ISSN: 1595-5842 | E-ISSN: 3043-5463 | Google Indexed | DOI Registered with Crossref | Peer-Reviewed Open Access Journal
Alvan Journal of Social Sciences International Peer-Reviewed Open Access Journal
Quarterly publication | Double-blind review | Open access

Alvan Journal of Social Sciences (AJSS)

ISSN: 1595-5842 | E-ISSN: 3043-5463 | DOI Registered with Crossref | Google Indexed

A scholarly platform for interdisciplinary research in governance, procurement, sustainability, education, development studies, environmental management, logistics, and the wider social sciences.

Submit Manuscript Explore Current Issue
64+ Published articles
Quarterly Publication frequency
Indexed Google scholarly visibility
DOI Registered with Crossref

Editorial Integrity

Manuscripts pass through editorial screening, similarity checks, and peer-review evaluation before publication. This keeps the journal focused on originality, clarity, citation quality, and academic contribution.

Selected Articles

Volume 3, Issue 1 (2026)

View full publication archive
Research Article

Transparency and Accountability in Public Procurement

N. O. Chibundu, B. U. Dike, U. Chris-Ejiogu

Pages 14-23 Read Article
Research Article

Urban Mass Transit and Socio-Economic Development in Abuja

Mohammed G. Yusuf et al.

Pages 35-49 Read Article
Research Article

Library-Led Open Access Publishing and Scholarly Communication

Essor Gospel Chisa, Mercy Douglas

Pages 186-193 Read Article

Editorial Leadership

AJSS is guided by scholars and researchers committed to rigorous peer review, ethical publication practice, and credible social science communication.

View Editorial Board

Prof. Ngozi Casmir Ebomuche

Editor-in-Chief

Dr. Ambrose O. Abaneme

Editor
AJSS

Editorial Board

Guide

Publication Ethics

AJSS maintains strict publication ethics, double-blind peer review, originality checks, conflict-of-interest disclosure, and responsible scholarly publishing standards.

Author Guide

Authors should prepare manuscripts according to AJSS formatting, citation, originality, abstract, keywords, and submission requirements.

Alvan Journal of Social Sciences (AJSS) Alvan Journal of Social Sciences (AJSS) | Peer-Reviewed Open Access Journal

Explore social sciences

Your gateway to insightful research
AJSS Article 026

← Volume 3, Issue 2 Contents

CIVIL - MILITARY POWER TUSSLE AND SHOW FOR SUPERIORITY: A STUDY OF RECKLESSNESS IN NIGERIAN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

Stanley Okechukwu Orisakwe; Babatunde Godfavour Olayemi; Peace Ijeoma Ejieji - Ezeibe

Journal
Alvan Journal of Social Sciences
Volume/Issue
3(2), 2026
Pages
320-335
DOI
10.67638/ajss-2026-v3-i2-026
Keywords
Civil-military relations, Public administration, Bureaucratic theory, Governance stability.
Corresponding author
Stanley Okechukwu Orisakwe
Email
stanley.orisakwe@komu.edu.ng
Download PDF Open DOI

Abstract

Civil-military relations in Nigeria have historically oscillated between cooperation and confrontation, often producing tension in public administration and governance. This paper examines the civil- military power tussle and the quest for supremacy in Nigerian public administration, highlighting how competition for authority has sometimes manifested as reckless decision-making and policy instability. Anchored in Bureaucratic Theory and Civil-Military Relations Theory, the study conceptualizes the military and civilian institutions as distinct centers of power whose interactions shape governance outcomes, institutional accountability, and state effectiveness. Using qualitative approach, including documentary analysis, government reports, media accounts, and expert interviews, the study argues that episodes of recklessness in administration often emerge when either civil or military actors attempt to assert dominance over policy processes, resource allocation, or institutional oversight. Findings reveal that such struggles result in weakened bureaucratic efficiency, politicization of administrative structures, erosion of public trust, and ad hoc policy implementation. The study further indicates that the lack of clear constitutional enforcement, inadequate institutional checks, and historical legacies of military intervention perpetuate cycles of conflict and governance unpredictability. The paper recommends establishing clearly codified boundaries of authority, institutionalized civilian oversight mechanisms, and professional capacity-building for both civil and military administrators to foster mutual respect and reduce recklessness. Strengthening inter- institutional communication, adherence to rule-based administrative procedures, and legal enforcement of civil supremacy are critical for ensuring stability, accountability, and sustainable governance in Nigeria.

Citation

Stanley Okechukwu Orisakwe; Babatunde Godfavour Olayemi; Peace Ijeoma Ejieji - Ezeibe (2026). CIVIL - MILITARY POWER TUSSLE AND SHOW FOR SUPERIORITY: A STUDY OF RECKLESSNESS IN NIGERIAN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION . Alvan Journal of Social Sciences, 3(2), 320-335. https://doi.org/10.67638/ajss-2026-v3-i2-026

Stanley Okechukwu Orisakwe
Subscribe to our newsletter
Let's keep in touch!

Stay updated on our news and events! Sign up to receive our newsletter.

Google Scholar Profile View Author Profile on Google Scholar