Former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode has praised the Nigerian Army for refuting rumors of a meeting between military personnel and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar.
According to news reports, Fani-Kayode said in a newspaper that Atiku and top military members covertly met ahead of the upcoming general elections.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain claimed the meeting was intended to disrupt the general elections and swing votes in favor of the former Vice President.
LATEST: DSS Invites Fani-Kayode For Questioning Over Allegation
Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the Acting Director of Defence Information, quickly challenged the account attributed to the former Aviation Minister, claiming that the military was never participated in such a meeting.
On Sunday, Fani-Kayode expressed relief that the Nigerian military denied any such meeting, emphasizing that if the rumored meeting had occurred, it would have been troublesome.
The former minister praised the military for its dedication to democracy, saying that the fact that it can respond so swiftly when concerns are voiced is promising and demonstrates that it is responsive and accountable.
However, Fani-Kayode refuted allegations that he accused the Nigerian Army or Military High Command as an institution of organizing a coup or engaging with politicians, claiming that he merely raised concerns about renegade officers who allegedly met with Atiku.
2023: Nigerian Military Responds To ‘Atiku Meeting, Coup Plot’
He wrote: “Glad that the Army has cleared the air & denied reports about a meeting between officers & @Atiku. Happy that the newspaper report I referred to has proved to be FALSE. As I said, “if true”, it would have been troubling. I commend the Military for their commitment to democracy.
“The fact that they can respond so quickly when we raise concerns is encouraging and proves that they are not only responsive and responsible but that we are also on the same page when it comes to civic duties, the rule of law, civilian rule, an open society and democracy.
“For the record, at no time did I accuse the Nigerian Army or Military High Command as an institution of plotting a coup or meeting with politicians but rather raised questions about some rogue officers who, according to media reports, allegedly met with Atiku.
Peter Obi: Fani Kayode Alleges Obasanjo Wants To Impose Adolf Hitler on Nigerians
“Thankfully those reports have been debunked and proved to be unfounded. There is no gain saying that I have implicit confidence in the military and its High Command as an institution and I trust in their commitment to democracy which has been confirmed and proved over the last 24 years since the return of civilian rule in 1999.
“I would encourage them to continue to be watchful and alert and to continue their good work by supporting, protecting and sustaining our democracy.”
Follow us on Facebook
Post Disclaimer
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author and forum participants on this website do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Anaedo Online or official policies of the Anaedo Online.