*Says independence anniversary parade was cancelled to fight insecurity
By our correspondent
The Nigerian Defense Headquarters (DHQ) has given a clarification on why sixteen of its officers are being investigated, noting that it was part of routine internal process which is aimed at maintaining discipline and professionalism within its ranks.
The clarification which was contained in a statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Abuja, Brigadier-General Tukur Gusau, came amidst media reports linking the cancellation of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th independence celebrations to an alleged attempted coup.
“The attention of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has been drawn to a false and misleading report by an online publication insinuating that the cancellation of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary was linked to an alleged attempted military coup. The report also made spurious references to the recent DHQ press release announcing the arrest of sixteen officers currently under investigation for professional misconduct”, the statement noted.
The DHQ further clarified that the cancellation of the independence anniversary parade was to enable President Tinubu attend an important function outside the country while members of the nation’s Armed Forces were focused on fighting insecurity.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) wishes to categorically state that the claims by the said publication are entirely false, malicious, and intended to cause unnecessary tension and distrust among the populace. The decision regarding the cancellellation of 65th independence anniversary parade was to allow Mr President attend a strategic bilateral meeting outside the country and for members of the AFN to sustain the momentum on the fight against terrorism, insurgency and banditry.
“Furthermore, the DHQ wishes to reassure Nigerians that the ongoing investigation involving the sixteen officers is a routine internal process aimed at ensuring discipline and professionalism is maintained within the ranks. An investigative panel has been duly constituted, and its findings would be made public.
In an apparent assurances of continued loyalty to the country’s political leadership and total belief in the nation’s democracy, the Armed Forces reiterated that “democracy is forever”, and called for peace loving members of the public to discard the news of any coup attempt.
“The DHQ calls on all peace loving citizens to continue to provide necessary support to the security agents. The FG, the legislature and the judiciary are working closely for the safety, development and well being of the nation. Democracy is forever.
“The DHQ urges members of the public to disregard the falsehood being circulated by the purveyors of misinformation and enemies of our nation. The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains firmly loyal to the Constitution and the Federal government under the leadership of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR”, the statement concluded.
