June 12: Ijaw group calls for military takeover, says democracy has failed Nigeria
The Ijaw People’s Development Initiative (IPDI) has called on the Federal Government to hand over power to the military, arguing that Nigeria’s democratic system has failed and no longer serves the interests of the people.
Speaking in Warri during an interview, IPDI National President, Comrade Austin Ozobo, expressed deep dissatisfaction with the current state of governance, citing rampant corruption, widespread insecurity, and what he described as the political nature of banditry and killings in northern Nigeria.
Ozobo, a human rights activist, said:
“There is so much corruption, kidnappings, and banditry in this democratic system. The leadership lacks the political will to combat these problems. Democracy in Nigeria has failed in all its ramifications.”
He pointed to examples like Mali, which is currently under military rule, claiming that a military government might be better positioned to set new standards and chart a path forward for Nigeria.
Citing Nigeria’s growing debt burden, Ozobo said:
“Nigeria is indebted to the tune of ₦144.86 trillion, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is already planning to borrow another ₦36.15 trillion.”
He also criticized the Nigerian Senate, calling it a “rubber stamp” institution incapable of standing up for the people or addressing national challenges meaningfully.
While calls for military intervention remain highly controversial and unconstitutional in Nigeria, the IPDI’s statement reflects growing frustration among some citizens over governance, insecurity, and economic hardship under the current democratic framework.
