COMR. PEACE.O

  INTRODUCTION Democracy is meant to ensure that government reflects the will of the people, protects citizens’ rights, and promotes accountability, with the Constitution serving as the guardian of a democratic state. In Nigeria, however, the principles of genuine democracy are often undermined by factors such as electoral fraud, vote-buying, corruption, weak institutions, political violence, and limited civic participation. These challenges contribute to the erosion of democracy in the country and suggest that Nigeria does not fully uphold the Constitution as the foremost guardian of democratic governance, as cases of discrimination still occur. As a result, the democratic system has deviated from its true purpose and core tenets, weakening public trust and hindering national development.  This discussion examines the causes, effects, and broader implications of the erosion of genuine democracy in Nigeria, highlighting the urgent need for reforms that will strengthen democr...

                                      INTRODUCTION The paper explores the challenge of balancing security and liberty, particularly in developing democracies like Nigeria, where the military plays a dual role as both a protector of the state and, at times, a suppressor of dissent. This dual role raises important questions about how to ensure a cordial and harmonious relationship between civilians and the military within a democratic system. It highlights how military involvement in politics, especially through coups, has weakened democratic institutions and civilian authority in Africa.  Using Nigeria as a key example, the paper examines the lasting impact of military rule and ongoing challenges such as ethnic bias and politicized recruitment. It concludes that strong civilian control, merit-based systems, and robust democratic institutions are essential to ensure the military supports ...