Back to: History SSS 2
My brilliant Afrilearn superstar! I hope you’re having a fantastic day! Have you ever been in a situation where one person keeps making all the rules, refusing to let others have a say? That’s exactly what happened in Nigeria between 1993 and 1998 when the military returned to power under General Sani Abacha.
Today, we will discuss the policies and their implementation during the military rule of 1993–1998 and how they affected Nigeria.
The Challenge of Democracy Continued
The Return of Military Rule (1993–1998) and Its Policies
When General Sani Abacha overthrew the Interim National Government (ING) on November 17, 1993, he made it clear that democracy was no longer a priority. He ruled with absolute power, suppressing opposition and making policies that favoured his government.
Key Policies and Their Implementation
Dissolution of Democratic Institutions
Abacha immediately abolished the ING, state governments, and National Assembly.
He ruled by decree, meaning his decisions could not be challenged.
All political parties were banned, making it impossible for civilians to participate in governance.
Economic Policies
He introduced the Vision 2010 economic plan to improve Nigeria’s economy, but it was never fully implemented.
His government was highly corrupt, and billions of dollars were stolen and hidden in foreign accounts.
Despite this, he increased oil revenue and used part of it for infrastructure projects.
Human Rights Violations
Abacha’s regime was one of the most brutal in Nigerian history.
He arrested and jailed opposition leaders like Olusegun Obasanjo and Shehu Yar’Adua.
Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other environmental activists were executed in 1995 for protesting against oil pollution in the Niger Delta.
Many pro-democracy activists, journalists, and civil society members were harassed, jailed, or forced into exile.
Failed Political Transition Programme
In 1995, Abacha announced a transition to civilian rule but never planned to hand over power.
He created five political parties—all of which endorsed him as the only presidential candidate in 1998.
His plan to transform into a civilian president failed because of his sudden death on June 8, 1998.
Foreign Relations and Isolation
Many countries condemned his dictatorship, and Nigeria was suspended from the Commonwealth in 1995.
Western nations imposed economic sanctions, refusing to do business with Nigeria.
Crackdown on June 12 Movement
Abacha refused to recognise MKO Abiola’s victory in the June 12, 1993 election.
In 1994, Abiola declared himself president and was arrested. He remained in prison until his death in 1998, a month after Abacha’s death.
Implementation and Effects of Abacha’s Policies
His economic policies were overshadowed by corruption, as billions of dollars were stolen.
His political policies were based on dictatorship, and Nigeria became a police state.
His human rights abuses made Nigeria one of the most repressive countries in the world at the time.
His attempt to transition to civilian rule was a strategy to remain in power indefinitely.
Summary
Abacha’s military rule (1993–1998) was marked by dictatorship, corruption, human rights violations, and a failed transition programme.
He abolished democratic structures, jailed opposition leaders, and controlled the economy.
His government was internationally condemned, leading to economic sanctions and Nigeria’s suspension from the Commonwealth.
His plan to become a civilian president failed due to his sudden death in June 1998.
Evaluation
- What happened to the democratic institutions after Abacha took power?
- Name one economic policy introduced by Abacha.
- What was the fate of Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni Nine?
- Why was Nigeria suspended from the Commonwealth?
- What happened to MKO Abiola under Abacha’s rule?
You are unstoppable! Keep learning, because history is full of lessons that shape the future. See you in the next lesson, Afrilearn superstar!
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