Retired soldiers react to alleged coup plot, issue strong warning to serving colleagues
- The former military men released a warning asking their serving colleagues to desist from any attempt to truncate the nation's democracy
- Under the Coalition of Concerned Veterans (CCV), the former military men said they would return to fight against their colleagues if a coup is attempted
Retired military men in Nigeria have added a voice to the warnings against the alleged talks concerning a coup plot in the country.
The former military men under the auspices of the Coalition of Concerned Veterans (CCV) said they would never support a coup in Nigeria. They also warned those thinking in the direction to jettison the idea.
A statement signed by Comrade Awwal Abdullahi Aliyu, Regional Coordinator, Cmrd. Anthony Agbas, national chairman, and Comrade Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, national spokesman (all retired) said any plan to undermine the current government would be resisted.
Tukur Buratai had issued warning to soldiers against the plan to truncate Nigeria's democracy
“All retired members of the Nigerian Armed Forces at home and in diaspora warn of the consequences of engaging in any unprofessional act against the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by any (would be) or suspected serving members of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
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“CCV members will strongly resist any attempt by anybody or groups of persons planning to destabilize a constitutional government that has been duly recognized locally and internationally by world leaders.
“This we won’t hesitate to do by dusting our khaki and fighting back to defend our nascent democracy even if it will cost us our lives.
“We are ready to use our last drop of blood and used our khaki back to defend our great country against any kind of coup plot in the country. We support democratic government," the statement obtained by NAIJ.com said.
The statement continued: “While wishing President Muhammadu Buhari speedy recovery as he recuperates from his health challenge(s), we also wish to lend our full support and loyalty to the acting president, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, whose loyalty to the present administration is never in doubt.
“We wish to encourage him not to be distracted, but to continue with the enormous responsibility of Nation building entrusted upon him by his boss.
“Overwhelming majority and lover of democracy are fully behind the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari even as we pray for his speedy recovery and safe return to his duty.
“We have fought many wars, battled at both home and abroad and we are ready to defend the integrity of our dear country Nigeria at all cost.
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“This is a serious warning to any one trying to make an attempt of coup, as our Khaki is still with us and we are ready to fight War with any coup plotter in Nigeria."
This reaction is coming days after the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, warned some soldiers against relating with politicians planning to influence them.
Buratai gave the warning in a statement released by Army spokesperson, Sani Usman, but did not name the soldiers or politicians involved.
Watch this video as Nigerians speak on whether President Buhari should hand-over to Osinbajo as he embarks on a medical trip abroad: