We are not planning to overthrow government – Military

…Appoints new commander for ‘Operation Delta Safe’

By OKOSUN DENNIS

The Nigerian military high command today in Abuja debunked rumours making rounds that it was planning to overthrow the democratically elected government of President Muhammadu Buhari.

This is even as Rear Admiral Joseph Osa Okojie has been appointed the new commander of Operation Delta Safe, a new initiative of the Chief of Defence Staff General Gabriel Olonisakin aimed at boosting internal security in the Niger Delta, following the dissolution of Operation Pulo Shield. Until his appointment, he was the former Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command, (NAVTRAC), Apapa, Lagos.

In a swift reaction to some online publications’ alleged reports that the military was planning to subvert the democratic process, the Defence Headquarters said that the military was not making any intention to overthrow the civilian administration of President Mohammed Buhari.

Describing the report as not only “baseless and misleading,” the Defence ministry noted that it was “a dream of those who do not wish the nation well; adding that “the story which was attributed to some Niger Delta militants was concocted to achieve cheap publicity and it’s a complete propaganda and diversionary.”

ALSO SEE: Defence HQs scraps Operation Pulo Shield in Niger Delta

According to the Director, Defence Information, (DDI) Brig Gen Rabe Abuabakar, “distance the Nigerian Armed Forces from such plans,” stressing that it was not only “mischievous and baseless but with the intent to heat up the polity and cause public apprehension.”

Consequently, he reiterated that the Chief of Defence Staff General Olonisakin has assured the political leaders and Nigerians that the military would continue to be apolitical and would do everything possible to defend and deepen our democratic governance which is the best, acceptable and legitimate form of government the world over.

Gen Oloniskan restated its total subordination to civil authority and upholding the supremacy of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and would continue to defend all democratic structures without yielding to blackmail and distractions from fifth columnists.

Speaking further on the new security initiative in the Niger Delta, the Defence Spokesperson said that  the restructuring is geared towards tackling the menace of new Niger Delta Avengers and other militant groups that emerged recently blowing up oil installations and platforms in the Niger Delta region.