A section of disgruntled Nigerians are calling on the country’s military to stage a coup and overthrow the incumbent regime.
Following the economic hardships in Africa’s largest economy, some people have urged the military to stage a coup in support of the people’s situation.
Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, has said those calling for a coup because of the economic hardship do not mean well for Nigeria.
Musa said the law would catch up with those advocating for a coup. We want to make it very clear that the armed forces of Nigeria are here to protect democracy, he said.
We want democracy and we do better under democracy. And so we will continue to support democracy. And any of those ones that are calling for anything other than democracy are evil people. The defence Chief said it is glaring that with democracy alot of things are happening in Nigeria. He However, admitted that the country is going through trying periods but stated that in life nothing is hundred percent.
Africa’s largest economy is beleaguered by high inflation that rose to almost 30% in January and a currency on freefall that has hit an all-time low against the US dollar, provoking national outrage.
Many workers can not afford daily transport to work across Nigeria’s major cities including the capital, Abuja.
President Bola Tinubu has embarked on Nigeria’s boldest economic reforms in years since his inauguration in May, including ending a costly fuel subsidy and devaluing the country’s naira currency.
For example, the governor of Nigeria’s commercial capital, Lagos, has announced the introduction of a three-day working week for lower level public servants as the country battles its worst economic crisis in years.
The governor announced a raft of measures to cushion the cost of living, including lowering of transport cost by 25% on all public transportation within the state.
Discounted food items will be sold in at least 42 markets across the state but purchases will be capped at 25,000 Naira ($16), he said.
In addition, all government hospitals will give free birth delivery in both normal births and caesarean operations, while medical check-ups and drugs will be offered in temporary hospitals to be set up in six sites across the state.
The governor also urged business owners to give their staff flexible work hours as “the situation right now is not about profit”.
“It is time to pull together and weather the storm. No situation stays the same forever,” the governor urged.
