The Defence Ministry has directed Defence Intelligence Agency ,DIA, to go after propagators, rumour mongers and enemies of democracy calling for truncation of the constitutional elected government of President Bola Tinubu and to bring such people to justice.
A statement by Mr. Henshaw Ogubike the Director Information, Press and Public Relations, on Monday stated that “the call for violent change of government by the military is absurd, preposterous and naive as the military has come to reality with democratic government in Nigeria and are focused on their constitutional duty of defending the constitution.”
It said though the military had been aligned with democratic culture which makes coup no longer fashionable, the warning became necessary after “some mischief makers posted viral videos and inciting statement on the media depicting a false situation and impression and encouraging the Military to truncate the constitution of which they will never do.”
It warned all the propagators calling for truncation of the constitutional government to desist from it and face the democratic reality on ground.
It further stated that the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, “has described those calling for the undemocratic change of Government as agents of darkness.”
The minister of state for Defence “warned coup mongers calling for the unconstitutional change of government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to desist from their inglorious calling, warning that government would not treat those behind it with kid glove.
The minister warns against the dangerous allure of coups, stating,”Those calling for coup do not love Nigeria. Under the present government, there will be no military takeover of power.”
He emphasizes the need for elected leaders to lead while the military fulfills its duty of protecting the constitution.
According to Matawalle, “the harbingers of this evil thought are agents of destabilization as Nigeria has a democratic government in place and democracy is in action under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR and the dividends of democracy are being delivered.
“The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has provided a level playing ground for people to express themselves which is one of the pillars of democracy and fundamental human rights are being respected.
Matawalle also noted that in furtherance of their unconstitutional agenda, “some mischief makers posted viral videos and inciting statement on the media depicting a false situation and impression and encouraging the military to truncate the constitution of which they will never do because they have been aligned with democratic culture which makes coup no longer fashionable.”
According to him, “Nigeria is a peaceful country where citizens enterprise, no uprising, no mass protest, and just because criminal elements attacked a warehouse and a haulage vehicle carrying food items to other parts of the country, is not enough reason for unpatriotic individuals to resort to call for military intervention which has no place in modern realities.
“The military is highly professionalised with good Civil-Military relationship and they are exhibiting the highest standard of professionalism with the defence of our constitution as a top priority.
“I urge all Nigerians to come together to support and keep faith with the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR in his efforts at making Nigeria great.
Consequently, Dr. Matawalle reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to defend the constitution and uphold democracy. He assures the public of the military readiness to ensure the safety and security of the nation.