Final answer:
In historically authoritarian Nigeria, dictators used tactics such as banning expressions of ethnic pride and prohibiting criticism to prevent unrest and maintain power.
Step-by-step explanation:
During periods of authoritarian rule in Nigeria, military leaders and dictators undertook several strategies to prevent unrest and retain control. Examining historical instances from around the world offers insight into common tactics employed by repressive regimes to maintain their grip on power. These often included banning expressions of ethnic pride, supervising political activity to give a semblance of openness while controlling it, not agreeing to changes (even incremental ones), and prohibiting criticism of the government.
For example, much like the later Delhi sultans in history who exerted tight control over various social classes to prevent potential rebellions, Nigerian military rulers, and dictators could limit civic freedoms to ensure no organized opposition could gain momentum. They might prevent celebrations of ethnic diversity or acts affirming ethnic identity in fear of secessionist sentiments – much like the Igbo struggle for an independent Biafra. To keep the population in check, measures to throttle criticism of the government, much like rigid censorship practices, were often enacted, making it risky for any opposition to express dissent.