The following are the reasons widely espoused for military intervention and rules in West Africa except ______

Analyze the question: We need the option that is NOT a commonly given reason for military intervention in West African politics.

Concept: Military coups in West Africa (Nigeria 1966, 1983, 1985; Ghana 1966, 1972, 1979, 1981; Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, etc.) are usually justified or explained by:

• Corruption and maladministration: soldiers claim civilian governments mismanaged the economy and public funds.
• Tribalism and nepotism: ethnic favouritism and regional rivalry, for example the Nigerian crisis before January 1966.
• Political instability and electoral malpractice: rigged elections, as in the Western Region crisis of 1965.
• Inordinate ambition of soldiers: personal desire for power and wealth.
• Weak civilian institutions and the military's own corporate interests (pay, welfare, equipment).
• Foreign influence.

Step by step through the options:

• A. Tribalism and Nepotism: widely cited. It is a valid reason.
• B. Inordinate ambition of soldiers: widely cited. It is a valid reason.
• C. Maladministration: the most common justification coup plotters give. It is a valid reason.
• D. Religion: religion has not been a widely espoused reason for military takeovers in West Africa. Religious tensions exist, but coup makers have not generally cited them as the cause of intervention.

Answer: The exception is D. religion.

Tip: For "except" questions, first identify the options you know are standard causes. In coup questions, remember the set: corruption, maladministration, tribalism, electoral malpractice, political instability, and soldiers' ambition. Whichever option is outside that set is the answer.