The Defense Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed as false and malicious a report which claimed that the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary Parade was linked to an alleged coup plot against the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement issued Saturday by Tukur Gusau, director of defense information, DHQ described the publication as “misleading and causing unnecessary tension and distrust among the public.”
According to the statement, the decision to cancel the October 1 parade had nothing to do with any alleged coup attempt, but was taken to allow President Tinubu to attend a strategic bilateral meeting outside the country.
DHQ said the move has also enabled members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to maintain momentum in the ongoing military operations against terrorism, insurgency and banditry.
“The attention of the Defense Headquarters has been drawn to a false and misleading report by an online publication stating that the cancellation of activities to mark Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary was linked to an alleged military coup attempt.
“The claims in the said publication are completely false, malicious and creating unnecessary tension,” Gusau said.
DHQ further clarified that the arrest of the sixteen officers recently reported in the media and the ongoing investigation was an entirely internal process aimed at maintaining discipline and professionalism within the ranks, and not a politically motivated action.
It added that a duly constituted investigation panel is currently reviewing the conduct of the affected personnel, and that its findings will be made public once the process is concluded.
“The ongoing investigation involving the sixteen officers is a routine internal process aimed at ensuring discipline and professionalism are maintained within the ranks,” the statement said.
The Defense Headquarters while reiterating the unwavering loyalty of the Armed Forces to the Constitution and the democratic government of President Bola Tinubu urged Nigerians to ignore “the lies being spread by misinformation mongers and enemies of the nation”.
DHQ appealed to all peace-loving citizens to continue supporting security agencies in their efforts to safeguard the country, stressing that the Federal Government, legislature and judiciary are working together for the security, development and stability of Nigeria.
The statement concluded, “Democracy is forever.”