Ibrahim Babangida, the ex-military President of Nigeria, believes that the days of military intervention in the country’s politics are over.
He expressed confidence that there won’t be any more interruptions from the military that could hinder the progress of democracy in Nigeria.
During Nigeria’s post-independence years, military involvement was frequent, with military leaders ruling the country for more years than civilian governments until 1999. Babangida, who governed from 1985 to 1993, acknowledges his role during that period.
In an interview on Channels Television’s Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, Babangida shared his perspective that military interference in politics deprived Nigeria of true federalism. He emphasized that the era of the military meddling in political affairs has concluded because Nigerians now show a stronger interest in establishing a genuinely democratic nation.
“I think that is (failure to achieve true federalism) one of the effects of the aberration that the military regime, it countered the democratic process.
“Such things happen, but I believe it will not happen again because Nigerians are becoming more interested in becoming a truly democratic nation in Africa and such thing, I don’t think it will happen,” Babangida said.
In recent years, there has been a growing momentum for the idea that Nigeria should decentralize its powers, with increasing calls for restructuring. Babangida has joined this chorus, stating that it is now the right time for Nigeria to grant more authority to the states.
“I believe in restructuring, devolution of powers to the states to give the more powers and that means you are going to give them more resources to run their own affairs so that we run a federal government the way federation is run all over the world,” he said.
The exodus of Nigerians to foreign nations, resulting in a significant brain drain, has drawn attention, with the former military leader proposing strategies for the Nigerian government to curb this trend.
In his recommendations, he emphasizes the importance of establishing a conducive environment that not only motivates but actively engages citizens in contributing to their country. He underscores the need for Nigeria to create conditions that make working for the nation as appealing as seeking opportunities in other countries. According to him, fostering such an environment would lead to a scenario where Nigerians willingly choose to remain in their homeland, opting for domestic prospects over the allure of greener pastures abroad.
“I think the environment should be created in such a way that people will be motivated to work for the country. So, I share the view very much that we made names in a lot countries, US, UK; Nigerians are doing very well in all professions.
“Why not do the same here in our own country? So we have to create an environment that is suitable for this sort of service that Nigerians have to give to their own country, I think it is possible.”
Babangida reassured that concerns about Nigeria transitioning into a one-party state are unfounded, asserting that Nigerians will prevent such a scenario from unfolding.
“I have been in a military regime and the Nigerians I know won’t allow a one-party state. I have been a military man and I know dictatorship can’t survive in a civil society.
“The Nigerians I know will not allow it; they will talk you out of it. You can say okay, I don’t want and forget about it,” the ex-military leader said.
He supported the idea of adopting a two-party system in Nigeria, highlighting the potential cost savings and reduction of issues linked to a multi-party setup. Additionally, Babangida proposed the inclusion of independent candidates alongside the two major political parties, offering a more inclusive approach to contesting for political offices.
“One can contest as an independent candidate if the person is strong enough to get supporters,” he added.