National Telescope national telescope newspaper
As Nigeria prepares for a nationwide protest against economic hardship, the military has issued a stern warning to organisers about maintaining peace and order.
At a press briefing in Abuja, Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, noted that the military will not tolerate any form of violence.
General Buba cautioned that the organisers of the planned protest might be attempting to replicate the recent unrest in Kenya, which devolved into chaos.
While acknowledging that citizens have the right to express their grievances, he made it clear that violent demonstrations will not be permitted.
“We have uncovered plots by certain elements to hijack the protest and incite violence against innocent Nigerians and their businesses,” General Buba stated.
“Citizens have the right to peaceful protest but do not have the right to mobilise for anarchy and unleash terror.”
He warned that the anticipated level of violence could lead to widespread disorder.
Drawing from the military’s experience in various peacekeeping missions, he emphasised the devastating impact of anarchy and war.
“The Armed Forces will not stand by and allow anarchy to befall our nation,” he declared.
“We have seen the horrors of war and the chaos it brings, particularly during our ECOMOG operations and other peacekeeping missions.”
The Nigerian Police have also issued a warning against violent protests.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu, state governors, and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have appealed to Nigerians to reconsider the planned ‘EndBadGovernance’ protest set for August.
The protest, gaining momentum on social media, aims to address the severe economic hardship Nigerians are facing. In recent months, the prices of food and basic commodities have skyrocketed, driven by the government’s removal of petrol subsidies and unification of forex windows.
With rising costs affecting everyday life, citizens are expressing their frustration and demand for change.
However, the military and police stress the importance of maintaining order and preventing the protest from escalating into violence.
