The Nigerian military has recognized the right of citizens to stage peaceful protests to express their grievances over the country’s economic challenges.
However, in anticipation of the planned nationwide protest on August 1, the military has warned against any form of violence.
Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, emphasized the military’s stance against anarchy in Nigeria during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday. He noted that while citizens have the right to peaceful protest, they do not have the right to mobilize for anarchy and unleash terror.
He suggested that the organizers of the forthcoming protest in Nigeria may seek to emulate the recent demonstration that escalated into chaos in Kenya.
Major General Buba disclosed that the military had identified attempts by some individuals to exploit the protest, aiming to transform it into a violent event by targeting innocent Nigerians and their businesses.
The military general said,“While citizens have the right to peaceful protest, they do not have the right to mobilise for anarchy and unleash terror.
“It is easy to see that the contemporary context of the planned protest is to shadow the outrage in Kenya which I must say is violent and remains unresolved.
“The level of violence being envisaged can only be described as a stage for anarchy.
“The Armed Forces on its part will not stand by and allow anarchy to befall our nation. This is because we have seen wars and have witnessed anarchy in countries with which we have operated, particularly in times of ECOMOG (Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group) and during our peacekeeping operations in various countries.”
President Bola Tinubu together with other governors and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), have urged Nigerians to postpone the planned ‘EndBadGovernance’ demonstration set for the upcoming month.
The protest is aimed at address the economic challenges faced by citizens which includes the increase in prices of food and other essential goods. The organizers of the protest remain anonymous.
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