Buratai to Army generals: Shun invitation by politicians to sack Buhari’s government

Incensed by some political undercurrent in the polity, the Nigerian Army authorities have sounded a keep-off warning to officers on staging a coup to truncate the nation’s democracy.

The strong warning came from the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen.Tukur Buratai, asking Army generals to shun the lure from politicians and individuals to plan a coup to sack President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

He said at the decoration of 39 newly promoted Major Generals in Abuja that he was aware that some generals were being ‘approached’ to change government, adding our eyes are on them.

Buratai rallying the soldiers for the government, said: “Democracy has come to stay. We will not tolerate any agent of destabilisation. The years of military misadventure in politics have never carried us anywhere. It is over.

“Do not hobnob with politicians. At this rank of two star generals, do not lobby for appointment. If you want to lobby for appointment, lobby the Chief of Army Staff and you can only do this through hard work, discipline and loyalty.

“The crop of officers (39 Major Generals) decorated yesterday will never be dragged into any interest that is contrary to the sustenance of democracy in our nation.”

He restated: “All our eyes are on you. We know there are several moves to get your attention. You must make sure that whatever you are doing, and when some persons approach you, you must act within the confines of the constitution.”