The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed a report by an online newspaper alleging a foiled coup attempt by some officers to overthrow the current administration.
It said the claims by the online newspaper are “entirely false, malicious, and intended to cause unnecessary tension and distrust among the populace.”
Sahara Reporters broke the news of an attempted foiled coup, on Saturday, citing sources and a recent report by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on disciplinary action against some officers as the basis for its report.
The online newspaper’s report, widely circulated on social media platforms, sparked widespread tension across the country.
However, the Military High Command, through a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, stated that the claims by the online newspaper were “entirely false, malicious, and intended to cause unnecessary tension and distrust among the populace.”
The statement read in part: “The attention of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has been drawn to a false and misleading report by an online publication insinuating that the cancellation of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary was linked to an alleged attempted military coup. The report also made spurious references to the recent DHQ press release announcing the arrest of sixteen officers currently under investigation for professional misconduct.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) wishes to categorically state that the claims by the said publication are entirely false, malicious, and intended to cause unnecessary tension and distrust among the populace.
“The decision regarding the cancellation of 65th independence anniversary parade was to allow Mr President attend a strategic bilateral meeting outside the country and for members of the AFN to sustain the momentum on the fight against terrorism, insurgency and banditry.
“Furthermore, 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 military high command urged the citizens to continue to provide necessary support to the security agents, assuring that the executive, legislature and the judiciary are working closely for the safety, development and well being of the nation.
It also urged citizens to disregard the “falsehood” being circulated by the purveyors of misinformation and enemies of our nation.”
It assured that the military remains “firmly loyal to the Constitution and the Federal government under the leadership of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,”
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) had on October 4, announced that 16 military officers will face a full military disciplinary process over indiscipline and breach of service regulations.
According to the statement through the Director Defence Information, Brig -Gen. Tukur Gusau, the officers have been arrested, while investigation is still ongoing to determine the gravity of their offences.
The statement reads: “Investigations have revealed that their grievances stemmed largely from perceived career stagnation caused by repeated failure in promotion examinations, among other issues.
“Some of the apprehended officers had been under jurisdiction for various offences, either awaiting or undergoing trial. Their conduct was deemed incompatible with the standards of military service.
“Upon completion of investigation, indicted officers will face the full military disciplinary process in accordance with established procedures to ensure accountability and preserve professionalism within the Armed Forces.”
While assuring Nigerians that the actions are strictly disciplinary in nature and part of routine efforts to maintain order, discipline, and loyalty within the ranks, the military high command said the “Armed Forces of Nigeria will not tolerate behaviour that undermines the integrity of the institution or threatens its constitutional role under democratic authority.”
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains fully committed to its constitutional responsibilities and will remain professional at all times,” the statement said.
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
