CIVIL-MILITARY RELATIONS IN A DEMOCRACY: CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS FOR THE NIGERIAN ARMED FORCES

CIVIL-MILITARY RELATIONS IN A DEMOCRACY: CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS FOR THE NIGERIAN ARMED FORCES

ABSTRACT

Civil-Military relations is the interaction between the civil authority, civil society and the military. It aims at gaining and enhancing the understanding, support and cooperation with each other towards achieving a peaceful and stable environment in the overall interest of national security. Civil-Military relations before May 1999 was stained and the military became revered not out of admiration but for fear of coercion and intimidation. In an effort to re-establish Civil-Military relations and re-professionalise the Armed Forces, the government retired officers perceived to be threat to the survival of democracy and subordination of the military to civil authority. Various training programmes were embarked upon both locally and overseas for cross fertilisation and re-professionalising of the Armed Forces.

For the researcher to ascertain the state of Civil-Military relations in Nigeria, he conducted the research using primary and secondary data. It uses qualitative and quantitative methods in the analyses. It submits that a proper understanding of Civil-Military relations implies the recognition of the military institution in the polity. For the military to perform its role effectively and to ensure stability of democracy, it is essential that both the military, political elites and the civil society understand their proper roles in a democratic society.

The research identifies some challenges Civil-Military relations poses for the Armed Forces. These include; wrong perception of the Armed Forces, lack of appropriate formula for defence budget, militarization of the society, lack of defence expertise, non adherence to the rule of laws and failure to provide dividends of democracy. In order to overcome the challenges, the research identifies a number of strategies that include; re-orientation of the Armed Forces/civil populace appropriate formula for defence budget, equipping the police for internal security role and adherence to the rule of law. It further makes recommendations that could promote the appropriate Civil-Military relations in Nigeria.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1  Background of the Study………………………1-5

1.2  Statement of the Problem…………………….5-6

1.3  Objectives of the Study………………………..7

1.4  Significance of the Study………………………7-8

1.5  Scope of the Study……………………………..8

1.6   Methodology……………………………………………8-10

1.7   Limitations of the Study.……………………………..       10-11

CIVIL-MILITARY RELATIONS IN A DEMOCRACY: CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS FOR THE NIGERIAN ARMED FORCES