According to him, the growing frustration of citizens is directly linked to the behaviour of political leaders who squander public trust and display unchecked arrogance in public office.
Human rights activist and Abuja-based lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has blamed the rising appeal of military coups across Africa on what he described as the shameless and reckless conduct of many politicians on the continent.
Adeyanju stated this on Sunday while reacting to reports of an attempted coup in the Republic of Benin, where soldiers were said to have attacked key state institutions in a failed bid to seize power.
According to him, the growing frustration of citizens is directly linked to the behaviour of political leaders who squander public trust and display unchecked arrogance in public office.
“African politicians are too badly behaved which is why coups are now so attractive and acceptable by the populace,” Adeyanju said.
"When you see politicians like Wike, Akpabio & co; and how recklessly they behave and talk, you will understand this statement.”
He added that the level of “rascality” exhibited by some leaders is “alarming” and continues to fuel public disillusionment with democratic governance.
Adeyanju warned that unless leaders begin to act with transparency, humility and respect for the rule of law, military interventions will continue to find sympathy among frustrated citizens who feel betrayed by those elected to serve them.
His remarks come amid growing concerns over democratic backsliding in West Africa, where countries such as Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, Guinea, and most recently Benin, have faced coups or attempted power grabs.