The Nigerian Army Chief of Army Staff (COAS) has issued a stern warning to the growing chorus of young Nigerians advocating for a military coup, asserting that their calls are rooted in ignorance and a lack of historical awareness. Taking to its official X handle, The Nigerian Stories highlighted the COAS’s blunt statement: “The youths clamouring for a coup didn’t experience the harsh realities of military rule.”
In his remarks, the Army Chief expressed deep concern over the recent surge in social media chatter, where some segments of the youth appear to romanticize the idea of a military takeover. He emphasized that those who lived through Nigeria’s dark days under military regimes would never wish for a return to such a brutal and oppressive period.
“These youths,” the COAS noted, “are far removed from the horrors of military rule—the curfews, the arbitrary detentions, the suppression of free speech, and the stifling of democratic processes. They fail to understand that the military, by its very nature, is not equipped to govern a democratic society.”
The COAS reminded the younger generation that Nigeria’s progress, albeit slow, is firmly rooted in its democratic foundations. He cautioned that any deviation from this path would not only reverse the nation’s hard-won gains but also plunge the country into an era of uncertainty, fear, and repression.
In a more pointed critique, the COAS accused those advocating for a coup of being swayed by the romanticized depictions of military rule in popular culture, rather than the grim reality. He called on youth leaders, educators, and influencers to actively educate the younger generation on the importance of preserving democracy and the dangers of military dictatorship.
“The lessons of our past must not be forgotten,” the COAS urged. “We cannot allow a new generation to be misled into believing that military rule is a solution to Nigeria’s challenges. The answer lies in strengthening our democratic institutions, not in dismantling them.”
In closing, the COAS reiterated the military’s commitment to upholding the constitution and safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy. He urged all Nigerians, particularly the youth, to channel their energy and passion into constructive engagement with the democratic process, rather than entertaining the dangerous idea of a coup.
His message was clear: the horrors of military rule are not mere stories from the past, but a grim reality that must never be revisited.
PIONEER NEWS 