A REVIEW OF HISTORICIZING CIVIL-MILITARY RELATIONS AND ITS CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGES IN A DEMOCRATIC NIGERIA

This explores civil-military relations in democratic Nigeria, as the power allocation and relations between the civilians and the military components.

A REVIEW OF HISTORICIZING CIVIL-MILITARY RELATIONS AND ITS CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGES IN A DEMOCRATIC NIGERIA BY ABDULLAH I ADAM, Ph.D, AND ARORIODE REBECCA, Ph.D.

This explores civil-military relations in democratic Nigeria, as the power allocation and relations between the civilians and the military components of the society while considering the perspectives of scholars such as Sun Tsu, Carl Von Clausewitz, Finer, Nordlinger, Dunmoye, Omari, Huntington, and Burk. It examines the historical context and different models of civil-military relations in Nigeria, as well as the challenges faced in a democratic society.

Introduction 

The authors introduce the concept of civil-military relations and highlight its importance in safeguarding the territorial integrity of a state in many developing countries. They discuss different models of civil-military relations observed globally, as well as their application in Nigeria across different historical periods. The models mentioned include the Intervention model, Liberal model, Traditional model, Penetration model, and Instrumental model.

Conceptual Discourse 

The scholars and contributors examined the concept of civil-military relations, tracing its roots to the historical development of power dynamics between civilians and the military. Different perspectives were discussed, including Sun Tsu and Clausewitz's views on the military's role as servants of the state and Finer's belief in the military filling political leadership gaps in underdeveloped states due to civilian incapacity. Also, Nordlinger's typology of civil-military relations includes, Traditional model based on the fusion of the civilians and military powers, Liberal model based on depoliticising the military, and Penetration model based on the penetration of the military with political ideas personells. Dunmoye added the Intervention model premised on military participation in state political affairs when the needs arise and Instrumental model posit military as instrument for attaining political and economic means. 

The importance of power bargaining and unity of interests between civilians and the military, and the powers being as crucial as those who wield them was also emphasized by Omari, while Huntington's dichotomy between civilians and the military was challenged by Dunmoye with his argument premised on the lack of unity of interest, skills or viewpoints among the military, and even if such differences exist, it is incomparable to those among the civilians. The complexity of civil-military relations and the preference for civilian control were also noted. Burk on the other hand showed more preference to the civilian control of the military and opines to the divergent areas of CMR comprising inter alia , military professionalism, war, civilian operations etc.

Civil Military Relations In Pre-colonial, Colonial and Post-colonial in Nigeria 

The authors present a case study of civil-military relations in Nigeria, examining different models practiced throughout the country's history. They analyze power dynamics between the military and civilian authority in the Old Oyo Empire and Ilorin Emirate, highlighting the balance of military professionalism and civilian supremacy. During the colonial era, the instrumentalist model was employed to serve British economic interests. In the post-colonial era, Nigeria experienced transitions between unstable liberal models and military dictatorships rooted in penetration, instrumentalist, and interventional models.

Challenges Of Civil Military Relations In A Democratic Nigeria 

In this section, the authors highlight challenges in Nigeria's liberal model of civil-military relations, including lack of awareness, knowledge gaps, non-adherence to professional ethics, poor policing, inadequate funding, military involvement in internal affairs, irregular defence budgeting, and corruption. The authors proposed suggestions to improve civil-military relations in Nigeria, including proper funding and maintenance of security institutions, regulation of military ethics, and empowering law enforcement to address corruption.