Can Nigeria Sustain the Current System of Government?

Can Nigeria Sustain the Current System of Government? By Pointer Nigeria return to civilian rule in 1999 was prompted by intense domestic unrest--following annulled 1993 election and the sudden death of dictator General Sani Abacha. But did the return to civilian rule in Nigeria worth it? Whether Nigeria return to civilian rule in 1999 is worth or not---- is the purpose of this article. So, why did Nigeria return to civilian rule in 1999? Scholars and political commentators have cited the following reasons for Nigeria return to civilian rule in 1999: 1. The execution of political activist, named Ken Kiwa and 8 others in 1995 by the Nigerian military government. 2. The death of Sani Abachi in 1998 and the sudden death of presumed election winner, Mr. Moshood Abiola. 3. Decades of authoritarian repression had push Nigeria to the brink of collapse. 4. The continued unrest in the southwestern of Nigeria over annulled 1993 election 5. General Abdulsalami Abubakar who took over in 1998 recognized the unsustainability of military dictatorship and executed 11-month transition program to hand over power to civilian rule in 1999. To assess whether it is worth it, many analysts and citizens had argued that while the return of civilian rule has ended systemic brutality, the emergence of fragile economy, insecurity in the country, democratic governance have primarily benefited the wealthy, corrupt the political class rather than a broader population. Some of the benefits of ending Systemic brutality cited by many Nigerians include restoration of freedom of press, ending arbitrary detention without trial, lifting international sanctions that isolated Nigeria for years. Today, some Nigerians have argued, these have succeeded. But in the midst of all these is many Nigerians are beginning to come forward to call for a return to military rule. They argue that under the current civilian rule, power is circulating among a narrow ruling class rather than empowering everyday citizens. This has sparked discontent and calls for new system of government to address ethnic marginalization and resource control.

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