A REVIEW OF CIVIL MILITARY RELATION AND SECURITY CHALLENGES IN NIGERIA

Dunmoye's work offers a detailed analysis of civil-military relations within the Nigerian democratic system and their connection to globalization.

A REVIEW OF CIVIL MILITARY RELATION AND SECURITY CHALLENGES IN NIGERIA BY RAUF AYO DUNMOYE Ph.D.

Dunmoye's work offers a detailed analysis of civil-military relations within the Nigerian democratic system and their connection to globalization and other international concepts, the justification and challenges inherent. It covers topics such as democracy, militarism, and the subordination of the military to civilian authority, referencing works by scholars like Foster, Sun Tsu, and Huntington.

Introduction

Dunmoye emphasizes the importance of civil-military relations in Nigeria's democratic project, drawing inspiration from the Roman question of "who guards the guardian." The author agrees with Foster's four key factors that determine the convergence between human and military activities, including globalization, global democratization, changing power centers, and military performance and legitimacy as a crucial institution within a democratic state. While globalization and democratization have strengthened democracy, they have also posed challenges like international terrorism. Dunmoye proposes integrating the armed forces under the rule of law to prevent coups and militarization. Civil-military relations are described as complex, involving various relationships and constitutional responsibilities.

Democracy In Theory and Practices

The section explores the concept of democracy, referencing Abraham Lincoln's famous definition. It distinguishes between direct and representative democracy, emphasizing power allocation and representation. The emergence of contemporary democracy is linked to universal democracy based on individual rights. However, different interpretations of democracy have led to various ideologies and systems. Dunmoye highlights six key elements of democracy, including fair elections, political culture, separation of powers, human rights, rule of law, and checks and balances. Factors driving the global shift towards democracy are discussed, but the fragility of democracy in developing countries is acknowledged, pointing to challenges such as poverty, overpopulation, and ethnic/religious conflicts.

Civil Military Relations

The perspectives on civil-military relations vary among scholars were explored. Sun Tsu emphasizes civilian leadership's authority over the military, while General Sir John Hackett believes the armed service is exactly what the society asks for, no more, no less . Omar views civil-military relations as the arrangement of political and military power being crucial as those who wield them, while Huntington compares it to labour-management relationships with conflicting bargaining interests. Dunmoye suggests that civil-military relations involve multiple relationships and interests. Adam Ferguson sees a distinction between the political and military spheres, while Clausewitz views war as a political instrument influenced by the people, military and government which he described as Paradoxical Trinity. Huntington and Finer advocate for civilian control, while Anderson supports apolitical militaries

Military and Civil Military Relations

Here, militarism was defined as a situation where a state prioritizes war and the use of military force to achieve its political objectives. The enactment of the Patriot Act in the US is given as an example that could lead to militarism and influence other countries to adopt similar approaches.

Models Of Civil Military Relations

This section examines the three main models of civil-military relations: the Western liberal model, the penetration model, and the military intervention model, which were previously reviewed. The military intervention model is suggested to arise from challenges in national, class, and institutional interests. In Africa, different models exist, including the aristocratic model, liberal model, totalitarian model, and professional model.

Justification For Military Subordination To Civil Military and The Challenges

Huntington advocates for differentiating military institutions and creating a professional officers corps for civilian control, while Finer argues for adherence to civilian control and military professionalism. Subjective control encourages military participation in politics, while objective control emphasizes apolitical behaviour. In lieu of this, Huntington argues that obedience to legitimate authority is the foundation for military professionalism. On this basis, subordination of the military to civilian authority was justified. The challenges include dependence on the military for power, lack of transparency in defence matters. Dunmoye proposes cultural shifts, elected representatives holding military authority, public disclosure of defence budgets, civil control over armed forces' operations and financing, and military's willingness to work under civilian authority for ensuring control.

Democratic Model Of Political Control of Military Institutions For Ideal Democratic State

This section examines the democratic elements in the constitution, the three branches of government, and the criteria that have shaped civil-military relations in the United States since 1776.

Resigning Civil Military Relations and Security Challenges In Nigeria 

This is a perusal of civil-military relations in Nigeria, focusing on the country's history of military rule, civilians roles in politics, and the challenges posed by insurgencies like Boko Haram. President Olusegun Obasanjo and General Buratai's political endeavour in Nigeria are examined.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is evident to note that Dunmoye’s work covered a more elaborate concepts and their relations to civil military relations while Abdullah and Aroriode’s work were more restrictive to the historical periods of Nigeria and their challenges as they are evident within the Nigerian democratic society. Irrespective of this notable differences, they equally share similar views while using the arguments and viewpoints of several scholars and contributors as references. 

In the same vein, I am of the opinion that the operation of the civil military relations in a democratic society is germane, especially in a developing country like Nigeria where corruption is prevalent. A swift events could lead to military gaining power if there’s no firm grip on the military professionalism.