Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), has stated that Nigeria must never revert to military rule, despite the flaws in its democratic system. He made the remarks in Abuja on Wednesday during the unveiling of a book titled Military Factor in Nigerian History 1960–2018, published by the Historical Society of Nigeria (HSN) to mark its 70th anniversary.
Gowon, who chaired the event, acknowledged the significant role the military has played in Nigeria’s development and unity but emphasized that its focus must now be on defending the nation’s territorial integrity and supporting democratic governance.
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, he said.
The armed forces must fully embrace their constitutional role as defenders of the nation, not as political actors.
He stressed that the military’s legacy in Nigerian history is complex and cannot be simplified into a story of heroes or villains.
With the wisdom that comes from age and reflection, I believe the answer lies somewhere in between, Gowon said.
Reflecting on the civil war, Gowon noted that the military played a key role in preserving national unity, initiating infrastructure development, and decentralizing governance through state creation. He also praised the armed forces for their peacekeeping efforts across Africa.
However, he acknowledged the damaging impact of military rule on Nigeria’s democratic evolution:
Military rule stifled democratic development, sometimes violated civil liberties, and created structures that enabled corruption, he said.
Gowon cited the coups of 1966 and 1983, as well as the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, as significant setbacks. He urged that acknowledging these historical missteps is crucial for building a more democratic future.
Turning to current national security challenges, he called for a modern, intelligence-driven military that works hand-in-hand with civilian authorities.
The military should be seen as an essential component of the national fabric, working in tandem with civilian leadership, he concluded.
Gowon ended by encouraging the armed forces to continue playing a vital role in maintaining peace and security across the West African region.