Military Talks Tough As Nigerians Ramp Up Preparation for Strong Protest, Details Emerge
- The defence headquarters has said the planned nationwide protest has the potential of degenerating into anarchy
- The military said it had thoroughly examined several factors such as whether or not the planned protest was motivated by opposition politics, independent parties, sovereign interference or terrorist groups amongst others
- In what could be President Bola Tinubu's biggest challenge, Nigerians have taken inspiration from young Kenyans - whose protests forced a government U-turn on tax hikes - and are using social media to call for peaceful protests from August 1
Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering governance.
FCT, Abuja - The defence headquarters has warned against planned protests to demand effective government action over the current hardship in the country.
As reported by Channels Television, defence spokesperson, Major-General Edward Buba, said based on intelligence at the army's disposal, the proposed nationwide protest would be hijacked by some unscrupulous elements.
Source: Twitter
'We won't allow protesters to burn Nigeria' - Military
He said those encouraging the planned demonstration want to copy the recent Kenya protest, which according to him, was 'violent', PM News noted.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday morning, July 25, Buba 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."
Legit.ng reports that Nigeria is grappling with 34.2% inflation, the highest in nearly three decades amid a cost of living crisis after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu removed the petrol subsidy in 2023.
Frustrated citizens have taken to social media to mobilise protests from August 1 against bad governance and economic hardship.
The protest tagged ‘EndBadGovernance’ has gained traction on social media and has been scheduled to be held across all 36 states and the federal capital territory (FCT). However, its organisers have remained largely anonymous as no group has come forward to take responsibility.
Hardship: Nigerians speak out
Meanwhile, some Nigerians who spoke to Legit.ng expressed their displeasure with the state of the economy.
Although two respondents said they would not join the protest, they empathised with their compatriots.
Aminat Damilola, an Ogun-based teacher, said:
"To be frank, the economy is bad. Prices in the market are unstable. Goods fluctuate, and they are mostly unfavourably.
"The federal government can address this economic hardship by implementing policies that would stabilise prices. They (the government) should also support all sectors that would positively impact economic growth."
In the same vein, Rukayat Modupe, another resident of Ogun state, called on the government to be truly compassionate.
Modupe said:
"We have been hungry for a very long time. We want the government to end hunger permanently in Nigeria. In fact, we don’t want palliatives anymore.
Protest: Govs, Tinubu’s ministers to meet
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that select ministers will meet with state governors at the 143rd session of the national economic council (NEC) at the Council Chamber of the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, today, Thursday, July 25.
This formed part of the action points from the emergency meeting between George Akume, the secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), and all ministers in Abuja on Wednesday, July 24.
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Source: Legit.ng
