Military debunks coup rumour
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed rumours of a coup-plot to overthrow the administration of President Muhammad Buhari.
Defence spokesman, Major General John Enenche made this known during a press conference on Wednesday at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
Recall that the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, recently warned officers and soldiers of the Army not to associate with politicians.
A statement on May 16th 2017, by Army spokesman Brigadier General Sani Usman, said the Army Chief received information that some individuals have been approaching some officers and soldiers for ‘undisclosed political reasons’.
The defence spokesman Wednesday said, “I have told you on behalf of the Armed Forces of Nigeria that nobody should be afraid of any coup.”
He said this briefing is to clarify on the statement credited to Army about relationship between some civilians and army personnel.
He explained that professionally, it is a command responsibility to caution officers and men on routine basis to conform to the ethics of the military in all ramifications.
Enenche said this includes, “Interactions and exchange of visits among others. This command responsibility is exercised right from the highest echelon such as the office of the Service Chiefs down to the lowest levels of command, hence, the caution from the Army in this case.”
He said this was to prevent members of the armed forces from derailing from their core focus of total dedication to their oath of allegiance and usual practice in military administration.
“Let me assure all Nigerians and lovers of this country that the Armed Forces, is and will remain totally loyal to the Commander-In-Chief (C-in-C) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and in complete subordination to civil rule.”
“All fears about a coup should be allayed as the contemporary Nigerian Military is abreast with the best international practices in governance, which is democracy,” he stated.
