Theory question 109
Military RuleSection B (answer two questions only from this section)
Account for the frequent military coups in Nigeria.
Show the model answer
Model answer
Corruption and mismanagement by governments.
Election rigging and political violence leading to loss of legitimacy.
Ethnic and regional rivalries, including within the army.
Personal ambition of officers and the desire for power and wealth.
Economic problems (inflation, unemployment, debt).
Breakdown of law and order.
Previous successful coups encouraging others ('contagion'); military culture of intervention after 1966.
Weak political institutions and lack of national unity.
Grievances within the army (promotion, conditions, coups against coups).
Foreign influence.
Explanation
Give Nigerian examples (1966, 1975, 1983, 1985).