Independence Day parade cancellation not linked to alleged coup plot -DHQ

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed a reportclaiming that the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversaryevents was linked to an alleged military coup attempt. The federal government had cancelled the parade to celebratethe country’s 65th independence anniversary on October 1. In a statement, Tukur Gusau, director ofdefence information, said the decision to cancel the anniversary parade wastaken to enable President Bola Tinubu to attend a strategic bilateral meetingoutside the country and to allow members of the armed forces to sustainoperations against terrorism, insurgency, and banditry across the country. The DHQ also clarified that the arrest of sixteen officersmentioned in the report was unrelated to any alleged coup plot. He explained that the officers were undergoing an internalinvestigation over professional misconduct, adding that it was part of routinedisciplinary measures to maintain discipline within the military. “The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) wishes to categoricallystate that the claims by the said publication are entirely false, malicious,and intended to cause unnecessary tension and distrust among the populace,” thestatement reads. “The decision regarding the cancellation of the 65thindependence anniversary parade was to allow Mr President to attend a strategicbilateral meeting outside the country and for members of the AFN to sustain themomentum on the fight against terrorism, insurgency and banditry. “Furthermore, the DHQ wishes to reassure Nigerians that theongoing investigation involving the sixteen officers is a routine internalprocess aimed at ensuring discipline and professionalism are maintained withinthe ranks.” Gusau said an investigative panel has been constituted andits findings would be made public. “The DHQ calls on all peace-loving citizens to continue toprovide necessary support to the security agents,” he said. Gusau said the federal government, legislature, andjudiciary are working closely to ensure the nation’s safety, development, andwell-being. “Democracy is forever,” he said. He asked Nigerians to “disregard the falsehood beingcirculated by the purveyors of misinformation and enemies of our nation”. Gusau said the armed forces “remain firmly loyal” to theconstitution and the federal government under President Bola Tinubu.

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