Nigerians have expressed strong reactions following the removal of Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and other top service chiefs, barely a week after reports emerged of an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government.
In a statement by Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, General Musa was confirmed to have been replaced by General Olufemi Oluyede, who hails from Ekiti State.
The shake-up has sparked widespread debate on social media, with many Nigerians linking the dismissals to the alleged coup attempt.
X user, @IkukuomaC, noted, “The sacking of service chiefs can only mean one thing — the coup attempt was real. Now he switched his CDS to a Yoruba officer… Interesting times.”
User @Its_Olayinnka tweeted, “The rumour about the coup was true then. This is a very good development! We cannot have another military rule.”
Similarly, @Ohamadikae wrote, “This means the coup rumours weren’t false! For the first time, I’m pleased with President Tinubu’s choice. Baba, safeguard your loins. Despite our political differences, your safety matters and democracy must thrive.”
However, others expressed scepticism over the suddenness of the changes, suggesting that more may be occurring behind the scenes.
@djokaymegamixer commented, “There is absolutely nothing wrong with exercising presidential powers. After all, that is what presidents do.
“The real curiosity here is what suddenly inspired this burst of executive energy. Was there a midnight revelation or a nudge from somewhere we’re not supposed to mention? When things happen this abruptly, there is usually a juicy backstory waiting to drop.”
Opinions on the implications for national security were also divided. While some Nigerians viewed the shake-up as a reinforcement of democratic resilience, others raised concerns about military stability.
@Chridtian_1994 remarked, “That means there was indeed a coup attempt. It’s time to surround himself with his fellow tribesmen, but what he always misses is that all men love power, and when it’s time to seize it, they will do so irrespective of tribe or religion.”