Generals warn President Tinubu: Respect the constitution or face a coup

Nigerian generals have warned the government of President Bola Tinubu that the best way to avoid a military coup is to respect the constitution and deliver good governance to the people.

They spoke to PUNCH newspaper amid a series of coups in some African countries that have raised concerns about the stability of the continent.

The retired generals said that coups were not desirable, but they reflected the dissatisfaction and frustration of the people with their leaders. They advised the government to fulfil its campaign promises and not take the people for granted.

The Nigerian government, however, dismissed any fears of a coup, saying that the country had moved beyond the era of military intervention. It said that Nigerians had embraced democracy and that the democratic institutions were getting stronger.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, told PUNCH on Friday that the recent coups in some African countries, especially Niger, did not pose any threat to Nigeria.

He said, “I can tell you that there is no fear or apprehension at all. We have gone past that, and we have been a democratic country all this while with the institutions of democracy getting stronger.”

On Wednesday, Gabon became the latest African country to witness a coup attempt, when some military officers announced that they had seized power and arrested President Ali Bongo and his family. Gabon is located in Central Africa.

A former Chief of Defence Staff, Alexander Ogomudia, said that the coups were a reflection of how elected governments governed their countries. He said that no one would have any moral ground to support a coup against a government that kept its word and followed the constitution.

He said, “You can’t use what happened in Gabon as a template for what happens everywhere else. For Niger, have you seen the pictures of the country at all? For how many years has France been collecting nuclear materials from that country, and the country is one of the poorest in the world?

“In my place, we have a saying that if you do anyhow, you will see anyhow. So, whoever was ruling Niger, if he was teaming with foreigners to ruin their country; that is doing anyhow. So, if you have a coup now, it is seeing anyhow. I have no advice.

“Every politician knows what is right. Before resuming office, don’t they campaign? If they stick to those promises why would they have a problem? If I say this road to your place is not good, I will fix it for you, and when I get there and I fix the road, will anyone have the moral justification to support a coup against such a person? Those who are planning coups have their reason for planning it, I can’t speak for them.”

Also, Brig.-Gen. Phillip Ashim said that the way to stop coups in Africa was to ensure that the people enjoyed good governance. “That is common knowledge, it is good governance. That’s all,” he added.

In a telephone conversation, a former Commander of 1 Division, Brig.-Gen. John Sura (retd.), said that for coups to end in Africa, leaders must respect their constitution and democratic framework.

He said, “There are some basic things African leaders should pay attention to. First, the constitution of every nation must be highly respected. People agitate when they are disenchanted or there is an unacceptable change in the constitution. If the people enjoy good governance, I believe there will be no coup.

“If you look at the developed nations, no matter what happens, they respect their electoral laws and other laws, so people feel at home that their interests are protected. Once countries are well governed and there is respect for the rule of law, we will not be talking of a coup.”

Major General Henry Ayoola (ret.), former Commander of the Special Task Force Operation Safe Haven also stated that the coups were indicative enough.

The generals’ warnings come at a time when there is growing concern about the stability of Nigeria’s democracy. The country has experienced several coups in its history, and there have been recent reports of unrest in some parts of the country.

The government has downplayed the risk of a coup, but the generals’ comments suggest that it is a real possibility if the government does not address the concerns of the people.

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