The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has rejected calls from some quarters for the military to intervene in Nigeria’s political process.
The military high command, commanded by Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, has vowed adherence to President Bola Tinubu’s “constitutional authority,” stating that it will not be distracted from its tasks as specified in the 1999 Constitution (as modified).
Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, stated in a statement on Friday that the military frowns on online postings about welfare difficulties in the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).
“The reports call on the military to interfere in our democracy is highly unpatriotic, wicked, and an attempt to distract the Armed Forces of Nigeria from performing its constitutional responsibilities,” the statement partly read.
“While the leadership of the AFN gives priority to welfare of its peronnel, however, we detest any attempt by any individual or group to instigate the law abiding Armed Forces of Nigeria to embark on any unconstitutional change of government in our country.
“We wish to state unequivocally that the military is happy and better under democracy and will not get involved in any act to sabotage the hard-earned democracy in our country.”
The DHQ’s dismissal of request for military interference in Nigeria’s 24-year unbroken democracy came amid a crisis in neighbouring Niger Republic where the military snatched power from the constitutionally elected government of President Mohamed Bazoum.
Struggling to stem a cascade of coups among its members since 2020, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) gave the troops who seized power on July 26 until last Sunday to reinstate 63-year-old Bazoum or face the potential use of force.
Nigeria has also cut off electricity supply to Nigeria amid a flurry of economic sanctions including border closure but the coup leaders remained defiant and the deadline passed without action.