The coup attempt and our nascent democracy

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has ultimately confirmed plans by some soldiers to oust the government of President Bola Tinubu, after initial denial and dithering. According to the Director of Defence Information, Major-General Samaila Uba, early investigation into the alleged coup attempt has been completed and forwarded to appropriate superior authority in line with extant military regulations.

The military also explained that the preliminary investigation was comprehensive and conducted in line with established procedures, adding that it examined the circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected soldiers. The investigation has established that some military officers were allegedly plotting to overthrow the federal government and described such conduct as being inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards required of members of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

“Accordingly, those with cases to answer will be formally arraigned before an appropriate military judicial panel to face trial in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations. This ensures accountability while upholding the principles of fairness and due process,” the DHQ stated. It noted that the actions being taken against the affected officers are purely disciplinary and part of institutional mechanisms to preserve order, discipline and operational effectiveness within the ranks.

Initially, the military had announced that 16 officers were being investigated for allegedly planning a coup. Later, it dismissed the claim and insisted that the detained officers were being investigated for indiscipline and breach of service regulations. However, the military later disclosed that more officers and civilians were arrested in connection with the coup.

 After over two decades of unbroken democracy, the recent news of a coup attempt is sad and uncalled for. Instead of consolidating our democracy, some people want to scuttle it. Although the coup attempt was reportedly aborted before execution, we condemn it in strong terms and call for its thorough investigation. Military intervention in politics is no longer fashionable. Nigeria has had enough of coups and their dire consequences. No matter the imperfections of democracy, it remains the best form of government. Besides, democracy offers citizens an opportunity to retain or change a government every four years through transparent elections. Effecting such change of government through a coup is highly reprehensible and unacceptable.

 The resurgent of coups in West Africa is inimical to the development of democracy in the region. We call on all lovers of democracy to rise up against the spread of coup virus in West Africa. We say this because coups have stunted the growth and development of democracy in the region. Military interventions in the politics of the region have stalled its socio-economic development. As the largest democracy in Africa, what Nigeria needs now is how to nurture its nascent democracy and make it stable like other democracies in the world. At a time when Africa is grappling with the uncertainties created by military interventions in Sudan, Niger, Mali, Gabon, Burkina Faso, a successful coup in Nigeria would have worsened the situation. 

A coup d’etat is never a solution to bad governance or the grievances of the coupists. At this period of our democratic march, the contemplation of a coup is sacrilegious. Apart from being an aberration, any military intervention now will be disruptive and destabilizing to democratic governance. At a time Nigeria is championing the restoration of democratic order in some troubled parts of Africa, it is ironical that some of its soldiers are contemplating a coup attempt. Our democracy must be nurtured, defended and consolidated.

Let the soldiers limit themselves to their professional duties of protecting the country against external invasion. They are not trained for civil governance. We also condemn arbitrary regimes in the neighbouring countries and urge them to return to democratic order. Above all, we call for a fair and transparent trial of those involved in the coup attempt. In fact, the trial of the coupists should be open. On no account should the matter be politicized or used as a witch-hunt against some individuals.

Nevertheless, it is worth stating that good governance remains the only antidote to unconstitutional change of government. To guard against coups, there is need for good governance, the rule of law and integrity of the electoral system. Our politicians should play by the rule and serve the people with dedication. Most times, military adventurists latch on bad governance as an excuse to launch their agenda and yet do little while in office. Our elections should be credible, free and fair. Let our leaders stop paying lip service to good governance. On the other hand, the military must subordinate itself to civilian authorities and be willing to defend our constitution and democracy.