In a firm response to the growing agitation for military rule and the flying of Russian flags by some protesters, the Nigerian Defence issued a stern warning to citizens on Monday. The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Mustapha, addressed journalists following an emergency meeting with President Bola Tinubu, emphasizing that such actions are treasonable offences and will not be tolerated.
Defence
Chief's Stern Warning
General
Mustapha made it clear that any individuals or groups calling for a military
coup or flying foreign flags within Nigeria are committing serious crimes
against the state. He stated unequivocally that the Nigerian military is
committed to upholding democracy and will not entertain any attempts to
destabilize the current democratic regime.
"All
of us have seen it where foreign flags have been flown within the sovereignty
of Nigeria, and that is totally unacceptable. We are warning in clear terms,
and the President has also said we should convey this, that we will not accept
anybody, any individual flying any foreign flag in Nigeria,” General Mustapha
asserted. “That is a treasonable offence, and it will be viewed and treated as
such. So nobody shall allow himself to be used by any individual.”
Democracy
Stands Firm
Addressing
the calls for a coup, General Mustapha reiterated the military’s staunch
support for democracy, stating, “Nigeria is a sovereign nation, Nigeria is a
democratic nation. All security agencies are here to defend democracy and
ensure that democracy continues to thrive. We will not accept anyone pushing or
taking any action, seemingly or for whatever reason, to want to push for any
change of government. Democracy is what we stand for, democracy is what we will
continue to defend.”
Context
of Protests
The
warnings come amidst the ongoing EndBadGovernance protests, where Nigerian
youths have taken to the streets in various states to express their
dissatisfaction with the high cost of living and other economic challenges.
During these protests, some participants were seen flying Russian flags and
calling for a military takeover, actions which have now been explicitly
condemned by the Nigerian Defence.
Legal
Consequences
General
Mustapha vowed that those engaging in these treasonable acts would face the
full force of the law. “The law will catch up with such people,” he stated,
making it clear that the government will not tolerate any threats to Nigeria’s
democratic stability.
Key
Points:
- Stern
Warning: Flying foreign flags and calling for
a military coup are treasonable offences.
- Support
for Democracy: The Nigerian military remains
committed to defending and upholding democracy.
- Legal
Consequences: Individuals engaging in these
acts will face severe legal repercussions.
- Protest Context: Actions taken by some EndBadGovernance protesters have prompted this response.
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