The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed as false and malicious reports suggesting that the cancellation of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary was linked to an alleged attempted military coup.
By Chimezie Godfrey
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed as false and malicious reports suggesting that the cancellation of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary was linked to an alleged attempted military coup.
This was contained in a statement issued on Saturday, by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information.
The statement described the publication by an online platform as “misleading and intended to cause unnecessary tension and distrust among the populace.”
According to the DHQ, the decision to cancel the parade “was to allow Mr President attend a strategic bilateral meeting outside the country and for members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to sustain the momentum in the fight against terrorism, insurgency, and banditry.”
Quoting the statement, the DHQ stated:
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to categorically state that the claims by the said publication are entirely false, malicious, and intended to cause unnecessary tension and distrust among the populace… The ongoing investigation involving the sixteen officers is a routine internal process aimed at ensuring discipline and professionalism within the ranks.”
Gusau added that an investigative panel had been constituted and that its findings would be made public upon completion.
“The DHQ calls on all peace-loving citizens to continue to support security agents. The FG, the legislature and the judiciary are working closely for the safety, development, and well-being of the nation. Democracy is forever,” the statement read.
The Defence Headquarters urged Nigerians to disregard the falsehood, reaffirming that the Armed Forces remain loyal to the Constitution and to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.