Nigeria Military Dismisses Coup Rumour, Appoints Okojie As Commander For Operation Delta Safe

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, News Thursday, June 23rd, 2016

By Niyi Adeyi

BALTIMORE, MD (AFRICAN EXAMINER) – The Military has dismissed the rumour that it is planning to overthrow the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, describing the speculation as “baseless and misleading” as well as the dream of those who do not wish Nigeria well.

Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said Thursday that the story which was attributed to some Niger Delta militants was concocted to achieve cheap publicity and a complete propaganda and was diversionary.

“The entire Nigerian Armed Forces therefore distant itself from this story as it is not only mischievous and baseless but with the intent to heat up the polity and cause public apprehension.

“The Chief of Defence Staff, General Gabriel Olonisakin wishes to assure our highly respected political leaders and the entire Nigerians that the military will continue to be apolitical and will do everything possible to defend and deepen our democratic governance which is the best, acceptable and legitimate form of government the world over” the Military declared in a statement signed by acting Army Director of Public Relations, Col Usman Umar.

DHQ restated its total subordination to civil authority and upholding the supremacy of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, promising that it would continue to “defend all democratic structures and will never yield to blackmail and distractions from fifth columnist”.

It therefore urged the public to discountenance the unfounded story in its entirety.

“In dealing with the myriad of security challenges across the country, the military will continue to remain focus and deploy every available resources to reposition our forces to carry out their constitutional roles” Defence assured.

Meanwhile, Rear Admiral Joseph Osa Okojie has been appointed as the new Commander for OPERATION DELTA SAFE in Niger Delta. Okojie who until his present appointment was a Flag Officer Commanding Naval Training Command, Lagos. His takes immediate effect.