The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has strongly condemned reports of an alleged plot by some military elements to undermine Nigeria’s democracy.
In a statement on Sunday, the group’s National Organising Secretary, Abagun Kole Omololu, described any attempt to subvert the constitutional order as “an unmitigated assault” on the sovereignty of the country.
“Afenifere notes with grave concern the circulating reports, real or imagined, factual or speculative, of an alleged attempt by certain military elements to undermine the constitutional order. Any contemplation of a military coup d’état constitutes an unmitigated assault on the sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Omololu stated.
The Afenifere chieftain reminded Nigerians of the dark history of past military interventions, which he said brought “institutional collapse, economic retrogression, and political repression.”
He recalled, “It was under military regimes, notably during the regime of General Ibrahim Babangida, that the tragic cycle of killings in Plateau and Benue States began, a cycle that continues to haunt our national conscience.”
Omololu commended President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, saying they provide a credible framework for national recovery.
He said, “The surest route to reform is through constitutional governance, not the barrel of a gun. Any military officer nursing political ambition is advised to honourably resign his commission and test his popularity at the ballot box.
“To deploy arms against the Republic is not patriotism but treason, an offence clearly defined and punishable under the Armed Forces Act and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).”
Afenifere further applauded the Chief of Defence Staff, the service chiefs and other patriotic officers for their loyalty and vigilance.
“The Nigerian state must and shall never again be held hostage by the gun,” Omololu declared.
© 2025 Naijaonpoint, a division of NOP Media Inc. Contact us via [email protected]