Politics
PROMINENT accountant, author and elder statesman, Bashorun J.K. Randle, has blamed Nigeria’s persistent governance challenges on the legacy of military intervention in politics, saying decades of military dominance had weakened democratic institutions and undermined good governance.
Randle stated this in Lagos while delivering an address at the launch of The Gun Hegemony, a book authored by veteran pro-democracy activist, Ayo Opadokun.
He said the Jan. 15, 1966 military coup that terminated Nigeria’s First Republic marked the beginning of a prolonged period of political instability, bloodshed and governance failures whose effects were still being felt six decades later.
The elder statesman described the book as a timely and compelling examination of the consequences of military rule on Nigeria’s political development.
According to him, the country’s experience since the first coup has demonstrated that sustainable development and national progress can only be achieved through democratic governance, strong institutions and accountability.
“Exactly sixty years ago, Nigeria was taken by surprise when soldiers announced the termination of civilian rule.
“Since then, the nation has witnessed repeated cycles of coups, counter-coups, political upheavals and disruptions to democratic governance,” he said.
Randle commended Opadokun for documenting the long-term impact of military domination of the political space and for his consistent advocacy for democracy and constitutional rule.
He noted that “The Gun Hegemony” challenged Nigerians to critically examine the nation’s political journey and recommit themselves to democratic values.
The elder statesman argued that governance driven by force rather than consensus had left deep scars on Nigeria and several African countries.
Drawing examples from Uganda, Sudan, Somalia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, he said prolonged authoritarian rule had often resulted in political instability, conflict and humanitarian crises.
Randle urged leaders across Africa to strengthen democratic institutions and ensure that governance remained accountable to the people.
He also reflected on major events in Nigeria’s political history, including the assassination of former Head of State, Gen. Murtala Mohammed, in 1976, describing such episodes as evidence of the destructive consequences of political power sustained through force.
According to him, Nigeria’s governance challenges over the last six decades reflect a persistent mismatch between the demand for good governance and the supply of effective leadership.
“The answer lies not in the gun but in strengthening democratic institutions, accountability and citizen participation,” he said.
Randle further highlighted the contributions of generations of the Randle family to public service, education, healthcare, sports and philanthropy in Lagos and Nigeria, saying nation-building should be driven by service and integrity rather than coercion.
He urged Nigerians, particularly the younger generation, to learn from the lessons of history and safeguard the country’s democratic institutions.
The launch attracted political leaders, academics, civil society advocates, business leaders and democracy activists from across the country.
“The Gun Hegemony” examines the impact of military rule on Nigeria’s political evolution and explores pathways for deepening democratic governance and national development.
F.O
Tags: Legacy of militatry rule in NIgeria Nigeria’s governance Randle