The 2023 presidential election marked a significant turning point for Nigeria. For the first time, the race was led by three industrialists – Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP), Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This was a departure from the past, when retired army generals dominated the political landscape.
The era that ended on May 29, 2023, was characterized by political disasters as Nigeria struggled to progress in various areas, including political, economic, intellectual, and religious stability. This period saw the country being led by retired military officers who had initially come to power as young revolutionaries but failed to bring about substantial growth and development.
There is a clear connection between the prolonged period from January 15, 1966, to May 29, 2023, during which the country experienced ineffective leadership under the old guard, and the current high levels of violence and corruption. For instance, during the early weeks of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government, there were reports of significant violence with 123 Nigerians killed by non-state actors, which can be seen as a continuation of issues from the previous government led by General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd).
Despite the promising prospects of a potentially great future, it is essential to critically examine the leadership of the past six decades. This examination would not only provide national relief but also close the chapter on an unproductive era.
This article is divided into two parts. In part one, it will explore the forces that brought the young officers to power and how they continued to hold positions as civilian presidents. It will assess whether their time in office advanced or hindered Nigeria and explore alternative avenues to engage them beyond politics. In part two, the focus will be on Nigeria’s quest for industrialization and the potential benefits the country stands to gain under an Industrialist-President like Tinubu.
The concept of revolution and its various stages are also discussed. Researchers have observed that revolutionary movements often end up perpetuating the very issues they sought to eliminate, as seen in some African countries where those who fought for independence later became oppressive leaders. Nigeria itself experienced a paradox of revolution between 1966 and 2023, with multiple violent upheavals resulting in a high number of casualties.
Moreover, the military, initially perceived as the savior from corrupt civilian leaders, eventually became a significant source of corruption, posing a significant threat to Nigeria’s progress.
In conclusion, it is crucial to critically assess the past leadership and recognize the need for change and progress in Nigeria. The 2023 presidential election represented a notable shift, and the nation must take advantage of this opportunity to chart a new course towards growth and development.
Whose Interests?
Africa serves as a classic example of cultural diffusion, where external influences stimulate internal change in various aspects such as commerce, politics, sports, and education. Africans often find themselves being influenced by outsiders, shaping their thoughts and practices, and Nigeria is no exception. It raises the question of whether the numerous revolutions in Nigeria only served to thwart the genuine Nigerian revolution. Every political action has its beneficiaries, and we must scrutinize who truly gained from the coups in Nigeria.
During the negotiations for Nigerian independence at the Lancaster House in London, while committed nationalists were present, the British were simultaneously preparing young and uninformed Sandhurst-trained officers to overthrow these very nationalists. The truth is, unlike the revolutions in Turkey under Mustafa Atatürk, Cuba under Fidel Castro, and Egypt under Gamal Abdel Nasser, the revolutions in Nigeria did not lead to true national rebirth. Instead, military rule in Nigeria bolstered British interests at the expense of economic freedom for the Nigerian people.
For instance, during the 1952 Egyptian Revolution, Nasser implemented land reform, returning every inch of Egypt, including the Nile River and pyramids, to ordinary Egyptians. However, in Nigeria, the military government enacted the anti-people Land Use Act of 1978, leading to poverty, corruption, and underdevelopment.
This disparity is evident in how money went a long way in buying food in Egypt, while in Nigeria, despite the enormous funds invested in the military-induced Operation Feed the Nation (OFN), people struggled to get enough food. Furthermore, Western multinationals gained a significant advantage over Nigerians in controlling petroleum and other mineral resources, which contrasts sharply with Egypt’s actions during the Suez Canal crisis.
A Note on an Exceptional General
Despite the challenges posed by end-service transition for retired military and paramilitary personnel, we firmly believe that they can play a crucial role in national development if better engaged. Take the example of General Danjuma, who retired from the army in 1979 and went on to make significant strides in the business world. His ventures included Nigeria America Line shipping company, Comet Shipping Agencies Nigeria, South Atlantic Petroleum Limited, among others. Notably, General Danjuma chose not to seek public office, fully immersing himself in the production of goods and services.
We advocate for replicating the General Danjuma success story in the lives of other veterans. For this to happen, three important steps should be taken. Firstly, demobilizing authorities should allow the veterans sufficient time, at least a year, to prepare for reintegration into society, as abrupt expulsion from their living quarters is not conducive to a smooth transition.
Secondly, there should be affirmative arrangements in place for this special group, considering their isolation during their service. Creating business districts exclusively for veterans and providing them with the necessary support, like extension services and liberal lending facilities from financial institutions, can significantly aid their transition into successful private businesses.
Conclusion
The revolutions in Nigeria, akin to the French Revolution and its aftermath, have proven to be hindrances rather than catalysts for progress. They have weakened the nation to the extent that it struggles to feed itself, run its cities, achieve energy self-sufficiency, and combat insurgencies effectively.
With fifty-seven years elapsed since the first revolution, Nigeria still grapples with challenges, and its young population continues to seek opportunities abroad. Perhaps it is time to explore political evolution as an alternative approach.
In the concluding part, we will delve into how Nigeria can grow stronger under the leadership of an Industrialist-President like Tinubu, who assumed office on May 29, 2023.
