Femi Fani-Kayode, a spokesperson for the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council, has been invited by the Department of State Services to discuss allegations of a coup plot ahead of the February election.
In a statement on Monday, Fani-Kayode, who served as a minister during the administration of Olusegun Obasanjo, confirmed the invitation.
He went on to say that he would accept the invitation.
According to The PUNCH, last week’s news spread that Fani-Kayode claimed in a tweet that senior members of the army met with politicians, including Atiku Abubakar, the People’s Democratic Party presidential candidate, in an effort to delay the February 25 general election.
He went on to say that the meeting might be part of a plan to set up a coup and a new, unconstitutional government in the country.
However, on February 12, 2023, the Acting Director of Defense Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau urged Nigerians to disregard Fani-Kayode’s tweets, pointing out that the armed forces are loyal to the constitution.
Gusau was also surprised that people who were politically visible had denigrated themselves by joining destabilization agents.
He stated, ” It is necessary to state that the Nigerian Armed Forces are a professional military that adheres to the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s Constitution and will never be a part of any evil plot to undermine our democracy. In addition, the military will not take part in the alleged misbehavior because it remains neutral and apolitical in the current political process.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria will never be a part of any shameful plot to end our democracy, which we have worked so hard to earn,”
In response, Mr. Phrank Shaibu, Atiku’s Special Assistant for Public Communications, issued a statement in which he asked the DSS and other security agencies to invite Fani-Kayode to explain his claims of a coup d’etat by himself and high-ranking army generals.
Related News: Fani-Kayode wrote, “Ordinarily, we wouldn’t have bothered responding to Fani-Kayode who has over the years built a reputation of being an inveterate liar so much that he was even publicly blacklisted by the Nigeria Union of Journalists after his disgraceful outburst at a journalist.” This is the reason why Fani-Kayode’s N4.6bn money laundering trial stal
“However, due to the fact that treason is a crime that carries the death penalty, allegations and insinuations of a coup should not be taken lightly.
“We call on security agencies to invite him to shed more light on the allegations, while we commend the Nigerian military for effectively rejecting Fani-Kayode’s barefaced lie.”
In the meantime, following the announcement made by the Defense Headquarters through Gusau, the former minister tweeted his appreciation to the army for putting an end to the rumors of a meeting between Atiku and army officials.
“Happy that the newspaper report I referred to has proven to be FALSE,” he wrote. As I stated, it would have been troubling “if true.” The military’s dedication to democracy merits praise.
“It is encouraging and demonstrates that they are not only responsive and responsible, but that we are also on the same page when it comes to civic duties, the rule of law, civilian rule, an open society, and democracy.” “The fact that they can respond so quickly when we raise concerns is encouraging.”
In addition, he claimed that he had only raised “questions about some rogue officers who, according to media reports, allegedly met with Atiku.” He denied that the military was planning to sabotage the election and provoke a coup plot.
He went on to say, “Thank goodness, those reports have been disproven and shown to be unfounded.” It goes without saying that I have implicit confidence in the military and its High Command as an institution. I also trust in their commitment to democracy, which has been confirmed and demonstrated over the past 24 years, since civilian rule was restored in 1999. They should continue to be vigilant and watchful, and I would encourage them to support, defend, and maintain our democracy.
Shuaib, Atiku’s spokesperson, however, deemed Fani-Kayode’s attempt to retract as tardy and rejected it.
According to The PUNCH, Fani-Kayode is the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council’s Director of Special Projects and New Media.