Femi Adesina on coup rumours: Let’s not overstretch what the military said

Femi Adesina, presidential spokesman, has dismissed the rumours of a coup in the country, saying it should not be stretched beyond what the military authorities had said.

Adesina said this on Tuesday at a press briefing organised as part of activities to mark President Muhammadu Buhari’s second year in office.

Tukur Buratai, the chief of army staff, had disclosed that he had information that some people were approaching officers and soldiers for political reasons.

He warned military men to stay clear of politics even as he gave those interested in politics the option of resigning.

Adesina said that Buratai’s comment which triggered speculations of a military coup was a “routine warning that goes to military officers.”.

“The Army has spoken and let us take that position. What the chief of army staff said was a routine warning that goes to military officers, don’t hobnob with politicians and the army has explained the position,” he said.

“Let’s take that position and not stretch it beyond what the military has said because they are the ones that can give us the definitive position and they have spoken on it.”

Garba Shehu, the senior special assistant to the president on media and publicity, and Laolu Akande, senior special assistant on media and publicity to Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, were also present at the briefing.