Nigerian military denies receiving coup request, expresses commitment to democracy

In response to a misleading and concerning report, the Defence Headquarters has vehemently denied that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) received any solicitation to facilitate a change of leadership within the nation. The Director of Defence Information, Brigadier-General Tukur Gusau, said this in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja to clarify the situation. Gusau emphasized that at no point did the armed forces receive or issue any communication indicating support for a leadership alteration to any individual or group. He condemned the unfounded claims, attributing them to those with ulterior motives who harbour ill-will towards the nation. He asserted, “This statement appears to have originated from individuals who are not aligned with the nation’s well-being and progress. It is an unfortunate product of the imagination of a small faction that is dissatisfied with the advancements and prosperity of our beloved country.” The Defence Headquarters also sought to reaffirm the military’s staunch alignment with democratic principles and unwavering loyalty to President Bola Tinubu, who holds the position of President, Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The military’s steadfast commitment to upholding the constitution of the nation was also underscored by Brigadier-General Gusau. “We wish to underscore that the military is fully comfortable within the democratic framework and stands firm in its dedication to safeguarding the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Any suggestions to the contrary are baseless and misleading.” The statement further extended a stern caution to those disseminating false information. “We call upon those circulating such fabrications to cease immediately or be prepared to face legal consequences. Both the Military and other security agencies are actively monitoring such negative agents. Our collective responsibility is to bolster our democracy and foster unity,” he said. Gusau further urged the nation to collaborate in protecting the democratic values and progress that Nigeria has strived to achieve. The Defence Headquarters’ statement reflects the military’s firm commitment to democratic governance and its unwavering dedication to upholding the country’s constitutional integrity.

COAS reaffirms military’s commitment to Nigeria’s democracy

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Army to supporting and protecting democracy in Nigeria. Lagbaja said this at the Passing Out Parade and Commissioning/Oath Taking Ceremony for Executive Commission Course 1/2023, on Saturday in Jaji, Kaduna State. This is contained in a statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Saturday in Abuja. According to Lagbaja, the only thing better than democracy for Nigeria in this modern era is more democracy. He said that subordination of the military to constituted authority remains the most fashionable means of promoting military professionalism. The COAS said that the desire of every Nigerian was to have a flourishing and uninterrupted constitutional democratic governance that promotes national values and the interest of every well-meaning Nigerian, irrespective of ethnic or religious affiliation. “I therefore charge all Nigerian army personnel to be proud champions of our flourishing democracy and remain apolitical in discharging their constitutional duties. “The Nigerian army remains committed to ensuring the security of lives and property across the country. “We are working assiduously to protect the territorial integrity of the nation and support relevant security agencies in ensuring the security of lives and property within the country,” he said. The Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Maj.-Gen. Oluyemi Olatoye, who superintended the training of the cadets, said that the commissioned officers had been imbued with the requisite skills to function as officers. Olatoye said that the newly commissioned officers had been trained to be loyal, courageous and dedicated in their service to the nation. According to the statement, Nwachukwu said the COAS, afterwards, conferred Presidential Commission on the Passing out Cadets, to the rank of Lieutenant, after which the Oath of Allegiance was administered to them. He said the 239 passing out cadets comprising 12 females and 228 males were already in service as soldiers drawn from various corps who were selected for Executive Commissioning, after three months of intensive military training. According to him, three cadets emerged in flying colours amongst their contemporaries. Cadet A Saminu came first in order of merit, while Cadet SC Nwokanta came second and Cadet OY Yahaya bagged the third position. “Highpoint of the event was the presentation of Parchment of Commission to the newly commissioned Officers. “After the Commissioning ceremony, the COAS paid an empathy visit to officers and soldiers who were wounded in action during operational engagements at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna.”