Meaning: The quote by Ahmed Bella, a Nigerian politician, highlights a recurring pattern in the struggle for national freedom. It suggests that once authorities acquiesce to the demands for national freedom, they often face the risk of being overthrown by military coups d'état. This quote raises important questions about the dynamics of power, governance, and the challenges faced by newly independent nations.

The struggle for national freedom is a complex and multifaceted process that involves various actors and forces. It often entails a push for self-determination, sovereignty, and the right to govern one's own affairs without external interference. Throughout history, many nations have fought for and achieved independence from colonial rule, oppressive regimes, or foreign occupation. However, as Ahmed Bella points out, this hard-won freedom can be precarious and vulnerable to internal power struggles.

Bella's assertion that military coups d'état often follow the achievement of national freedom reflects a sobering reality in the post-colonial and post-independence era. The transition from colonial rule or authoritarian regimes to independent governance is frequently marked by political instability, internal conflicts, and power struggles. In some cases, the military, which may have played a role in the struggle for independence, becomes a powerful and often disruptive force in the new nation's politics.

The aftermath of achieving national freedom can be a tumultuous and uncertain period for a country. The vacuum left by the departure of colonial powers or the fall of oppressive regimes can create a power struggle among different factions within the newly independent nation. This power vacuum and internal discord can create opportunities for military leaders to seize control through coups d'état, claiming to restore order or protect the nation's interests. While these actions are often justified as necessary to prevent chaos and ensure stability, they can also perpetuate a cycle of authoritarian rule and undermine the principles of democratic governance.

Moreover, the quote implies that the authorities who initially agreed to the demands for national freedom become vulnerable targets for military coups. This suggests a lack of consensus and unity among the ruling elite, as well as a failure to establish inclusive and stable political institutions in the aftermath of independence. The fragility of newly independent nations in the face of military intervention underscores the challenges of transitioning from liberation movements to effective governance.

Bella's quote also raises important questions about the role of external actors in exacerbating or mitigating the risk of military coups following the achievement of national freedom. The legacy of colonialism, geopolitical interests, and interventions by global powers can have a profound impact on the internal dynamics of newly independent nations. The lack of external support for democratic institutions, the proliferation of arms and military aid, and the manipulation of internal power struggles by external actors can contribute to the vulnerability of nascent democracies to military takeovers.

In conclusion, Ahmed Bella's quote encapsulates a harsh reality faced by many nations that have struggled for national freedom. It underscores the challenges of establishing stable and inclusive governance in the aftermath of independence and the persistent risk of military coups d'état undermining the aspirations for freedom and self-determination. The quote serves as a reminder of the complexities and pitfalls of the post-independence period and the urgent need for robust and inclusive institutions to safeguard national freedom from internal and external threats.