Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has questioned the Nigerian military’s handling of a recent situation involving coup allegations, calling for transparency and an apology over what he described as misleading earlier statements.
Falana’s remarks come after military authorities previously dismissed reports of coup-related activity, only for subsequent developments to raise public concern about internal security matters. He argues that conflicting narratives from official sources risk eroding public trust.
According to Falana, democratic accountability requires security institutions to communicate clearly and accurately, especially on issues as sensitive as national stability. He warned that dismissing concerns prematurely could undermine confidence in official information.
The senior advocate emphasized that he is not accusing the military of wrongdoing but rather urging better communication standards. He said Nigerians deserve clarity when issues of national security enter public discourse.
Security analysts note that rumours of coups can spread quickly, particularly on social media, forcing authorities to respond rapidly. However, they also agree that inconsistent messaging can fuel speculation rather than calm fears.
Falana called for institutional reforms to ensure that security communications follow due process and factual verification before public release. He believes an official clarification or apology would help restore confidence.
Military officials have not formally responded to Falana’s comments, but insiders say the armed forces remain committed to constitutional order and national security.
The episode has reignited broader conversations about civil-military relations in democratic societies and the importance of transparency in security governance.
