FG backs DHQ as coup rumour sparks political firestorm
FG backs DHQ as coup rumour sparks political firestorm
The Federal Government officially addressed recent rumors of a failed coup attempt aimed at ousting President Bola Tinubu’s administration on Sunday.
In an interview with The Press, Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, expressed confidence in the military’s integrity, stating that there was no reason to doubt the Defence Headquarters’ position, which had dismissed the coup report as false the previous day.
On Saturday, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, issued a statement denying claims by Sahara Reporters that linked the detention of 16 military officers to a coup attempt. The online news outlet had also connected the alleged plot to the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day celebrations by the government.
Gusau emphasized that the report was false and aimed at inciting unwarranted tension and distrust among Nigerians. He explained that the decision to cancel the October 1 parade was purely administrative, intended to enable President Tinubu’s participation in an international bilateral meeting and to allow the military to focus on ongoing operations against insurgency and banditry.
Reaffirming his commitment to democracy, Gusau stated that the investigation involving the 16 officers was a standard internal process to maintain discipline and professionalism within the armed forces. He assured the public that a panel had been formed and that its findings would be made available once concluded.
