A coup is usually not sponsored from the top so no amount of reshuffle can stop it- Prof Ikechukwu

Professor Okey Ikechukwu, the Executive Director of Development Specs Academy, has expressed his opinion regarding the potential for military coups in countries. In an interview on Channels television, he noted that no amount of military reshuffling or warnings can effectively prevent a coup. He explained that coups are typically instigated by middle-ranked officers, rather than those at the highest echelons of power.

In his words, Professor Okey Ikechukwu stated, “No amount of warning or reshuffle can stop a coup. Because in most cases, coups are not carried out or sponsored from the top. Usually, the middle-level officers who carry out the coup can be appointed you as a General, I agree with that. If you look at our own past, it wasn’t Murtala who carried out his coup. It was younger officers who kept talking to him about it, and he said if you are going to put me there, don’t tell me what to do. On the day the coup occurred, he was in London and he flew in later.”

He also pointed out the need for the leaders considering how to make coups unattractive rather than solely focusing on preventing officers from removing them from power. Professor Okey Ikechukwu pointed out that if an officer is determined to carry out a coup, it may be challenging to detect their intentions, as they may have been waiting for an opportunity for years and could act suddenly without warning.

The Prof further said, “Looking at what is happening in Africa, the presidents are not asking themselves what they can do to ensure that coups are unattractive. They are thinking of preventing officers from removing them and that’s why there’s a possibility that no matter what they do, if the person you are putting there is set on carrying out a coup, they will. Who is telling you what’s on their mind? He’s been waiting for 15 years and now you’ve got him to watch your back and he takes you out without warning.”

Professor Ikechukwu believes that military coups are often orchestrated by middle-ranked officers, and attempts to prevent them through reshuffling or warnings may not be effective. He also suggests that leaders should focus on making coups unattractive rather than solely trying to stop officers from attempting them, as determined individuals may still find a way to seize power.

Check the video (34:00)

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