The Defence Headquarters has dismissed claims of coup by the
military to usurp power from President Muhammadu Buhari.
Recall that there are rumours of a possible takeover of
power by this Military. This was further fueled by a statement credited to the
Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai where he claimed some politicians were
approaching soldiers to usurp power.
But in a press briefing by the Defence Information Office, the military said there was no course for any alarm.
It said, “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, which 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.
“Secondly, administratively, officers and men are regularly
cautioned to exercise command and control by Appropriate Superior Authorities through
commanders at various levels. This is to prevent members of the armed forces
from derailing from their core focus of total dedication to their oath of
allegiance. Thus, it is a usual practice in military administration.
“However, it is pertinent to state that, if there are signs
of actions that point to likely breaches of military code of conduct as it were,
cautions or warnings are issued with possible investigations following.
“Thus, in the present situation, the Armed Forces and the
Army in particular has employed the due process to ensure that officers and men
remain committed to performing their constitutional roles. As such, the mention
of coup plots from some quarters are assertions which are not confirmed.
“At this juncture, 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.
“Furthermore, 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. In this regard, the military high
and other levels of command will continue to ensure effective training and
administration, to ensure that the Armed Forces of Nigeria, retain its place of
pride amongst the military globally.”
By Seun Opejobi
