The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed rumors of a coup-plot to overthrow the President Muhammad Buhari government.

Defence spokesman, Major General John Enenche made this known during a press conference on Wednesday at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.

Recall that the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, recently warned officers and soldiers of the Army not to associate with politicians.

A statement on May 16th 2017, by Army spokesman Brigadier General Sani Usman, said the Army Chief received information that some individuals have been approaching some officers and soldiers for undisclosed political reasons.

Buratai also reminded that the Nigerian Army is a thorough professional, disciplined, loyal and apolitical institution that has clear constitutional roles and responsibilities.

He also, “Seriously warned and advised all officers and soldiers interested in politics, to resign their commission or apply for voluntary discharge forthwith.”

He said 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.

However, the defence spokesman on Wednesday said, “I have told you on behalf of the Armed Forces of Nigeria that nobody should be afraid of any coup.”

He said this briefing is to clarify on the statement credited to Army about relationship between some civilians and army personnel.

He explained that professionally, it is a command responsibility to caution officers and men on routine basis to conform to the ethics of the military in all ramifications.

He said this includes, “Interactions and exchange of visits among others. This command responsibility is exercised right from the highest echelon such as the office of the Service Chiefs down to the lowest levels of command, Hence, the caution from the Army in this case.”

He added that administratively, officers and men are regularly cautioned to exercise command and control by Appropriate Superior Authorities through commanders at various levels.

He said this is to prevent members of the armed forces from derailing from their core focus of total dedication to their oath of allegiance and usual practice in military administration.

He added that, “it is pertinent to state that, if there are signs of actions that point to likely breaches of military code of conduct as it were, cautions or warnings are issued with possible investigations following.”

“Thus, in the present situation, the Armed Forces and the Army in particular has employed the due process to ensure that officers and men remain committed to performing their constitutional roles.

“As such, the mentions of coup plots from some quarters are assertions which are not confirmed,” he stated.

He further said, “let me assure all Nigerians and lovers of this country that the Armed Forces, is and will remain totally loyal to the Commander-In-Chief (C-in-C) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and in complete subordination to civil rule.”

“All fears about a coup should be allayed as the contemporary Nigerian Military is abreast with the best international practices in governance, which is democracy,” he stated.

•Text courtesy of Daily Trust.

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