military culture refers to a system of leadership marked by hierarchy,
authoritarianism, suppression of dissent, and a preference for command-style
governance. Characteristics include:
Centralisation of power
Limited tolerance for opposition
Emphasis on order and obedience over participation and dialogue
In Nigeria, military regimes ruled for almost three decades (1966–1979 and
1983–1999), shaping the political environment and influencing future
civilian governance.
2. Military Rule in Nigeria: A Historical Overview
First coup in 1966 ushered in a long era of military rule.
Notable military rulers: Yakubu Gowon, Murtala Mohammed, Olusegun
Obasanjo, Muhammadu Buhari, Ibrahim Babangida, Sani Abacha.
Many of these leaders later re-emerged as civilian rulers (e.g., Obasanjo in
1999, Buhari in 2015).
3. Transition to Civilian Rule: Military Men in Civilian Clothing
Many former military rulers, after retiring, contested elections and won, but often
maintained authoritarian tendencies:
Obasanjo’s third-term bid (2006) despite constitutional limits.
Buhari’s intolerance for dissent and media criticism, reminiscent of his
1983–85 military regime.
These tendencies suggest a continuity of military-style leadership even in
democratic dispensations.
4. Key Democratic Infractions Linked to Military Legacy
a. Weak Institutional Structures
The military suppressed judicial independence, legislature, and civil
liberties.
