MILITARY Taking Over ? Chief Of Defence Speaks About Calls To Overthrow Tinubu’s Govt, SEE What He Said
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has disclosed that amidst the economic challenges facing Nigeria, some individuals are advocating for a military takeover, which he condemned as detrimental to the nation. Despite these calls, General Musa assured the public that a coup is not on the horizon for Nigeria. Instead, he revealed that the military would pursue those promoting a coup in Nigeria and ensure they face the the law. The CDS articulated this stance on Wednesday shortly after inaugurating the primary entrance of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army and Officers Transit Accommodation, at the Division Headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
He reiterated the military’s dedication to its constitutional responsibilities of safeguarding the nation’s borders and further affirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces to safeguarding Nigeria’ s democratic system. As per the CDS: Anyone advocating for a coup does not love Nigeria. We want to underscore that the Armed Forces of Nigeria are present to uphold democracy. We all cherish democracy and thrive better within its framework. Hence, we will persist in backing democracy. Those who advocate for anything contrary to Democracy are malevolent individuals, and I believe they harbor ill intentions for Nigeria. They should exercise caution because legal repercussions await them. We observe that under democracy, numerous advancements are taking place in Nigeria. Indeed, we are facing challenging times, but in life, nothing is absolute.
Musa mentioned that the federal government is concentrating on tackling the prevailing economic and other challenges nationwide, and thus appealed to Nigerians for patience. He remarked: Everyone encounters hardships in life, and it is how you handle them. You can witness the government’ s endeavors to ensure our collective progress. It’s during hardships followed by progress that one truly appreciates nation-building. Therefore, though we are facing tough times, I assure Nigerians that things will improve.
“All it requires is collective effort to defeat those who oppose the government, those who oppose the progress of our nation. We will undoubtedly triumph, and the Armed Forces stand ready to assist the Government in fostering development, achieving success, and ensuring peace in Nigeria.”
Nigeria is currently experiencing one of its most severe economic crises in recent years, marked by a currency crisis, high inflation, power cuts, fuel and food shortages, and widespread poverty These challenges have sparked protests
across the country as Nigerians grapple
with the difficulties and high living costs.
A major factor contributing to the economic crisis is the devaluation of the naira, Nigeria’ s currency, which has reached record lows against the U. S. doilar in both the official and parallel foreign exchange markets. Since President Bola Tinubu took office in May 2023 and initiated reforms to stabilize the economy and attract foreign investment, the naira has depreciated by approximately 70%. Despite these efforts, the country still lacks sufficient foreign exchange due to reduced crude oil exports, Nigeria’s primary revenue source, and limited overseas investment. The depreciation of the naira has also fueled inflation, which soared to 29,9% year-on-year in January 2024, the highest level since 1996. This steep increase in prices has made it increasingly challenging for Nigerians to afford basic necessities. Nigeria’s inflation rate far exceeds the averages of 10. 6% for emerging and developing economies and 8. 8% globally. Thee escalating cost of living has further diminished the purchasing power and disposable income of Nigerians, particularly those living in poverty.
According to the World Bank, Nigeria
poverty saw a rise of 35 million people living in 2022, making it the country
with the highest number of impoverished
individuals worldwide.
Nigeria is also grappling with a dire food
situation, characterized by food
shortages and surging prices. In January
2024, the food inflation rate stood at 23.
12%, marking a 2. 82% increase from
August 2021. The food scarcity and price
hikes are primarily attributed to
insecurity and conflicts, particularly in
the north-east, where Boko Haram
insurgency has displaced millions and
disrupted agricultural activities,
Additionally, the impacts of climate
change, such as droughts and floods,
have further exacerbated the food crisis
by damaging crops and reducing yields.
This food insecurity has heightened the
risk of hunger and malnutrition,
particularly among children and women.
In Nigeria,
(NaijaNews)