President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday, joined President Barrack Obama
and other world leaders in vehemently condemning the abortive coup attempt in
Turkey by a group of rebel army officers and men, which resulted in the
reported death of more than 100 people.
Reacting to the tragic events in Ankara, Istanbul and other centres, in a
statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity), Mallam Garba Shehu, President Buhari said he was
"deeply saddened by reports of a violent attempt to dismantle constitutional
authority and disrupt the democratically elected government of Tayyip Erdogan
in Turkey."
“The removal of a democratic government by force is no longer acceptable.
Violence can never solve any problem but only complicates them and sets back
the progress of democratic societies."
The President also notes that President Erdogan is one of Nigeria's close
international partners and sincere supporters in its current war against
terrorism, adding that all should resist the "destabilization of democratic
countries through coups d’état in the 21st century."
According to the President, “democracy provides peaceful options of changing
governments through the ballot box. The ballot box doesn't require violence to
remove any government perceived to have lost its popularity and public support.
Despite its limitations, democracy is still better and more durable than a
violent change of government.”
The President praises the courage and immediate response of ordinary citizens
who in face of guns and tanks defied the rebel soldiers and forced them to
abandon their mad quest for power.
President Buhari calls on the President of Turkey to pursue reconciliation and
offers Nigeria’s support to the government and people of Turkey in their hour
of trial.