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| Bolaji Abdullahi. |
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to explain to Nigerians the true reasons behind the unexpected dismissal of the country’s service chiefs, saying that the abrupt shake-up has sparked concerns about transparency and stability within the government.
In a statement released by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party stated that although the President, as the Commander-in-Chief, has the constitutional authority to make such decisions, the timing of the move — coinciding with widespread rumours of an attempted coup — makes transparency and open communication extremely important.
“We acknowledge that the President reserves the power to make such changes as he may deem fit. However, we are somewhat concerned that this change is coming in the wake of widespread rumours of an attempted coup,” the ADC said.
The opposition party criticised the Federal Government for what it described as a confusing and evasive response to the coup rumours, saying that Nigerians deserve clarity and not uncertainty.
“The reactions of government to the dangerous rumour have veered between deliberate obfuscation and outright confusion in a matter that required crystal clarity,” Abdullahi said.
The ADC further noted that several of the dismissed service chiefs had only been appointed about 28 months ago, while the current Chief of Defence Staff had occupied his previous position as Chief of Army Staff for just a year. It argued that such a major restructuring within the military hierarchy must have been driven by serious underlying reasons.
“This kind of decision has serious and far-reaching implications for stability within the ranks and therefore could not have been taken without strong reasons,” the party noted.
The ADC stated that Nigerians deserve a direct and honest explanation from the government, stressing that its concern is for national stability and the health of democracy.
“As an opposition political party, our interest remains the stability of our country and our democracy. In light of developments in our neighbourhood, particularly in Chad and across the Sahel, we are gravely concerned,” it said.
The party accused President Tinubu’s administration of being distracted, claiming that insecurity continues to worsen while the government appears more focused on politics than on safeguarding lives and property.
“Insecurity continues to spread, with terrorist groups staging a comeback in some parts of the country, while bandits reign supreme in others.
“But this is not the reason the government is changing the service chiefs. Instead, the administration’s attention appears fully focused on regime politics rather than securing the lives of Nigerians,” the ADC said.
The party warned that the large-scale changes within the military could intensify public anxiety and encourage further conspiracy theories instead of restoring confidence.
“This action, if anything, will only further promote rumours and conspiracy theories,” the party cautioned.
The ADC finally urged the Federal Government to be open about its decision and assure citizens that Nigeria’s democracy remains stable and secure.
“We therefore reiterate our earlier position that the Federal Government must address the issue transparently and reassure Nigerians that our democracy is not under threat,” the party said.
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