Against the background of the ill health of President Muhammadu Buhari, power drunk politicians and political jobbers have been approaching the Nigerian military with the idea of taking over the reins of government to prevent power shift to the south-west geo-political zone of the country where Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo comes from.
The Chief of Army staff, Gen. Tukur Buratai on Tuesday, warned politicians to stop covertly inviting the military to takeover government in the country.
Some eminent Nigerians are jittery that in the event of the death of the incumbent President, who is critically ill and receiving treatment in London, the North geo-political zone where he comes from would loss in the political chess game the political elite is only expert in playing.
Gen. Buratai issued the warning in a statement released by the Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier Sani Usman.
“This is to inform the public that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Nigerian Army, Lieutenant General TY Buratai, has received information that some individuals have been approaching some officers and soldiers for undisclosed political reasons.
“The Nigerian Army is a thorough professional, disciplined, loyal and apolitical institution that has clear Constitutional roles and responsibilities.” the statement said.
He advised all officers and soldiers interested in politics, to resign their commission or apply for voluntary discharge forthwith and promised to bring down the full weight of the law on any soldier found engaging in ‘’unprofessional conducts such as politicking’’.
“The Nigerian Army will remain apolitical and respect the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” The COAS reiterated.
Prominent politicians from the North, particularly Muhammed Junaid has said the North would insist on two terms in 2019 should the VP assume office.
The Army’s redeployment of 147 senior officers last week is been taken now as indication that the COAS public warning is serious.
