Tension as coup plot to overthrow Osinbajo Filters, COAS warns military

As President Muhammadu Buhari out of the country on a medical leave at the United Kingdom, a secret plot to end the current Democratic government being "coordinated" by the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo has been rumoured.

The rumour the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai is not handling with a levity. Hence, he has warned soldiers to steer clear off any act of meddling in politics. 

Mr Buratai, gave the order on Tuesday via a statement issued by the Army spokesperson, Sani Usman, a brigadier general.

See full statement below:

COAS WARNS OFFICERS OF THE NIGERIAN ARMY TO STEER CLEAR FROM POLITICS

This is to inform the public that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Nigerian Army, Lieutenant General TY Buratai, has received information that some individuals have been approaching some officers and soldiers for undisclosed political reasons. On the basis of that, he has warned such persons to desist from these acts.

He also reminded them that Nigerian Army is a thorough professional, disciplined, loyal and apolitical institution that has clear Constitutional roles and responsibilities.

Therefore, he seriously warned and advised all officers and soldiers interested in politics, to resign their commission or apply for voluntary discharge forthwith. 

Any officer or soldier of Nigerian Army found to be hobnobbing with such elements or engaged in unprofessional conducts such as politicking would have himself or herself to blame.

The COAS has further reiterated that the Nigerian Army will remain apolitical and respect the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman

Director Army Public Relations

Although Mr. Usman did not disclose the “political reasons”, but military sources according to Premium Times revealed the Army hierarchy was disturbed by rumours of a coup being planned by junior officers.

The Military source further disclosed to Premium Times that Mr. Buratai, a lieutenant general, had even raised the issue with Acting President Yemi Osinbajo and promised to nip it in the bud.

The concern may have informed Mr. Buratai’s decision to reshuffle the postings of top military generals last week. 

The rumours worsened following President Muhammadu Buhari’s recent sickness that saw him travelling to London for further treatment, weeks after he spent over 50 days in London for medical reasons. Like in his previous trip, the president wrote the National Assembly transferring powers to his deputy, Mr. Osinbajo.

On Tuesday, the army chief warned all officers and soldiers interested in politics to resign their commission or apply for voluntary discharge forthwith.

“Any officer or soldier of Nigerian Army found to be hobnobbing with such elements or engaged in unprofessional conducts such as politicking would have himself or herself to blame,” the army spokesperson said.

Nigeria has witnessed 18 years of interrupted democracy after the last military government relinquished power in 1999. The country in 2015 also witnessed its first ever opposition victory which saw the then ruling Peoples Democratic Party losing presidential and parliamentary elections to the incumbent All Progressives Congress.

Mr. Usman on Tuesday reiterated that the Nigerian Army will remain apolitical and respect the Nigerian constitution at all times.