Authorities of the Nigerian Army, on Monday warned Nigerians calling for coup against President Bola Tinubu to stop such a dangerous request as it constitutes treason – the highest offence in the land – saying instead of toppling him, they will go all out to protect both his person and his government.
The institution, which spoke against the backdrop of a video which made the rounds last week about a group of Nigerians blocking the road and literally imploring some military officers seen in a vehicle within the vicinity to topple the President, that their request would not be heeded.
The group of Nigerians at the scene, said to be in Ibadan, capital of Oyo State, had hinged their request on the massive hunger in the land and other forms of hardships, which they blamed on Tinubu’s harsh policies since coming into power on May 29, 2023.
Tinubu, had immediately after taking the oaths of office announced the removal of subsidy on price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), otherwise known as petrol, which saw the pump price jump from N198 to N550 immediately, causing a concomitant jump in prices of goods and services at the same time.
The action which was followed subsequently with the floating of the naira, Nigeria’s local currency, and further increases in the petrol prices to the current rate of more than N1,000, had since compounded the situation, with prices of local goods, particularly food items and transportation hitting the rooftops.
Amid the hardship resulting from the situation, there had been some strident calls for the military to return to power, with one of the incidents recorded during the 10-day #EndHardship protest of August 1-10, where some participants were recorded appealing to some soldiers posted to confront them to take over government.
But Tukur Gusau, a Brigadier General and a military spokesman, in a statement on behalf of the Nigerian Nigerian Army, who was emphatic that soldiers would never return to power, told the agitators that such a call was totally forbidden by law and the military would not act in their favour.
Gusau, Director of Defence Information, while pledging the unflinchingly commitment of the military in deepening and strengthening of democracy in Nigeria said the institution would never engage in activities that would undermine it.
His words: “Those advocating for a military takeover, as seen in the viral video, should be aware that such actions are considered treason under the Constitution. The Armed Forces of Nigeria is steadfastly committed to the preservation and advancement of our democracy and remain loyal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. The military is focused on fulfilling its statutory responsibilities, including safeguarding the nation’s integrity.
“The relative peace being enjoyed today is a direct result of the President’s support for the military and the dedication of the AFN leadership. To this end, the AFN and relevant security agencies have been mandated to take necessary action against any individual or group advocating for unconstitutional changes in the country.”