Nigerian Army warns protesters against violence
Ahead of the planned nationwide protest over economic hardship in the country, the military has warned organisers of the protest against any form of violence.
During a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba warned that the military would not permit anarchy to befall Nigeria.
He alleged that organizers of the planned protest intend to replicate the recent protest-turn-anarchy demonstration in the East African country Kenya.
General Buba made it clear that while peaceful protests are a democratic right, any actions that lead to violence or disruption will not be tolerated. Organizers are urged to ensure that the protests remain peaceful and orderly.
“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,” he said.
“The level of violence being envisaged can only be described as a stage for anarchy”.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, on Wednesday, met with ministers to discuss the proposed nationwide protest against economic hardship by Nigerian youths.
On Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu also appealed to sponsors and proponents of the planned nationwide protest to shelve their agitation as the government is doing everything legally possible to reposition the country’s fortunes.
Writing by Ngozi Otu
