Rumours that an old-fashioned military coup could be in the offing in Nigeria first gained currency on the social media last week. According to the rumour, soldiers of Northern Nigerian origin would stage a coup to prevent Acting President Professor Yemi Osinbajo from becoming the substantive president and thereby effecting a power shift to the South should anything untoward happen to President Muhammadu Buhari, who is currently in the United Kingdom for health reasons.
While unfounded rumours have unfortunately become a daily staple of the social media, this particular rumour gained backhand credibility when Chief of Army Staff Lt. General Tukur Buratai issued a statement warning soldiers to stay out of politics and politically related activities. The statement by the Army spokesperson Brigadier General Sani Usman said, "This is to inform the public that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Nigerian Army has received information that some individuals have been approaching some officers and soldiers for undisclosed political reasons. On the basis of that, he has warned such people to desist from these acts."
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