Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, the National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has challenged the notion of the “dark days of the military era” in Nigeria.
He argues that this label is incorrect, as the country experienced significant infrastructural advancements during that period.
Gabam advises politicians to refrain from criticizing the military, highlighting that the military did not personally write the current constitution that is often criticized for its military influence.
He said,
“There were never dark days of the military era.
“You’ll find out that most of the infrastructure we have today were built under the same military we criticise and attack simply because they’re wearing uniforms.
“But look at the patriotism and commitment. We now restored democracy which is supposed to provide the basics for every citizen, today we’re talking about hunger.
“The nation is hungry and we think we’re right and others are wrong. Today we say no, ‘the constitution was imposed by the military’ but was it the military that wrote the constitution or the civilians, who were more brilliant that were brought in to write the constitution?
“Why do we discriminate against the military as if we don’t have the best talents all over the country? The military are making sacrifices, they’re being killed in the field to protect all of us but we sit down as politicians still condemning them.”
