Army restricted from travelling

2010-01-26 10:14

Abuja - The Nigerian Army has restricted troop movements due to what it says is rising tension as the West African nation's president remains in Saudi Arabia receiving medical treatment, a top general said on Monday.

Lt Gen Abdulrahman Danbazau told reporters that troops must have passes, and good reasons, to travel outside the place their units are stationed. Fears of a coup in the young democracy are rising as President Umaru Yar'Adua's absence has stretched into more than two months.

Danbazau dismissed the "unnecessary, unwarranted and inflammatory comments" circulating saying a coup might be needed to pull the country out of a constitutional crisis in Yar'Adua's absence. Danbazau warned that a military coup would be akin to "dragging us back to the dark days of our nation's history".

"We are aware of the fact that there is tension in the country. We know it's not a secret," Danbazau said. "Everybody knows that. And we also got intelligence information that some people are trying to infiltrate into our ranks."

Chief of Defense Air Marshal Paul Dike told reporters that military officials would not seek to overthrow the government.

"Meddling in political issues does not complement our constitutional role in any way, shape or form," Dike said. "I therefore warn all members of the armed forces to steer clear of politics. Ours is a military that is mindful of its past, conscious of its present and hopeful of the future."

Yar'Adua left Nigeria in late November to seek medical treatment in Saudi Arabia. He has long been troubled by a kidney ailment, and doctors have said the 58-year-old is now suffering from acute pericarditis, an inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart.

While Nigerian law allows for a smooth transition of power from Yar'Adua to Vice President Goodluck Jonathan, the president left without formally appointing an acting leader, as the constitution requires.

- AP