Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has stated that he would
rally round to ensure no coup against civilian governments in Africa succeeds.
He, therefore, called on the Ivorien army which hasmutinied
against the government to support President Alassane Ouattara in his efforts
to develop Cote d’Ivoire.
Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo, had in his reaction on
Wednesday, condemned the development in strong terms.
In a statement he signed and issued to newsmen in Abeokuta,
the Ogun capital, Obasanjo noted that the mutiny over alleged delay in payment
of their salaries was unfortunate.
Obasanjo observed that various governments within the West
African sub region were making efforts to maintain peace and security in their
countries to enhance development and progress.
He said that any act capable of jeopardising peace and
security in the sub region should be resisted.
“To this end therefore, nothing must be done to reverse the
progress so far made by the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire under President Alassane
Ouattara,’’ Obasanjo said.
The former Nigerian president urged the military in Cote
d’Ivoire to act within the code of good conduct and military discipline.
“While as a former comrade of those soldiers, I wish that
they have their required bonuses and enhanced wages, but as military men, they
must act within the code of good conduct and military discipline’’, he added.
Obasanjo, however, urged the government of Cote d’Ivoire to
attend to the complaints of the agitated soldiers to ensure peace in the
country.
By Wale Odunsi
