By Enyichukwu Enemanna
The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has denied a news report alleging plot to oust President Bola Tinubu through a military coup, describing the report published by online news platform as false and misleading.
In a statement on Saturday, the Defence Headquarters said the cancellation of traditional parade the mark the 2025 Independence anniversary in the Africa’s most populous nation is unconnected with the alleged coup.
It defended the detention of 16 officers alleged to have been involved in breach of professional ethics, dismissing the report that they were the arrowheads of the alleged attempted coup.
“The DHQ wishes to reassure Nigerians that the ongoing investigation involving the sixteen officers is a routine internal process aimed at ensuring discipline and professionalism is maintained within the ranks. An investigative panel has been duly constituted, and its findings would be made public”, the statement by Brigadier General, Tukur Gusau, the Director Defence Information said on Saturday.
The Defence Headquarters reaffirmed the loyalty of Armed Forces of Nigeria to the Constitution and the Federal government under the leadership of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Tinubu.
The West African oil-producing nation has had a long history of military coup since its 1960 Independence. The former British colony has however enjoyed a relatively stable democracy since 1999 when civilian rule returned.
The incumbent President Tinubu was among those who mounted pressure on the military through a pro-democracy movement, NADECO to return to the barracks.
Since 2023 when be assumed office, critics have accused him of jettisoning the ideals of good governance NADECO championed decades ago.
His economic reforms, including the removal of subsidy on petrol and unification of exchange rate have been blamed for the inflation that has brought about economic challenges to many Nigerians.
He has defended his policies, urging Nigerians to endure “temporary” pains for lasting gains.
