Democracy and National Security Challenges: The Nigerian Experience

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume III, Issue II, February 2019 | ISSN 2454–6186

Democracy and National Security Challenges: The Nigerian Experience

Dr Orkar, Oryina Michael-David¹, Shaminja, Tersoo Solomon² and Nev, Timothy Terwase³

¹Strategy and Governance Programme, Institute of Food Security, Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria.
²Department of Sociology, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria.
³Market and institutions Programme, Institute of Food Security, Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi Nigeria.

Abstract:-Till the recent past Nigeria has been ruled by several military dictatorships. Upon her return to democratic rule, Nigeria has been faced with several national security challenges. Most of these challenges were not only carried over from the many years of military dictatorship but arose as a result of many years of military dictatorship. It is a truism that the military handed over several pending national security issues to the incoming democratic regime. The present day Nigeria has been able to witness handing over from one democratic regime to another. This paper highlights a few issues of concern in relation to Nigeria’s national security. The major task of this paper is to find out whether democratic regimes in Nigeria have been able to maintain Nigeria’s national security. With this question in view, the study used primary data in answering the question through survey design and collection of data from relevant states as means of generating data. The results of the study show that Nigeria’s democratic government have the capacity and also have been able to maintain Nigeria’s national security. More can be done in this area, so recommendations were made towards further enhancement and greater maintenance of Nigerians National Security.

Keywords: Democracy, National Security, Militancy, Sectarian Violence and Terrorism

I. INTRODUCTION

Nigeria returning to democratic rule after many years of military dictatorship and suspension of the Nigerian constitution that usually comes with military dictatorship, and oppression by the military government was finally handed over to a democratically elected government in May 1999. Democracy thrives on equality of citizens, freedom of speech and rule of law. Nigeria’s democratic experiences from the days of independence has remained checkered with several instances of military takeover otherwise known as Coup d’états.

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