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COAS Lagbaja Declares No Room For Coup In Nigeria

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COAS Lagbaja Reiterates Lt. Gen. Buratai's Stance,  Declares No Room For Coup In Nigeria

 

COAS Lagbaja Declares No Room For Coup In Nigeria

 

 

 

 

Against the backdrop of recent military coups in West and Central Africa, Nigeria’s military high command is serially pledging its loyalty to the constituted civilian authority and warning its rank and file against any coup thoughts. But these pledges are putting Nigerians on edge, Louis Achi writes

 

 

COAS Lagbaja Reiterates Lt. Gen. Buratai's Stance,  Declares No Room For Coup In Nigeria

 

A former Chief of Army Staff, and ex-Nigerian Ambassador to Benin Republic, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd) had on December 4, 2020, sternly warned officers and men of the Nigerian Army to perish the idea of any coup attempt in Nigeria. Did he foresee the series of military coups that would sweep out civilian administrations and put the West and Central African regions on edge?

 

 

 

According to the ex-army boss, the Army hierarchy was aware that some generals were being approached, adding that his eyes were on them. “Democracy has come to stay. We will not tolerate any agent of destabilization. The years of military misadventure in politics have never carried us anywhere. It is over…Don’t hobnob with politicians,” he had declared.

 

 

COAS Lagbaja Reiterates Lt. Gen. Buratai's Stance,  Declares No Room For Coup In Nigeria

 

 

 

Buratai, who many believe missed a ministerial portfolio under President Bola Tinubu’s administration by the whiskers, spoke as if he had a premonition of the coup storms sweeping Nigeria’s continental neighbourhoods.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More recently, the current Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, had declared that the Nigerian military would always defend the nation’s democracy at all costs using every constitutional means.

 

 

 

 

 

Lagbaja spoke at the recent Passing Out Parade of officers of Executive Commission Course One of the Army School of Infantry, Jaji, Kaduna State.

 

 

 

 

 

“He emphasised that the desire of every Nigerian is a flourishing, uninterrupted constitutional democratic governance, that promotes national values and the interest of every well-meaning Nigerian, irrespective of ethnic or religious affiliation,” the Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, reportedly said in a statement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“I, therefore, charge all Nigerian Army personnel to be proud champions of our flourishing democracy and remain apolitical in discharging their constitutional duties,” the COAS added.

 

 

 

 

 

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Mohammed Usman had also recently warned those he labelled disloyal soldiers to quit the army and affirmed that military personnel must remain loyal to the president, Chief of Defence Staff, down to their brigade commanders.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Usman who apparently prioritized loyalty to President Tinubu and the Chief of Defence Staff over loyalty to the constitution, charged soldiers to be professional and exhibit total loyalty to constituted authority.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Addressing soldiers at the 35 Artillery Brigade, Alamala, Abeokuta, Ogun State, the GOC  noted that there were some challenges, but added that they were not peculiar to Nigeria.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“You have to be loyal. There is no room for soldiers who are not loyal to constituted authority. If you are not going to be loyal, then, leave, go and do other work. But the armed forces cannot stand it if you are not loyal,” he said.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This spate of warnings and declarations of loyalty to the President is making many nervous because of its deeper connotations. Are these self-serving, rhetoric or genuine resolve to defend the Constitution?

Penultimate Saturday, it was the turn of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, who declared that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) remained in support of sustained democratic rule in the country.

Speaking at a meeting with military commanders in Abuja, the defence chief, who vowed to deal decisively with threats to national security, said security forces must do all it takes to ensure that democracy thrives in Nigeria. He vowed that all threats to national security must be decisively dealt with.

“Democracy remains what we stand for. We must do everything humanly possible to sustain democratic rule. We have the trust and support of Nigerian people. We must honour that thrust,” Musa said.

The military has been an important institution for protecting the country from external threats since antiquity.

It has  been widely observed that military intervention in politics appears to be often associated with perceived electoral illegitimacy, economic crisis and stagnation of growth. In a study of intervention in politics by the military in Latin America, Martin C Needler, author of Mexican Politics and former Dean of the School of International Studies at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California, suggested that governments were more likely to be overthrown by force when economic conditions deteriorated. When conditions were improving, the military was unlikely to intervene in politics.

It is estimated that there have been at least 100 successful coups in Africa in the past four decades, with more than twice the number of coup attempts. Most military takeovers are initiated by disgruntled junior military officers, who are later supported by a few senior officers. Within days or hours they capture power by detaining or forcing the leaders to step down – as in the case of Mali.

Instructively, four of the recent coups were staged by close guards meant to protect the presidents in their various countries. The alleged coup leader in Gabon, Brice Oligui Nguema, was the head of the Gabonese Presidency’s Republican Guard, the country’s most powerful security unit.

In Niger, the Presidential Guard led by General Abdourahmane Tchiani launched the coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, and had since July 26, detained him and his family.

Guinean Colonel Doumbouya, then a 41-year-old and former French legionnaire and commander of the country’s elite Special Forces Group shot his way to power in September 2021.

On August 18, 2020, a young group of officers in Mali’s armed forces led by Colonel Assimi Goïta, staged a coup d’état, arresting the beleaguered President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita and Prime Minister Boubou Cisse. He was head of the Malian Special Forces before staging the coup that brought him to power.

In January 2022, Burkina Faso’s army ousted President Roch Kabore, blaming him for failing to contain violence by Islamist militants. A second coup in September 2022, brought the current junta leader, Captain Ibrahim Traore to power.

Chad’s army took power in April 2021, after President Idriss Deby was killed on the battlefield while visiting troops fighting rebels in the north. Deby’s son, General Mahamat Idriss Deby, was named interim president and tasked with overseeing an 18-month transition to elections.

It has been observed that pattern of reacting to military takeovers with optimism expresses a deep-seated frustration with civilian leaders in Africa, some experts say.

“The seeming support of the militaries taking over is an indirect support, it is not support for the military,” Leena Koni Hoffmann, an Africa programme associate fellow with London-based think tank, Chatham House, told Al Jazeera.

“It is an opportunity to say that the government that has been overthrown is a government that does not represent our interest fully,” she said.

In all, the emerging consensus points to good, empathetic governance and focused leadership as crucial factors to assure state stability. In addition, the political class needs to play by the rule and strive to improve the living standard of the people. If these conditions are fulfilled,  any attempt to thwart democracy will be resisted in Africa.

Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact saharaweekly@yahoo.com

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#FreeVDM Trends as EFCC Secures Court Order to Remand VeryDarkMan Over Alleged Cybercrime

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#FreeVDM Trends as EFCC Secures Court Order to Remand VeryDarkMan Over Alleged Cybercrime

#FreeVDM Trends as EFCC Secures Court Order to Remand VeryDarkMan Over Alleged Cybercrime

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has obtained a court order to remand controversial social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), pending the conclusion of an investigation into alleged cybercrime offences.

VDM was dramatically arrested last Friday outside a bank in the Wuse area of Abuja by a combined team of EFCC operatives, Department of State Services (DSS) officers, and the Nigeria Police Force. Eyewitnesses say the activist was apprehended moments after leaving the bank, sparking immediate online outrage.

The arrest has ignited a social media firestorm, with the hashtag #FreeVDM dominating trends across platforms throughout the weekend. Many critics argue that the arrest is yet another attempt by authorities to intimidate dissenting voices online.

“The remand order was granted to allow us to complete our investigation and finalize the charges,” a senior EFCC official told reporters, noting that charges would be filed under the Cybercrimes Act once investigations are complete.

Sources familiar with the case say the EFCC is building a case focused on alleged violations involving online financial misconduct, which fall under the commission’s purview.

As of Monday morning, VDM remains in EFCC custody, with his legal team led by rights activist Deji Adeyanju confirming efforts to gain access to him and prepare a legal response.

“We are seeking to visit our client and are reviewing the legal implications of his arrest,” Adeyanju said in a statement.

Despite the mounting public interest and widespread speculation, the EFCC has yet to release an official statement detailing the arrest or outlining the specific charges VDM may face.

The arrest of VeryDarkMan adds to growing concerns over press freedom and digital expression in Nigeria, where several social media commentators have recently faced legal action for controversial posts.

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David Abioye Begins New Chapter with Launch of Living Word Conquerors Global Assembly

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David Abioye Begins New Chapter with Launch of Living Word Conquerors Global Assembly

David Abioye Launches New Church, Living Word Conquerors Global Assembly, Amid Jubilant Crowd

Former Vice President and retired pastor of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Abioye, has officially inaugurated his new ministry, Living Word Conquerors Global Assembly, marking a new chapter in his over four-decade-long spiritual journey.

The launch took place today, Sunday, May 4, 2025, during the ministry’s first Sunday service, which saw a massive turnout of enthusiastic worshippers. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as congregants gathered to witness what Abioye described as the “manifestation of God’s eternal purpose.”

In a passionate address during the inaugural service, Abioye emphasized that the establishment of the new church was not the result of public opinion or personal ambition, but a divine assignment birthed from deep spiritual conviction.

“May I make it very clear that the inauguration of this assembly is not in response to demands of people to start a church,” Abioye declared. “But by the emergence of God’s eternal purpose, ordained from the foundation of the word, which is just coming to light at His own time.”

The renowned cleric explained that the Living Word Conquerors Global Assembly is founded on divine direction and is dedicated to the spiritual development, edification, and victory of believers worldwide.

Clarifying his role in the new ministry, Abioye stated that he does not view himself as someone attempting to fulfill the entire Great Commission alone, but rather as a messenger raised for a specific divine assignment within God’s broader agenda.

“In the name of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, for the spiritual development, edification, and triumph of the saints globally… this assembly is hereby inaugurated,” he declared, drawing a resounding “Amen” from the congregation.

The launch follows Abioye’s retirement from Living Faith Church in October 2024, alongside Pastor Thomas Aremu, after the church implemented a policy setting a mandatory retirement age for senior leaders. Abioye bowed out of active service at the age of 63, concluding a distinguished ministry career under the leadership of Bishop David Oyedepo.

As the curtain lifts on this new ministry, many see it not as a departure from Abioye’s legacy, but as a continuation of his divine calling—this time under a new banner with a global vision.

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Power in Service: Texas Outpouring 2025 Led by Prophet Samuel Akinbodunse Calls for Volunteers

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Power in Service: Texas Outpouring 2025 Led by Prophet Samuel Akinbodunse Calls for Volunteers

A spiritual wave is set to sweep across Dallas this October as the Outpouring Healing & Miracle Conference 2025 returns with greater power, purpose, and partnership. Hosted by Freedom for All Nations Outreach (FANO) of South Africa in collaboration with Power Haven Church (PHC) of Dallas, Texas, the two-day event is scheduled for October 3rd and 4th at 7 PM (CST) — with the venue to be announced soon.
Power in Service: Texas Outpouring 2025 Led by Prophet Samuel Akinbodunse Calls for Volunteers
Led by international minister Dr. Samuel Akinbodunse from South Africa , the conference promises an electrifying atmosphere of worship, healing, prophecy, and divine encounters. With an expected turnout of thousands, the organizers are making a call for volunteers to help support this mega-faith gathering.
The volunteer drive is open for various departments including:
Ushering
Protocol
Car Guard
Security
Music Ministry
Sound Engineering
Publicity
Logistics
Registration & Administration
Service Managers
Coordinators
Health Team
Welfare/Children Care
Transportation
Hospitality
Those willing to serve are encouraged to scan the QR code on the official event flyer to register and join the workforce powering this divine mission.
“This is more than just a conference — it’s a divine appointment,” said Dr. Akinbodunse. “We’re preparing a space where heaven meets earth, and every helping hand makes a difference.”
With a theme centered on healing and miracles, Outpouring 2025 is not only a spiritual highlight on the calendar, but also a unifying force drawing believers from across nations.
Stay tuned for the venue announcement and get ready to witness a powerful move of God in Dallas this October.
Power in Service: Texas Outpouring 2025 Led by Prophet Samuel Akinbodunse Calls for Volunteers

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