EX-SERVICE MEN AND GOVERNANCE IN NIGERIA THE CASE OF THE FOURTH REPUBLIC

¹Ekiugbo, E.A. Akpoduado and ²Ekiugbo, O.C. Omena

^1&2Department of Political Science

Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria.

E-mail: ekdoemenaandneovo@yahoo.com, ekdoeneroandona@gmail.com  

Abstract: By May 29, 1999, Nigeria Fourth Republic was inaugurated. Before now, the military had scuttled three previous attempts at democratic governance. Military rule is universally regarded as an aberration hence democracy is not only an attractive option but a rational and inevitable one (Babangida Ibrahim, July 4, 1991). However, the predominance of ex-service men in governance, the commanding height of the economy and our traditional institutions in a democratic Nigeria strongly suggest military rule in disguise. It means the failure of the Nigeria political system to free its administration from the stranglehold of its armed forces. One effect of the above is the militarization of our political institutions, the society and the politicization of the Nigeria army. Traits of military regime replace basic democratic tenets. The paper adopts the content analysis methodology and concludes that until the dynamics of true democracy which requires commitment, constitutionalism, due process and good governance are entrenched to consolidate Nigeria democracy, the success of civilian rule in Nigeria is in doubt.