General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, has warned against the clamour for a coup over the prevailing economic hardship in Nigeria.
He said the military was happy and better under democracy, hence would not act against a democratically elected government.
There have been protests in Kano, Ibadan, Minna, Osogbo and other cities as prices of food items continue to rise since the removal of petrol subsidy in May 2023. The main labour organisations, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have also threatened to stage nationwide protests on February 27 and 28.
But CDS Musa, who spoke during his operational visit and inauguration of facilities at Headquarters 6 Division of the Nigeria Army, in Port Harcourt, said people making calls for a military takeover on account of the hardship do not love Nigeria.
He stressed that the country’s democracy was achieved through great efforts, saying calls for a military intervention by some Nigerians were unpatriotic.
“We want to make it clear that the Armed Forces of Nigeria is here to protect democracy.We all want democracy; we do better during democracy, and so, the armed forces will continue to support democracy.”
According to him, those advocating a coup d’état are adversaries, who do not have the country’s best interests at heart.
“Anybody calling for anything other than democracy is evil and does not wish us well.
“We can see that with democracy a lot of things are happening in Nigeria. Yes, we are going through a trying period, but in life, nothing is 100 per cent.
“Everybody (country) went through trying periods, and it is what you do with them (that matters),” he added.
The military chief stated that government had initiated actionable measures to address the array of challenges facing Nigerians.
He emphasised that instead of calling for a military takeover, all citizens should rally behind the government to resolve the present circumstances.
“It is when you go through difficulties, and you come out of it better, that you will truly appreciate what it is to build a nation.
“The country is going through its trying period, but I can assure Nigerians that the situation will get better.
“All we need is to unite and work together to defeat enemies of the government and country, those who do not want us to succeed,” he stated.
Musa pledged the military’s loyalty to the government, adding the armed forces would preserve peace and order in the country
Source: The Sun.
