society
Armed Forces Day: Banwo Says Military Owes Nigeria an Apology for Political Interventions
Armed Forces Day: Banwo Says Military Owes Nigeria an Apology for Political Interventions
As Nigeria marked Armed Forces Remembrance Day, public commentator and technology entrepreneur, Dr. Ope Banwo, has challenged the celebratory mood surrounding the military, insisting that the institution must confront its historical role in derailing the nation’s democratic and developmental trajectory.
In a strongly worded reflection, Banwo argued that while Nigerians are encouraged to honour the armed forces for their service, the country has failed to properly reckon with the long-term consequences of repeated military interventions in governance.
According to him, Nigeria’s relationship with the military has followed a damaging cycle: civilian governments falter, the military intervenes under the guise of national rescue, and the nation emerges weaker, more centralised, and more institutionally fragile than before.
Banwo acknowledged that Nigeria’s early civilian leaders contributed to political instability through flawed elections, ethnic rivalries, and political violence. However, he maintained that military coups did not correct these problems but compounded them.
He traced Nigeria’s democratic disruption to the first military takeover in 1966, noting that it opened the door to a succession of coups that normalised force as a political tool and eventually plunged the country into a devastating civil war.
“That moment was not just a political crisis; it was a permanent detour in Nigeria’s destiny,” Banwo stated, arguing that generations of Nigerians lost opportunities because power-hungry military rulers treated the nation as a possession rather than a republic.
He further contended that prolonged military rule entrenched excessive centralisation of power, weakened institutions, and created a governance culture that still haunts the country decades later.
Banwo described the military to civilian transition of 1979 as incomplete and unstable, likening it to transferring a fragile system to civilians without allowing democratic norms to mature. He criticised the subsequent 1983 coup, saying it reinforced the military’s impatience with accountability, debate, and the slow nature of democratic governance.
He also dismissed the recurring justifications used by military regimes to seize power, including promises to fight corruption, restore discipline, and sanitise governance.
“Instead of eliminating corruption, they refined it,” he said, adding that military rule produced a powerful class of politically connected elites who amassed wealth and influence while ordinary Nigerians struggled with poverty and insecurity.
According to Banwo, the military never fully exited politics but merely shifted its influence from the barracks into civilian life, allowing retired officers to continue shaping national affairs with an entrenched sense of superiority over constitutional authority.
He argued that in functioning democracies, the armed forces are firmly subordinate to elected civilian leadership, regardless of personal or institutional disagreements.
“In Nigeria, we too often treat the constitution as optional,” Banwo said, warning that this mindset fuels recurring nostalgia for authoritarian intervention.
Turning to present-day challenges, Banwo stressed that the military’s true responsibility lies in addressing Nigeria’s worsening security crisis, including terrorism, banditry, and mass killings, rather than engaging in political ambition or moral grandstanding.
“Democracy is untidy and frustrating,” he noted, “but it is not the military’s assignment to repair civilian politics.”
Banwo insisted that political reform must come through elections, civic engagement, legal processes, and public accountability, not through force.
He concluded by calling for a national acknowledgment of past mistakes, arguing that a sincere apology from the military would represent accountability rather than weakness.
Such an apology, he said, would recognise that repeated coups destabilised governance, militarised politics, and normalised the idea that constitutional order could be suspended at will.
Banwo also issued a warning against any renewed fantasies of military takeover, stressing that modern societies are built on civilian supremacy.
society
Zamfara State Launches Landmark IDP Policy and Action Plan as UNDP, Northwest Forum Pledge Support
Zamfara State Launches Landmark IDP Policy and Action Plan as UNDP, Northwest Forum Pledge Support
In a significant move to address the humanitarian crisis wrought by banditry and internal displacement, the Executive Governor of Zamfara State, His Excellency Dr. Dauda Lawal, has officially launched a comprehensive policy framework and action plan aimed at delivering durable solutions for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the state.
The Governor attended the joint launch ceremony for the IDP Policy and the State Action Plan on Durable Solutions, an initiative simultaneously rolled out for both Katsina and Zamfara States in the nations capital Abuja today Feburary 16, 2026. The event marks a pivotal moment in the region’s approach to managing displacement, shifting from emergency response to long-term, sustainable recovery.
The ambitious programme is the product of a strategic collaboration between the Northwest Governors Forum and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This partnership underscores a unified, regional acknowledgment that the challenges of displacement require coordinated, multi-state solutions that address root causes and build lasting resilience.
For Zamfara State, which has borne the brunt of years of insecurity, the new policy is being hailed not merely as a bureaucratic formality, but as a binding social contract with its most vulnerable citizens. It establishes a clear roadmap for restoring the dignity of displaced families, with a laser focus on rebuilding shattered communities and creating viable pathways for safe return, peaceful resettlement, and sustainable reintegration.
The framework goes beyond temporary relief, outlining concrete strategies to help displaced populations not just survive, but ultimately thrive in safety. It seeks to transform the lives of those who have lost their homes and livelihoods by ensuring they are active participants in the state’s recovery.
Speaking at the launch, Governor Lawal reaffirmed the administration’s unwavering commitment to translating the policy document into tangible, measurable impact on the ground. “Under my leadership, we remain committed to ensuring that this framework translates into measurable impact for our people.”
The launch signals a new chapter for Zamfara, one focused on healing and forward momentum. By anchoring the response in a durable solutions framework, the state government aims to build systemic resilience, strengthen the capacity of local institutions to manage future crises, and ultimately, shape a more secure, stable, and inclusive future for all residents of Zamfara State.
society
Bright Brain Community Initiative, TMRI Host International Women’s Conference on Gender-Based Violence
Bright Brain Community Initiative, TMRI Host International Women’s Conference on Gender-Based Violence
A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE: Wisdom Benson Celebrates 44 Years of Entrepreneurial Triumph.
Wisdom Benson, the visionary CEO of Wisic Services, is celebrating a major milestone – his 44th birthday on 18th February! A seasoned entrepreneur, accomplished networker, and dedicated leader, Wisdom has spent over 20 years driving business growth, empowering individuals, and shaping the future of entrepreneurship in Nigeria and beyond.
As the helm of Wisic Services, Wisdom has demonstrated exceptional leadership, guiding his team with vision, resilience, and courage. His entrepreneurial journey is a testament to the power of consistency, integrity, and strategic thinking. Under his leadership, Wisic Services has become a beacon of innovation and excellence, making a lasting impact in the industry.
Wisdom’s commitment to mentoring young entrepreneurs and promoting businesses has inspired countless individuals. He has been a driving force behind the success of many startups and SMEs, providing them with the necessary tools and guidance to thrive.
“Every year is not just an addition of time, but an addition of wisdom, strength, and purpose. The journey continues,” Wisdom said ahead of his birthday. “I am grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others, and I look forward to continuing to inspire and empower the next generation of entrepreneurs.”
As we celebrate Wisdom Benson’s 44th birthday on 18th February, we honor a man whose story inspires determination, excellence, and forward thinking. His legacy is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and passion.
“We are thrilled to celebrate Wisdom’s milestone birthday and acknowledge his contributions to the business community,” said a spokesperson for Wisic Services. “His vision, leadership, and commitment to excellence are an inspiration to us all, and we look forward to many more years of success and impact.”
Here’s to many more years of expanded territories, deeper impact, and greater accomplishments!
*About Wisdom Benson*
Wisdom Benson is a seasoned entrepreneur, accomplished networker, and the visionary CEO of Wisic Services. With over 20 years of experience, he has established himself as a leader in the business community, driving growth, empowering individuals, and shaping the future of entrepreneurship in Nigeria and beyond.
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