Last week, General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff in Nigeria, told people not to support a coup because of the country’s tough economic times.
There’s suspicion that some unusual military movements might mean a coup is being planned.
The Presidential Guards Brigade, responsible for the President’s safety, is on high alert. They’ve had emergency meetings, including with President Tinubu and the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.
The country is tense due to economic problems like high inflation and living costs. General Musa warned against a coup, saying it’s not what Nigerians want and that those calling for it are “evil people.” He said the military will protect democracy, and those supporting a coup will face the law.
“You can see the government putting efforts to ensure that we come out better.
“And it is when you go through difficulties and come out better you will really appreciate what it is to build a nation,” he said.
The Nigerian currency, the naira, recently dropped to its lowest value against the dollar. Last week, it was reported that on the unofficial market, $1 was equal to N1980, and on the official market, it was N1780. This drop happened while the government was trying to stop currency speculators.
People have been protesting against the hard times in various states like Kano, Ogun, Niger, Sokoto, Oyo, and Osun.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) planned a nationwide protest for February 27 and 28 to highlight the economic challenges facing Nigerians.
The Department of State Services (DSS) and the Attorney General of the Federation urged the NLC to cancel the protest, fearing it could lead to trouble because of the country’s tense situation.
They even warned of contempt of court if the protest went ahead. However, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, disagreed, saying the protest wouldn’t defy the court. He wrote a letter to the Attorney General explaining this.
