Former Head of State Gen Yakubu Gowon has said that despite democracy’s imperfections, the era of military rule must remain behind Nigeria.
Gowon stated this in Abuja at unveiling a book titled “Military Factor in Nigerian History, 1960-2018” by the Historical Society of Nigeria (HSN) as part of activities to mark the association’s 70th anniversary.
He said that while the military and its various regimes had contributed monumentally to Nigeria’s peace and economic development, they must continue to support the advancement of democracy and national development.
“The era of military governance is and must remain behind us. Democracy, despite its imperfections, provides the best framework for national development and popular participation.
“The armed forces must fully embrace their constitutional role as defenders of the nation’s territorial integrity, not as administrators or political actors,’’ he said.
Gowon, who chaired the occasion, said that the military factor in Nigerian history is neither a simple story of heroism nor villainy.
He described it as a complex narrative about an institution deeply intertwined with the country’s national journey.
The former head of state observed that the most contested question is whether the military has been a hero or villain in Nigeria’s development journey.
“With the wisdom from age and reflection, I believe the answer lies somewhere in between. On the one hand, the military preserved national unity during the civil war.
“We built infrastructure, created states to bring the government closer to the people, and at times restored order when civilian structures faltered.
“Our armed forces have distinguished themselves in peacekeeping operations across Africa and beyond.
“On the other hand, I must acknowledge that military rule stifled democratic development, sometimes violated civil liberties, and created structures that enabled corruption.
“The interruption of our democratic journey in 1966, 1983, and the annulment of the June 12, 1993, elections represented dark chapters in our history that we must confront honestly.
“However, by acknowledging these mistakes, we pave the way for a brighter, more democratic future,’’ Gowon said.
Reflecting on the civil war in Nigeria, Gowon described it as the most painful episode in Nigeria’s history, “but one ultimately reaffirmed our commitment to national unity.’’
Commenting on the current security challenges, Gowon said that addressing them demanded a technologically sophisticated and intelligence-driven military.
He also advised the armed forces to integrate more with civilian institutions and society.
He said the military should not stand apart from the people but should be seen as an essential component of the national fabric, working with civilian authorities.
According to him, the Nigerian military must continue to play a vital role in regional security while strengthening the nation’s defence capabilities.
In his keynote address, Former Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Lucky Irabor also said that the military had made immense contributions to Nigeria’s peace and development.
Irabor said that, in terms of development, the military has been constructing roads, bridges, dams, and several other tasks that have boosted economic growth in the country.
“Diplomatically, the military has been active. Their participation in various peace and peace enforcement efforts across Africa and the rest of the world has boosted the country’s image globally.
“On the other hand, the military regimes have positively and negatively impacted our national development journey.
“Military regimes have shaped the country’s political, economic, and social development in multiple ways.
“The outcomes of the infrastructural developments and back-to-back military regimes are eloquent testimonies,” he said.
He also listed some of military regimes’ achievements and interventions, such as the establishment of the National Youth Service Corps programme and the development of shipping lines.
Irabor, however, said that despite the positive contributions, the issues of human rights and perceived suppression of public freedoms during military regimes had come under severe scrutiny.
He commended the forum for unveiling the book and said it was essential to appreciate the past and set goals and visions for the future.
He expressed optimism that the book will inspire dialogues, debates, and deeper inquiry into the forces that shaped, and will continue to shape, the country’s development.
The book reviewer, Prof. Patrick Ukase, described the 598-page book as well-researched and analytical of the various military regimes in the country.
Ukase said that the book under review was a comprehensive examination of Nigeria’s military’s multi-faceted role in shaping the nation’s political, social, and economic landscapes.
Ukase said the book, which is structured into six thematic areas and comprises 27 chapters, offered a nuanced analysis of the military’s influence on Nigeria’s post-colonial development trajectory.
“It is a vital resource and highly recommended for the Nigerian military, other security forces, scholars, students, policymakers, and security professionals.
“It is a well-researched, comprehensive work that offers a valuable perspective on the history, structure, contributions, and policies of the Nigerian military,’’ Ukase said.
The Acting President of the Society, Prof. Zara Kwaghe, said the book idea was conceived at the 2024 annual conference of the association in recognition of the military’s central role in Nigeria’s unity and development.
Kwaghe said the Nigerian military had strategically kept the country together and urged Nigerians to support it.
She urged the military to continue doing what they have done to help the nation stay together and move forward in peace. (NAN)