Economic hardship: Nigerian military warns against calls for coup

The Nigerian military authorities have issued a stern warning to those calling for a coup over the economic crisis in the country.

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, warned that the law would catch up with those calling for a military putsch against the Bola Tinubu administration.

He said those insinuating such do not mean well for the country, adding that the armed forces would continue to do the needful to protect the country’s democracy.

He spoke while answering reporters’ questions at the inauguration of the main entrance of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, and Officers Transit Accommodation, both at the Division headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital.

While admitting that the country was experiencing some challenges, he said coup calls were improper because nations achieve more and develop faster under a democracy.

“Whoever is making that call (coup) does not love Nigeria. We want to make it very clear that the Armed Forces of Nigeria are here to protect democracy.

“We all want democracy, and we do better under democracy. And so we will continue to support democracy. And any of those who are calling for anything other than democracy are evil people, and I think they don’t mean well for Nigeria.

“And they should be very careful because the law will come after them. We can see that with democracy, a lot of things are happening in Nigeria. Yes, we are going through trying periods; I mean, in life, nothing is 100 percent,” Musa said.

He emphasized that what is needed is for citizens to be patient and give their support to the government to succeed and put the enemies of the state to shame.

Musa added: “Everybody goes through a trying period in life, and it is what you do with them. You can see the government making efforts to ensure that we come out better.

“And it is when you go through difficulties and come out better that you will really appreciate what it is to build a nation. And so we are going through a trying period, but I can assure Nigerians that it will get better.

“All we need is for all of us to put our hands together to ensure that we defeat those enemies of the government, those enemies of this country that don’t want us to succeed.

“We will surely succeed, and the Armed Forces are here to support the government in ensuring that we develop, succeed, and see that there is peace in Nigeria.”