Why is President Bola Tinubu silent in the face of the swirling coup allegations in the country?
Development Diaries reports that over the weekend, there were media reports that linked the detention of 16 military officers to a failed coup.
According to a report by Sahara Reporters, the alleged coup was linked to the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day by the federal government.
While the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed the reports as false and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has backed the DHQ’s stance, public doubt lingers.
The claim that 16 officers are in custody over ‘unprofessional conduct’ without clear details only deepens public suspicion.
If this alleged plot is true, it is very disturbing and poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy, a concern emphasised by the fact that since gaining independence in 1960, Nigeria has seen at least six successful coups and two failed attempts.
The silence of President Tinubu at this moment creates an unsettling void at a time when Nigerians crave reassurance from their leader.
Ideally, the president himself should publicly address this development rather than delegate all communication to the DHQ and the Minister of Information.
A direct national address would serve to calm tensions, reinforce civilian authority over the military, and demonstrate that leadership is not only about making decisions behind closed doors but about speaking openly to the people whose trust sustains the government.
Secondly, no level of economic frustration or public discontent can justify an attempt to seize power outside constitutional means.
While the hardship many Nigerians face is undeniable, the solution must come through reform, not rebellion.
In this regard, President Tinubu must strike a delicate balance, acknowledging citizens’ pain while firmly rejecting any unconstitutional shortcut to power.
To safeguard democracy, the Presidency, working through the Ministry of Defence, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), and the Department of State Services (DSS), must conduct a swift, transparent, and credible investigation into the alleged coup plot.
The findings should be made public under the oversight of the National Assembly to restore citizens’ trust in governance and strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
Also, President Tinubu should address the nation directly to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to democratic order and also show that Nigeria’s highest office listens, leads, and stands accountable when it matters most.
