Elder Statesmen to Tinubu: Investigate Calls for Military Intervention

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

Elder statesmen and leaders of ethnic nationalities under the auspices of the Movement for National Reformation (MNR), have asked President Bola Tinubu to conduct a thorough investigation into the activities of persons/groups behind the calls for military take over of government during the one-week hunger protests across the country.

The MNR said those calling for military take over of a democratic government and the people holding a foreign country’s flag during the protests should be investigated and made to face the full wrath of the law to serve as a deterrent to others.

Addressing newsmen yesterday in Abuja, the Elder statesmen admitted that though there is hunger in the land due to the reforms being undertaken by the government, the situation does not warrant a call for military take over of a democratically elected government.

The MNR, which drew its membership from the south south, south west, south east , the Middle belt and parts of northern Nigeria, insisted that the present administration should return the country to the 1963 constitution as quickly as possible.

They maintained that a return to 1963 constitution would address the myriads of challenges confronting the country.

Speaking on behalf of the MNR, Elderstatesman Da Jonathan Sunday Akuns (Galadima Daffo, Plateau state) however expressed shock over the silence of the Minister of Defence and Police Affairs on the recent protests across the country.

He said those who are converting the platform of the “end bad governance” protest to advocate for the dismemberment of Nigeria, or calling for a military coup and flying the flags of foreign countries, are existential threats to the sovereignty and national interests of Nigeria.

“ Consequently, we in MNR wish to urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to thoroughly investigate such unpatriotic acts and bring the culprits to justice.

“ We urge citizens to embrace dialogue and conversation, as initiated by the national broadcasts of President Tinubu, regarding the policies of the Federal Government aimed at revamping the economy and restoring socio-political balance in Nigeria.”

Jonathan added that while MNR recognizes that some of President Tinubu’s policies have not sufficiently addressed the challenges faced by Nigerians, it strongly condemns proponents of regime change outside of the ballot box.

“ We are also concerned about the silence of Federal Government Ministers, especially the Ministers of Defence, Police, and Information, in addressing the protesters to complement the President’s broadcast.”