Coups as a deterrent to bad governance

The announcement that soldiers have been hobnobbing with politicians by the Chief of Army Staff not only threw Nigerians into a frenzy but succeeded in once again reaffirming our collective believe in the sanctity of democracy. Although the Army has come out once again to clarify that statement and assured Nigerians that there was no plot against the Federal Government, the message that coups could serve as a deterrent to bad government was all but very clear for all to see.

Nigeria has so far experienced the longest reign of civilian rule, seeing us achieving not only a civilian to civilian transition but much more significantly a civilian transition between parties which was quite remarkable and a seeming seamless progression in the entrenchment of the rule of law as contained in our constitution. It has been a bumpy road with stories of mass corruption, infringement on human rights and all sort of maladministration by those who rule us but the most important thing is that, although rickety, we are still on the straight and narrow.

One could be forgiven if it is stated here that the news of the rumored coup was in effect a very positive thing becuase in my mind’s eye it would have served to remind these set of civilian overlords that they did not totally possess the immunity from power dislocation that they thought. The possibility of a rude awakening, although very remote, still lingered and that the only buffer against it was good governance and much more importantly the total support of the populace.

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This was a warning and to push a little bit further a possible testing of the waters. The invincible preparators would have seen by the public’s reaction, especially the forceful statement made by the Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, that the people will resist very powerfully which may have led the ghosts to scurry back into their holes. But it does not end there my people. It will remain lurking in the dark waiting for a possible appropriate time to strike.

Our leaders must as a matter of urgency begin to look at governance in its very true essence as a platform to perpetuate public good rather than a grandiose vehicle for the appropriation of personal wealth and the puerile pursuit of egoistic power and influence while allowing the real custodian of power to continue to suffer in poverty and neglect. Only this can keep the evil and ambitious ones permanently at bay.

Our democratic institutions have been bastardized and the most painful is the loss of a virile opposition which would have served as a check on the ruling party. Today we have a government of wheel barrows. Where the citizens are being taken for a long ride and the opposition completely disorganized. With the collapse of the PDP why won’t some elements in the military not think of taking over that role and kicking out the ruling party, since there is really no check. Today what we have is technically a one party state.

The military must stay in their barracks, kill any political ambitions and face their constitutional role which remains the defense of our territorial integrity. They have so much on their plate with the Boko Haram situation so even thinking of coming to the public realm would further distract them, destroying hierarchy and espirit de corp. I have implicit confidence in the leadership of the Armed Forces and its loyalty to the constitution as represented by the statements put out by both the Chiefs the Army and the Airforce. But all these can only be strengthened by good governance, respect of the rule of law and much more importantly a buoyant economy that would keep the people fulfilled and happy.

No to coup. Simple.

 

 

 

 

 

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