Those Seeking Change Must Follow Due Process - UK Govt. Reacts to Alleged Military Coup Plot in Nigeria

The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Paul Arkwright, has opened up on United Kingdom's stand over the rumours of an alleged military coup in Nigeria.

David Cameron and Buhari

 

We reported on Wednesday that in an official statement issued by the Nigerian Army spokesperson, Sani Usman, a brigadier general, the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, gave a stern warning to army officials to stay off politics and politically related activities as rumours of military coupe thickens.

 

Buratai 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 persons to desist from these acts.

 

Although the Army did not disclose the “political reasons”, but military sources revealed that the Army hierarchy was disturbed by rumours of a coup being planned by junior officers.

 

In its reaction to Buratai’s warning, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Paul Arkwright, said the United Kingdom would continue to support democracy as the only system of government in Nigeria.

 

Arkwright further stated that anyone, who was seeking for change, must follow the democratic process which is election.

 

The British High Commissioner said this in Abuja on Wednesday while fielding questions from journalists after the presentation of a Chatham House Report, titled, ‘Collective Action on Corruption in Nigeria: A Social Norms Approach to Connecting Society and Institutions’.

 

Arkwrtight said, “The British Government believes that democracy is absolutely critical in Nigeria. There is a democratic process here; there are elections. If you are not happy with your leaders, then you should change your leadership process through your leaders and through elections.

 

“That is exactly what happened in 2015 and it is what the British Government will expect to happen in Nigeria. So, our position is very clear; we stand for democracy, we stand for the democratic process and we stand for change, if that is what the people of Nigeria want.

 

“It has to be a choice that the people make and not a choice that is imposed upon them.”