The Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has officially acknowledged that it has received requests from undisclosed sources urging for the overthrow of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. This development comes amidst the ongoing political crisis in Niger Republic, where the military recently ousted the country’s democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum.
The DHQ indicated that those advocating for the coup are citing alleged inadequate welfare conditions within the Armed Forces as their motivation.
Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the Director of Defence Information, confirmed these developments through a statement issued via the official DHQ Twitter account, @DefenceInfoNG.
The military authorities expressed strong disapproval of the call for military intervention in the nation’s democratic processes. They described such actions as “unpatriotic” and “malicious,” asserting that these efforts seek to divert the focus of the Armed Forces from their constitutionally mandated responsibilities.
While acknowledging the importance of ensuring the well-being of its personnel, the leadership of the DHQ emphasized their unwavering commitment to upholding democratic principles in Nigeria.
“…we detest any attempt by any individual or group to instigate the law abiding Armed Forces of Nigeria to embark on any unconstitutional change of government in our country. We wish to state unequivocally that the military is happy and better under democracy and Will not get involved in any act to sabotage the hard-earned democracy in our country.
“The AFN under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, General CG Musa is determined to ensure complete subordination of the Armed Forces to constitutional authority under His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and will not be distracted from its roles that are well defined in the 1999 constitution (as amended),” said Gusau.
On July 26, 2023, a group of soldiers led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani overthrew the government of President Mohamed Bazoum in a military coup.
Tchiani subsequently declared himself the head of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland, while placing his former boss and country’s democratically elected president under house arrest.
Gen Tchiani has so far refused to compromise with any of the suggestions made to him, including appeals by the Tinubu-led ECOWAS to restore democratic rule in the country.
He has kept most international envoys at bay but met with Nigeria’s former central bank governor and former Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi, on Wednesday, among others.
Sources: Infotrend.com.ng
