MILITARY AND NATION BUILDING IN NIGERIA, THE BUHARI ADMINISTRATION IN PERSPECTIVE 31ST DECEMBER 1983 TO 27TH AUGUST 1985

Abstract

This paper accessed the efforts at nation building in Nigeria in the period between 31st December 1983 and 27th August 1985. It advanced that the principles of nation building revolves around national ideas and desires that will manifest in sentiments, programs and activities that will secure and maintain the prosperity welfare and integrity of a nation. In Africa, colonial inheritance made the task of nation building difficult as groups who are not meant to be were lumped together into an artificial state. Also, colonial liabilities of economic dependence of African states to western countries extensively hindered every effort at building African nations into greatness. In Nigeria, high level corruption and gross economic mismanagement deepened underdevelopment to a point that led to military intervention on the 31st of December 1983. Within the twenty month stewardship of the military regime, Nigeria was picked up from the shambles and laudable policies were designed to place her among the emerging nations of the world. The leaders drove these policies amidst criticisms of high handedness, repression and adamancy. Though the regime was overthrown, it was among the best Nigeria experienced in terms of fight against corrupt practices and sincerity in the implementation of policies. All these will be historicized using qualitative research methodology.