A military coup d'etat is followed by _________

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks what typically follows a military coup d'état, which is the forceful overthrow of a government by the armed forces.

Step 2: Explain the concept When the military seizes power, it removes the civilian government and its legal framework. In Nigeria's history (for example, January 1966, December 1983, and August 1985), the new military rulers announced the following soon after taking over:

• The constitution was suspended, or parts of it were.
• The legislature (National Assembly) was dissolved.
• Political activities and parties were banned.
• Rule by decree began, through bodies such as the Supreme Military Council or the Armed Forces Ruling Council.

Step 3: Evaluate the options

• A. Enforcement of fundamental human rights: Incorrect. Military regimes usually restrict rights through detentions and decrees.
• B. Suspension of the constitution: Correct. It is the first and most common step, because the military cannot rule under a constitution that gives power to civilians.
• C. Breaking of diplomatic relations with foreign countries: Incorrect. Coups do not automatically cause this. Regimes usually seek recognition from other countries.
• D. Mass importation of firearms: Incorrect. The military already has weapons, and this is not a typical consequence.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is B. suspension of the constitution.

Exam tip: Remember the phrase "Coup → Constitution suspended → Decrees." If a Government question asks what follows a coup, think of the legal and political changes (suspension of the constitution, dissolution of legislature, ban on parties) rather than economic or foreign-policy changes.