Anyone thinking of planning coup wasting time – Defence Minister, Musa reveals
Nigerian Defence Minister Warns Against Coup Attempts
LAGOS, Nigeria—Defence Minister Christopher Musa has issued a strong warning to anyone contemplating a coup in Nigeria, declaring their efforts futile and asserting that the Nigerian populace would staunchly oppose any attempts to disrupt democratic governance.
In an interview broadcast on Arise Television on Friday, Musa emphasized that democracy is vastly preferable to military rule. He reassured viewers that the country’s Armed Forces are dedicated to safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
Reflecting on his experience with a previous coup plot investigation, Musa recounted his leadership role in uncovering and reporting the conspiracy alongside other senior military officers. He described the individuals implicated in the attempt as “confused,” stating they misled junior officers into participating.
Musa reported that the Armed Forces are currently well-supported, noting there have been no issues with personnel salaries. He mentioned ongoing initiatives to increase allowances and enhance the equipment available for troops engaged in combating insecurity.
He reiterated that any coup attempt would ultimately fail, asserting that civilians would actively resist such actions.
“So, I was let go, and five weeks later I’m back to show you that, yes, it wasn’t that because I was involved in anything, and far from it. We were the ones who actually identified the coup. We were the ones who reported it. I was one who convened the committee that did the investigation. We did all this together,” Musa stated during the interview.
He expressed disappointment in his colleagues who strayed from their duty, affirming that the military justice system is addressing the matter through a rigorous investigation and ongoing court-martial proceedings.
Musa underscored the commitment to transparency in the legal process, stating, “Nothing is hidden. The facts on the ground are very, very clear.”
He concluded by firmly discouraging any thoughts of a coup, suggesting that such actions would be met with swift resistance from the civilian population. Musa characterized any conspiracy as “foolhardy,” reiterating that the nation is making significant progress and that the military remains adequately supported.
