Army not plotting coup against Acting President

The Nigerian military has denied claims of plotting a coup against Acting President Yemi Osinbajo amid allegations that it is trying to overthrow President Muhammadu Buharis administration.

The Director of Defence Information, Major General John Enenche, made the military position's clear in a statement released on Thursday, July 14, 2017.

The statement said the military is not planning to disrupt the country's democracy, saying it was committed to the "best global practices of governance".

The statement read, "It is necessary to make clarifications on an ill motivated article published by the media by a group of 'unnamed concerned military and intelligence officers'.

"This is another machination of mischief makers and distractors against the military in its entirety.

"The publication by all intent is ultimately aimed at undermining the efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria towards tackling the security challenges in the country and particularly that of the North-east. It should be disregarded as an unfounded and absolute disinformation.

"Thus, the contrary assertion reported is a gross and evil intended message to the general public and therefore should be disregarded.

"The BBC's Hard Talk with the Chief of Army Staff during his official visit to the United Kingdom was never arranged by any group or cabal as reported.

"It is normal media practice to interact with principals of organisations on topical issues at such opportunities, which was what happened. It was not for any image burnishing as maliciously purported. Hence, it should be ignored.

"The book launched on the late Brigadier General Zakaria Maimalari in Abuja on 3 July 2017 was attended by notable senior citizens of Nigeria among others, including former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon and former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, both who by every standard can never belong to any such thing as cabals.

"It was not a cover for any power take over as wickedly portrayed, not minding the presence of key patriotic elder statesmen and leaders at the event. This shows clear lack of situation analysis capability due to ulterior motives. Hence, should be discountenanced.

"It is worthy of note that the Nigerian military in the recent past has been in the fore front of the country's foreign policy and political direction of ensuring political stability in the West African sub-region.

"In The Gambia, the Armed Forces of Nigeria took the lead in the military coalition to ensure that the will of Gambians was achieved and democracy sustained.

"Thus, it is morally, practically, professionally and ethically impossible for the contemporary Nigerian military to embark on truncating democracy in its own country. "More so, members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria are in tune with best global practices of governance, which is civil democracy.

"Therefore, the Defence Headquarters reassures all Nigerians of the unalloyed loyalty of the military to the Commander-in-Chief and total subordination to political and constituted civil authorities in the country.

"The Armed Forces of Nigeria will continue to carry out their constitutional roles as directed by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria."

There have been unending rumours about a cabal trying to unseat Osinbajo ever since he's been acting as the country's Commander in Chief in the absence of President Buhari.

The president left for London on May 7 to resume treatment for an undisclosed illness that has invited speculations that he might be unfit to continue to lead the country.

This week, Osinbajo met Buhari in London, and on his return said the president is "recuperating very quickly and he’s doing very well.

"I think we should really expect him back very shortly."