Security and Intelligence Expert, Dr. Seyi Adetayo, says the recent overhaul of Nigeria’s Service Chiefs may not be a response to coup rumours but likely due to performance concerns.
Speaking on Nigeria Info’s Morning Crossfire with Kofi Bartels, Dr. Adetayo said the decision to replace the service chiefs may have stemmed from their inability to meet the Key Performance Indicators set by the Commander-in-Chief.
"Have they been able to meet up with the desire of their commanding chief? The KPI sets aside all ideas on political or administrative considerations that require them to be removed so that another set of people can be appointed," Dr. Adetayo stated.
He noted that while some officers are reportedly under investigation for disciplinary issues, the changes should not automatically be seen as a reaction to any coup plot.
Adetayo added that even if such rumours existed, coup attempts are no longer practical in today’s Nigeria, as the “monopoly of communication” that once made them possible has disappeared.
"One of the reasons why coup was fashionable then and was attractive then was because of monopoly of communication. For a coup to be successful, you must be able to take your soldiers to the residence of the commander-in-chief and you must be able to take over Radio Nigeria," Adetayo explained.
He also credited the Defense Intelligence Agency for helping to safeguard democracy by quickly detecting and addressing politically motivated actions within the military.
