This article was originally published as: UNPACKING THE LEGACY OF MILITARY RULE: HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS IN NIGERIA (1985-2007)
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Abstract
This study examines the Human rights violations perpetrated during Nigeria’s Military rule from 1985 to 1999, and the lingering impact on the country’s democratic transitions from 1999 to 2007. Through a critical analysis of archival materials, interviews, and secondary sources, this research uncovers the systemic abuses, impunity, and institutional weaknesses that characterized the military era. The study reveals how the military’s draconian laws, extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances and torture, created a culture of fear and silence, which continues to influence Nigeria’s human rights landscape. The research also assesses the efforts of successive democratic governments to address these violations, including truth-telling initiatives, judicial reforms and reparations. The findings highlight the need for a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to transitional justice, institutional reform, and accountability to effectively confront and the legacy of military rule and promote sustainable human rights protection in Nigeria. The paper contributed to literature through conceptual definitions and through methodology with new insightful information.
Authors
- OLUTAYO AYOBAMI AJAYI (EMMANUEL ALAYNADE UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION, OYO, OYO STATE, NIGERIA)
- OYEDOKUN MOJEED OYETUNJI (AL-HIKMAH UNIVERSITY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL ILORIN)
Keywords
Human rights, Military rule, Democracy, Violations, Judicial reform
References
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