Government 2,Nov/Dec 2022

Question 9

 

As a student of government, suggest five ways in which theEconomic Community of West African States can stamp out military coups in the sub-region.

Observation


This was a fairly popular question and not many attempted it.  Most of the candidates who attempted it performed very well.  However, those who failed were giving skimpy answers. The candidates were expected to give the following points as answers to the question.

  1. Insistence on the application and practice of the tenets of good governance
  2. Ensuring the conduct of free and fair elections/respect for electoral contest
  3. Avoid tinkering with the constitution to favour the ruling or incumbent government
  4. Sensitive to and respect for public opinion
  5. Avoidance of bribery, corruption and mismanagement
  6. Desist from persecution and victimization of political opponents
  7. Discourage tribalism, ethnicity and nepotism in government
  8. Avoid the politicization of the military
  9. Ensure judicial independence
  10. Prevent the infringement on the rights of citizens
  11. Practice all-inclusive government
  12. Provision of employment opportunities
  13. Take steps to reduce extreme poverty
  14. Provision of social security schemes
  15. Offer adequate professional training for the military
  16. Enhance conditions of service for the military
  17. Impose severe sanctions on military leaders/coup plotters
  18. Ecowas leaders should avoid overstaying in power
There must be a standing army to confront coup makers