Abdulsalami’s Advice to Tinubu
In a candid interview with The Sun newspaper, Nigeria’s last military ruler, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, shed light on a truth often whispered but seldom spoken aloud: the symbiotic relationship between politicians and military officers in the orchestration of coups. His insights offer a sobering reflection on Nigeria’s political journey, particularly as the nation celebrates 25 years of uninterrupted civilian rule.
Abdulsalami’s tenure as head of state was brief but pivotal. Thrust into power following the death of Sani Abacha in June 1998, he kept his promise to return Nigeria to democratic governance. On May 29, 1999, he handed the reins to Olusegun Obasanjo, a democratically elected president. This transition marked the end of Nigeria’s tumultuous affair with military rule—or so it seemed.
Yet, as Africa’s most populous nation navigates its democratic path, Abdulsalami’s words serve as a potent reminder that the specter of military intervention still looms. His core message? Military coups don’t happen in a vacuum. They require an enabling environment, one that he argues is often created by politicians themselves.
“When you are in government and there is no equity and justice, certainly this brings problem,” Abdulsalami stated. His observation strikes at the heart of Nigeria’s political challenges. When governance fails to deliver fairness, when the dividends of democracy remain elusive for many, discontent festers. This disillusionment, he suggests, is the fertile ground in which coup plots take root.
But Abdulsalami goes further, pulling back the curtain on the political theater. He points out that even within political parties, the very institutions meant to embody democratic values, autocracy often reigns. “You have a political party and even in the political party one belongs to, there is no democracy,” he notes. This internal dysfunction spills over, creating fissures in the broader political landscape—”quivers” and “quarrels” that, if left unresolved, can escalate into full-blown crises.
It’s in these moments of turmoil that some military officers see an opportunity. Yet, Abdulsalami insists, they don’t act alone. His most striking claim? “Remember there is no military man that takes over without the connivance and assistance of politicians and civilians.” This assertion reframes our understanding of coups. Far from being purely military affairs, they emerge as collaborative productions, with politicians often playing the role of silent partners or even active co-conspirators.
This revelation complicates Nigeria’s democratic narrative. It suggests that the threat to civilian rule doesn’t just lurk in military barracks but also prowls the halls of parliament, the chambers of government ministries, and the backrooms of political gatherings. In this light, safeguarding democracy becomes a more nuanced challenge—one that demands not just keeping soldiers in their barracks but also holding politicians accountable for upholding democratic norms within their own ranks.
Yet, Abdulsalami’s interview isn’t all cautionary tales. Asked about Nigeria’s democratic progress since 1999, he offers a measured but optimistic assessment. “Yes, we are not yet there. There are some drawbacks, but compared to 1999 to today, I will say democracy has really made advances in Nigeria.” His words acknowledge the journey’s difficulties while affirming its forward momentum.
As Nigeria looks to its future under President Bola Tinubu, Abdulsalami’s advice is both simple and profound. He urges Tinubu to learn from his predecessors’ missteps, to correct past errors while charting his own course. This counsel encapsulates the iterative nature of democratic growth—learning, adapting, improving.
In the grand ballet of Nigerian politics, Abdulsalami’s interview reminds us that democracy’s success depends on all its dancers moving in harmony. Military officers must respect civilian authority. Politicians must embody the democratic ideals they preach. When either falters, the performance risks descending into chaos. But when each plays their part with integrity, Nigeria’s democracy can deliver a performance worthy of a standing ovation.
Reference
Abdulsalami: Military coups can’t succeed without assistance of politicians published the cable
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