Military rule does not only pose a threat to democracy but also to

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks what military rule threatens, besides democracy. The phrase "not only... but also" means we need something closely linked to democracy: the rights and freedoms of citizens.

Step 2: Explain the concept Military rule (a military regime) comes to power by force, usually through a coup d'état. Typical features include:

• Suspension or abolition of the constitution
• Dissolution of the legislature and political parties
• Rule by decree, with no checks and balances
• Restrictions on press freedom, assembly, and association
• Detention without trial and harassment of critics

Because of these features, military rule undermines democratic institutions and also the fundamental human rights that a democratic constitution guarantees. Examples are the right to life, personal liberty, freedom of expression, and fair hearing. Nigeria's military eras saw many cases of detention without trial, such as under Decree 2 and Decree 4, and of press clampdowns.

Step 3: Evaluate the options

• A. Fundamental human rights: Correct. Military rule directly suspends or violates these rights.
• B. National borders: Military rule is not what threatens borders. That is the job of foreign aggression or border disputes.
• C. Nationalism and patriotism: Not a direct threat. Military regimes often claim to promote patriotism.
• D. State sovereignty: Sovereignty concerns the state's independence from external control. A military government can still exercise it, so the threat is not a direct one.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is A. fundamental human rights.

Tip: When you see "democracy" paired with "military rule" in a Government question, think about rights and freedoms. Democracy and human rights go together, and so do military rule and their violation.